I had a couple of shandies afterwards but felt pretty rough so it was a struggle - but I've just back from a stag weekend which more than made up for the 3 months of sobriety!

Anyway - enough about me, how did you get on Pat? Did the legs hold out ok??

I got round in 3.51 which I'm really happy with. I'm still basking in the glow!

My main tip for Sunday Pat is that it's an amazing experience so enjoy it... but stay focused on your pace!

It's so easy to get caught up in the crowd, feel great, and go out faster than planned, which can lead to problems later on. Far better to start steady and pick up speed from halfway than get to 20 miles and find your legs have turned to lead. If you start slower, drink and eat sensibly, you can avoid this. 

Have a plan, and stick to it!

I did the Brighton Yesterday,this was my first full marathon and my training had not been how I wanted it due to injury and illness,I completed in 5.33 which I am quite happy with due to the heat and the hills I must be mad as I have just signed up for next year,this event I thought was fantastic the support you got from the crowds and other runners made this very enjoyable. from what I can see though a lot of people dropped out as the finishers was a lot less than who signed on

Sorry to hear that Kate. Don't be too hard on yourself, anyone can have a bad day at the office. It was really boiling hot today and a marathon is a major challenge, no matter how many you've done before.

It definitely did seem pretty hilly up until 10 though!

Don't worry Kat - it's natural and good to be nervous, I am too! It's because it's getting very real. But don't worry - remind yourself of all the training, all the early mornings and beers declined; all the extra miles and hill sprints... all the times we've forced ourselves out into the freezing cold when there's a great film just starting on TV - all those sacrifices will pay off!

 I'll be taking music too - it's part of my running and I can't imagine being without.

It's a really good shout about conditions on the day though. All my training has been using a compression base layer - if it's hot on the day, that'll have to go out the window (not literally).

It's worth having a couple of 'weather' options to hand, so that the night before we can make a decision on the best kit for the day. I'd always say it's better to be little bit under-dressed than over-dressed. During 26.2miles the body gets pretty warm.

My top tip is no matter what the forecast, take a bin liner along to wear before the race starts just in case of a downpour. Not very elegant, but prevents you getting soaking wet and cold and miserable before the race even starts, and you just throw it away before the gun goes off.

We're nearly there guys - stay strong and enjoy it!

I might buy a snazzy new top for the occasion and convince myself that it really will make me go just that little bit faster. :-)

Less than 4 weeks to go now kids. I'm very excited.

I went down to watch it last year Kathryn and it was a brilliant atmosphere - the whole town seemed to really get behind it. I'm honestly becoming a bit obsessed with it, I can barely think about anything else!

Don't fall into the trap of comparing your times to anyone else's though! Every runner is different, the only thing to think about is your personal target. It sounds like you've got a good plan in place, so I'm certain you'll get round, and be pleased and proud with your time.

I don't want to jinx things Kate, but I'm feeling good. I did 24 miles in 3.49 the other day, so the big question is whether I can shave around 20 secs off per mile. It'll be a close thing but I think that with 8 weeks to go, I've got a chance. As you've said, the experience of having done one before will hopefully help me too. I'm in a good place at the moment and the first 7 weeks' training couldn't have been too much better - but need to keep focused!! And NOT get injured! (please!!!)

I'm sure you'll be more than fine Kathryn. If you're up to 17 miles already then you're in a great place to be hitting top form for the big day.

It's only my 2nd marathon so I know how you feel in terms of nerves - but I think that's part of the excitement. We know it won't be easy, so overcoming the challenge will be all the more rewarding.

Richard - if we come up against any unexpected hillocks, we know who to blame!! ;-)