Final Thoughts Before the London Marathon: The Calm Before the Run
As the countdown ticks into single digits, the excitement and nerves are well and truly setting in. The London Marathon is just days away, and whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned runner, these final moments before race day are all about focus, trust, and a little bit of faith in the process.
By now, the heavy training is done. Your longest runs are behind you, the taper is in full effect, and your trainers are likely well worn-in. It’s tempting to overthink, to sneak in “just one more run”, but trust that rest is your secret weapon this week. Recovery isn’t laziness – it’s strategy.
Mentally, this is the time to visualise success. Picture yourself cruising past landmarks like Tower Bridge and Buckingham Palace, feeding off the energy of the crowd. London truly comes alive on marathon day, and the atmosphere is electric. Let that motivate you.
Prepare practically too: lay out your kit, check the weather, and plan your race-day breakfast. Stick to what’s familiar – nothing new on race day is the golden rule. Make peace with the fact that not everything will go perfectly, and that’s okay. What matters is how you adapt and keep moving forward.
And finally, remember your ‘why’. Whether you're running for a charity, for a personal goal, or simply for the love of it, reconnect with your purpose. It’s what will carry you through the tough miles.
So take a deep breath. You’ve trained for this. You’re ready. The finish line on The Mall is waiting.
See you on the start line, London.
