For everyone doing their first marathon this weekend at Virgin London Marathon I have an additional tip to my usual top two marathon tips.


Numbers one and two are in fact, my race strategy and my race goal, as written on my hand for London Ultra! They really did help me get to the end. Smiling really hurts when the going is slow or you're in pain. Also when volunteers see it written on your hand - they make a big effort to make you smile!

Number 3 tip applies especially to London Marathon: Accept that you will be beaten by someone dressed as a rhino, a fairy, and most possibly a toilet.