Hi Marge in my opinion all of these are related to a stressful situation. I'm no doctor but there is a tendency to catch all sorts of infections usually colds or rhinitis where you are under pressure either at work or at home or both where your immunity system is low, and no doubt the marathon is adding to it.

I would say take it easy and do some easy running, don't set any targets just go with the flow and spend more 'me' time if you can up to the event.

I think you have done all of the hard work now and you should be tapering, I reckon you'll be ready on the day snotty nose or not and be able to complete the full distance.

Let us know how you get on.

Derek 

Hi Marge, how did you do?

I'm on tenterhooks now, hope you sorted your cold out and managed to do the marathon.

Well done Marge, tremendous effort in the face of adversity. I know I couldn't do that distance yet whatever the weather or body state, the half marathon was a challenge to me in those conditions.