So, the big day is almost here! Excitement, nerves, and a serious carb craving all rolled into one. Whether it’s your first marathon or your fifteenth, here’s what the final week really looks like… and yes, pizza is involved.
Race Pack delivery
There’s nothing like that moment when your race pack arrives. Bib? Check. Timing chip? Check. Outfit? Check. Suddenly, all those early mornings and long runs feel very, very real. The mix of nerves and excitement is completely normal – embrace it!
If you don’t need to collect your bib at the expo, it will usually land straight in the post, which makes it even more exciting to open and start visualising race day.
Training Reality vs Expectation
Let’s be honest, many of us don’t stick perfectly to our training plans. Some midweek runs get skipped, some long runs cut short… and that’s fine. The important thing is that your body has done enough miles to be ready.
Quick tip: Bad runs happen, and they don’t mean you’re not ready. It’s all about consistency over weeks and months, not a single perfect run. Give yourself some grace – you’ve earned it!
Self-Care in the Final Week
The last few days are all about looking after yourself:
- Eating well (lots of carbs, obviously)
- Stay hydrated
- Sleep like it’s your job
- Avoiding any lurgy that might sneak in
- Trim your toenails to avoid discomfort or blisters on race day
Try not to do anything new or risky. That takeaway craving? Save it for post-finish line celebrations.
Niggles, Minor Injuries and Mindset
Yes, those little aches and pains often show up now. Tight calf? Sore knee? Don’t panic. Stretch, roll, and keep runs short and easy.
Runner’s tip: Don’t ignore your body. If something hurts, modify rather than stop completely. Gentle movement helps maintain fitness while letting your body recover.
Mindset is just as important as your legs at this stage. Stay positive, focus on what you can control, and visualise crossing the finish line strong. Now’s not the time to obsess over a specific finish time. Sure, have a rough target in mind, but remember the real goal is to enjoy the day, stay upright, and cross that line smiling (even if your legs disagree).
Race Day Plans
Balance is everything on race day: your pace, your nerves, your fueling… and yes, your Instagram stories. This is the reward for months of hard work, so soak in the atmosphere, cheer on fellow runners, and don’t forget to have some fun along the way.
A few extra tips to make race day smoother:
- Take it all in. From the start line excitement to cheering crowds and fellow runners, enjoy the journey. And yes, take those sweaty selfies if you feel like it – you’ve earned them!
- Check your travel and parking the day before. Plan how you’ll get to the start line, whether you’re driving, using public transport, or hopping on a park-and-ride. Knowing where you’re going will save stress on the morning. Be aware of raceday road closures.
- Lay out your kit the night before. Shoes, socks, race number, gels, and any extras should all be ready to grab and go. Don’t forget safety pins!
- Fuel and hydrate wisely. Stick to what you’ve practiced in training – don’t try anything new on race day.
- Arrive early to allow time for bag drop, warm-up, and a toilet stop (or two). Rushing is a sure way to spike nerves.
and finally… good luck!
The last week is a mix of rest, gentle runs, and mental prep. Trust your training, listen to your body, and embrace the excitement. Marathon day is about so much more than time, it’s the journey, the memories, and yes, finally that pizza at the finish.
Good luck to everyone out there – you’ve got this!
