London Marathon Mode
The finish line has your name on it.
A race-week command center: countdown, taper, fueling, pacing and a checklist that keeps your morning calm.
142
Days
20
Hours
12
Min
08
Sec
You're entering Phase 5 — Marathon Build.
Trust the plan. Easy days easy, long days slow. The race is already being won in these weeks.
Training phases
Where you are in the build.
12-8 wk
Build
Long runs grow. Strength stays in.
8-4 wk
Peak
Race-pace blocks and longest runs.
4-1 wk
Taper
Volume drops. Confidence grows.
Race wk
Sharpen
Rest, fuel, sleep, visualise.
Pacing strategy
A conservative, finish-strong plan — the smart first marathon.
- 6:25 /km
0–10 km
Hold back. Crowd energy is a trap.
- 6:18 /km
10–21 km
Settle into target. Take gel #2.
- 6:15 /km
21–32 km
Focus on form. Sip every aid station.
- Effort
32–42 km
Run by feel. Pass people gently.
Fueling & hydration
Practiced in training, repeated on race day.
Breakfast 3h before
Oats, banana, honey, coffee.
Sip 500ml + electrolytes pre-race
Stop 30 min before to avoid stops.
Gel every 30-40 min
Start at km 8, never wait until empty.
Listen to your gut
Skip a gel if nauseous, take water.
Race-day checklist
Race kit
- Bib + safety pins
- Trainers (broken in, not new)
- Race socks
- Shorts / tights
- Anti-chafe balm
- Watch charged
Fuel & hydration
- 4-6 gels
- Electrolyte tablets
- Pre-race breakfast
- Sip water through morning
- Post-race snack
Logistics
- Travel route to start
- Kit bag tag
- Spectator meet point
- Warm layer for after
- Phone + small cash
Expo & day-before
- Collect bib early — avoid Saturday afternoon crowds.
- Walk less than 20 minutes total at the expo.
- Lay out kit at 8pm, lights out by 10pm.
- Familiar dinner — nothing new, nothing spicy.
After the finish
- Walk for 10 minutes — don't sit immediately.
- Carbs + protein within 60 minutes.
- Two easy walks daily for a week. No running for 5-7 days.
- Celebrate. You earned every step.
Race-week countdown
7 days out → finish line.
A simple plan for the final week so nothing is left to chance.
Mon
Easy 30'
Tue
Short tune-up
Wed
Rest
Thu
Easy 20'
Fri
Walk + mobility
Sat
Shakeout 15'
Sun
Race day
Independent training guide. Not affiliated with the London Marathon.