While the legs might not be ready to run 26.2 miles though London, the kit, at least, is ready to go. This will be my eighth marathon, and over the past few years I’ve come to know what I do and don’t like to wear on race day. While I have a lot of kit in my cupboard, it’s a true testament to these few items that I’ve decided to run 26.2 miles in them.

race kit

Vest – My club vest will be worn proudly. As a London club thereā€™ll be lots of Serpies lining up on race day (more than 140 Serpentine runners did London last year) and many more cheering from the sidelines.

Shorts – Lululemon Run Speed Short. I’ve not gone the full 26.2 in these yet but I’ve tested them out in training and am confident they won’t fall down and show my arse. I need no help doing that.

Shoes – Brooks Adrenaline. I’ve worn these shoes for each of my marathons so far. Not the exact same pair, they’d stink a fair bit by now, but the same model. This time I toyed with changing to a different brand but I keep coming back to these.

Cap

[not pictured] – I bought a white visor at the Venice marathon expo. It was the only sensible kit decision I made that weekend. Caps are great for keeping both the sun and the rain out of your eyes – unless that rain is being blown directly into your face by 30mph winds as it was in Venice.

race shoes

Pants – Ā I have the OiselleĀ ‘Rundies’ day of the week pants and pulling on my Race-day pants in the morning does get my head in the right place as well as my arse. Thanks to Laura for bringing them back from Canada for me.

Bra – Shock Absorber Ultimate Run bra. That’s enough of that bit.

Socks – Balega running socks. Like running on clouds.

Calf guards – Zensah. I’ve no idea if the compressiony thing does anything. I wear these because they’re yellow and match my vest and help my niece to spot me in the crowd.

Garmin – I don’t rely on a GPS when I’m racing and, instead, I go on the mile markers and a pace band. But it’s a good way to check that you’re not being a dick and going off too fast in the first couple of miles. In fact they should have a ‘Don’t be a dick’ setting. I will email Garmin right now.

Gel belt (and gels) – I use SiS gels and their gel belt which, when fully loaded, makes me look like the running equivalent of a tequila girl that you get in cheesy bars. Only less fun.

P20 – I am ginger. The sun is not my friend. I’ve used this in many races including the hot, hot, hot Edinburgh marathon and a half I did in Thailand, and I haven’t burnt yet.

hoodie

Pre race/post-race

Bin bag – the ultimate race day chic for those in the know. Keeps the wind and rain off until the gun fires. Please discard yours responsibly though and don’t leave it on the course for people to trip over. Your Garmin will beep to tell you you’re being a dick if you do.

Warm kit – Official London marathon kit by Adidas. I was sent some of the official 2014 London marathon kit by Adidas. I will be wearing this to the start and finish on the big day along with (hopefully) my medal and a big smile.