A few tips

I met two marathon veterans and another marathon virgin today.  We were being taken around a Barnardo's service to show what the money we raise will go on.  After a brief photo shoot for the local paper we sat down and must have bored the guy who took us round to tears.  

There are two and a bit weeks to go until the Flora London Marathon.  We have done as much as we can in preparation and with one more long run for me, and shorter ones for the others we sat down and discussed our injuries, sweets to eat on the big day, and tips we've either read about or picked up on the way.

Here are a few:

Put vaseline on every body part that will be rubbed.  Dive into the bottle and come out of the marathon without too many blisters.

Don't wear new shorts on the day.

Soak in the crowd around Tower Bridge.  They will give you an extra mile.

Chat to people you're running with.  A few laughs at the end will help make the last few miles a little easier.

Pack a bag long before the day so you don't forget anything or worry about it.

Print your name on your vest so the crowd can shout.

Walk in the middle of the road, if you're going to walk and need to be on your own, otherwise the crowd will be shouting at you to encourage you to run again and you might not be ready.

Expect the last few miles to hurt.  It will.

Enjoy it. This was said in the most enthusiastic-almost-shouting-voice with enthusiatic-enthusiasm.