I am extremely lucky to be doing this years Virgin Money London Marathon and at the first time of asking. Especially given that over 300,000 people applied to get one of the 35,000 spaces available for the 2018 London marathon. Because I feel so incredibly lucky I am doing lots of marathon training so that I can own the big day come April. In fact I am looking at April’s marathon to be more of a victory lap for all the hard work I’ll have put into training for the event.

There is a lot of advice out there in the world of running but not so much from the little guy. Hey that’s me I hear you say. So I have decided to write about Marathon Training Tips: 21 Thing’s I’ve Learned So Far in the hope that this post will make you laugh and also realise what goes into having a successful debut marathon.

1. Running track is hard-core compared to street running – FACT.

2. Don’t guzzle down water, sip it – Fool your body into thinking its drank more than it has. You don’t want to need the loo all race.

3. Running socks are so goddamn important. If you want to avoid blisters on your feet invest in good quality running socks. I learned this from experience at The Royal Parks Half Marathon. 

4. You become a connaisseur of all running equipment or at least you hold an opinion.

5. You start talking in Kilometres not miles. Thanks America.

6. Say goodbye to laying in bed at the weekend, its running time. Hands down one of the hardest obstacles!

7. Running groups are so sociable and helpful. After all these guys run a lot! Thanks Track East.

8. 5 and 10km running events seem pointless. Why would I pay £50 to do that event? It’s only 10Km. I do daily 10km+ as part of my plan and its free. No thanks.

9. You hate the cold even more! – London marathon training is a winter sport (rolls eyes).

10. You learn how strong you are mentally and physically. Don’t mess with someone who runs 26.2 miles FOR FUN!!!!

11. You’re alwaaaaaaays hungry – make that 2 protein shakes and a slice of pie. Nom.

12. Motivational weightlifting speeches can 100% be applied to running. I listen to a lot of CT Fletcher.

13. Stretching and yoga classes are your friend. I did have tight hamstrings through years of not stretching. Not anymore though.

14. Run your own race at all times. Let speedy Gonzales pass you. Honestly let them go. It makes running back past them down the line that much sweeter.

15. People will say that they could easily do a marathon. Wrong. Training alone takes over your life. Its more than a one day event Susan.

16. Many people love to tell you the horror stories about the training rather than the good things like how healthy you feel or how happy you can get when you progress.

17. If you train in the gym you might start spotting people on the same journey. They can be great people to have a chat with.

18. Eat well before long weekend runs! You cant start running 30km on a small breakfast or even nothing.

19. Breathable shorts are a winner, not everyone likes skin tight clothing. Especially when you’re hot and bothered.

20. Test all your kit before the day! If you’re planning to wear something like a Flip belt. Train in it and get used to how it feels on you. You don’t want to realise that its uncomfortable come race day.

21. Get the right trainers for you! If you’ve trained in a pair and you’ve not got injured. Don’t change them up. I am going to wear my Adidas Ultra Boosts (2 pairs I had for training) and the 3rd pair are my marathon day shoes. Just make sure you’ve clocked some miles in them before the race so they feel perfect for race day.

What are your top marathon training tips?