Run London Like a Pro: Unusual Tips for Success
It’s time to start putting together the last bits to your training plan for the London Marathon 2024. At this point the big day is less than one a week away.
Now is the time when you should have reduced those long runs. And although you are probably fatigued and short of time, it’s time to start planning for the lead up to, and for the run itself.
Participating in the London Marathon is an amazing experience, that is why it’s important to train your mind and body. Also, you can get the advantage of expert unusual tips to give your best while enjoying the event. Here are some unconventional tips to help you tackle the race successfully and full of energy and joy.
Don´t Rush, just Run: Purchases Before Race day
These are few things you should buy before the day of the London Marathon
1. Invest in a hydration belt
You will know by now that hydration is a huge part of running. There are regular water stations on the marathon course. However, they can get congested and cause you anxiety. With a hydration belt, you are in control. And it gives you somewhere convenient to store your energy gels. It will also come in handy for your remaining long runs. These belts are very lightweight, and the good ones are very comfortable.
2. Get some Vaseline and tape to keep distractions out of your way
Most people get surprised by distractions, but you can avoid most of them; let me tell you how: If it is hot, you’ll want to keep the sweat out of your eyes. Simply by applying a little Vaseline above the line of the eyebrows, the sweat from your forehead will stay out of your eyes.
Vaseline can also be used to avoid jogger’s nipple (irritation caused by the friction of the T-shirt on your nipples).
On the other hand, if it is windy on race day, some tape can be very useful. A pinned race number will flap around and annoy you. Simply by tapping your running number to your running vest, you can avoid that distraction.
3. Try Meditation or Mindfulness
If you haven’t tried mindfulness or meditation, give them a go. They are great tools to help relieve anxiety before the event. You’ll sleep better, too. If you haven’t done it before, simply follow the instructions and allow yourself to relax; you can find meditation and mindfulness guides in apps, you tube, Spotify, etc.
Run London- Before Race day
4. Learn the lyrics to a new song
Why?: This one is highly unusual but serves a purpose. Even a couple of verses will do. The idea is to give yourself something to distract you when the going gets tough. Singing to yourself (silently) at miles 22 or 23 could be a novel idea for getting you over the hump.
5. Schedule in some Post event massage
Modern athletes invest in healing techniques! There is a reason for this. A massage is a wonderful form of rehabilitation from strenuous exercise. Your body has taken a hammering during your training. You need to replenish the muscles as much as possible before you reach the start line. So book up some restorative sessions now before the rush starts.
Run London: Unusual Tips for Race day
6. Be social
Make the day a memorable experience. To help reduce anxiety, chat to fellow runners. Especially in the early miles. (Providing they are ok with it!). It is a good way to monitor your exertion rate too. In the early miles, you should be going slow enough to hold a short conversation.
7. Look ahead
- Try focusing your gaze about 100 feet ahead of you. If you start to look toward your feet, your posture will suffer. And poor posture will hamper your running efficiency.
- Keep your posture tall, shoulders relaxed, and arms swinging smoothly. Engage your core muscles for stability.
- Look up, it also means you will get to experience more of the event.
- Maintain good running form throughout the race to conserve energy and reduce the risk of injury.
8. Run smart, find the right path
There are little tricks you can do to beat the weather.
- If it’s hot, try and find the most shaded parts of the course on the way around. Anything that keeps your body temperature down will help you in the long run.
- On the other hand, if it is windy, run directly behind a small group. Shielding yourself from the wind will help you conserve energy.
9. Position your loved ones wisely
The crowd will lift you. And possibly more than you can possibly imagine. But the crowd thins out on certain parts of the course.
Seeing your loved ones (friends and family) will give you a special lift. Try and get them to stand away from the main crowd so they are easily seen, and can encourage you when you need it most.
10. Know how you will get much-needed energy
Towards the end of the run, your glycogen levels start to get depleted. That’s why energy gels come in handy at this stage. But they are not to everyone’s taste.
As a more palatable alternative, you can get the extra energy from mashed up bananas. These are easy to digest. Simply put them in a freezer bag, cut off one corner and tape over the open corner. Keep it in your hydration pack as a much-needed reserve store for the last leg of the marathon. Rip off the tape, and you are ready to go.
11.Proper recovery
After crossing the finish line, prioritize recovery to aid in muscle recovery and reduce soreness. Refuel with a combination of carbohydrates and protein, hydrate well, and consider gentle stretching or foam rolling. Last, but not least, get your post-event massage to get rid of the stress and give your muscles a faster recovery. Hope you enjoy the event!
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