Filling every available weekend until October with a race or event.
Refreshing the weather page of the BBC website.
Poking my foot in the hope that will cure it of plantar fasciitis.
Not cycling to work because I’m convinced I’ll fall off and break a leg.
Trying to hold my breath for an entire tube journey because I’m convinced I’ll catch a cold.
Washing my hands several times an hour.
Stockpiling beer that I won’t be able to drink for another week.
Staring at my training log hoping it will magically make up for the 10 days of training I missed.
Trying unsuccessfully to get myself in and out of a wetsuit in preparation for the next goal.
Wondering whether I have a cold developing or if my head just feels weird because of all the First Defense I’m squirting up my nose to prevent a cold.
Remembering I’m running a marathon on Sunday.
Swearing. A lot.
Last week’s London Marathon seems to have inspired a lot of people to pull on their running shoes. This has resulted in a few more sales of copies of my book. So I thought it was about time I plugged it again – so buy The Lazy Runner… or don’t. Whatevs. No pressure.
I haven’t experienced taper madness at all this time round. In fact, I feel rather relaxed about the marathon on Sunday. WHICH IS WEIRD BECAUSE NORMALLY I AM A RAGING NUTCASE BEFORE A MARATHON.
I’m not sure if my calm mood bodes well. Perhaps I’ll turn into an anxious, fretful taper-mad lunatic on Saturday night, just as we’re tucking into our pizzas. If so, apologies.
Good luck, Laura (and Liz!) I go through all these things too the week before a marathon. You’re probably sensible skipping the bike commute, as last year I had a crash the Friday before a marathon which was not fun and made me feel like a massive idiot for stubbornly persisting with my tube avoidance and general tightness where public transport is concerned (although fortunately I came out of it fairly unscathed and ran fine).
Trust your training! Good luck tomorrow 🙂
Hey, just checked your time – massive well done, you must be buzzing.
I also did Manchester (my first marathon) and finished in a GFA time of 3:56 – so happy.
Thanks for tips and advice, love your blog.