marathon nerves

[marathondan]

John, I'll be joining you on the start line, for my second marathon. I can only echo, less eloquently, what the previous two highly experienced marathon runners have said. In particular, that the race itself is the reward for all of the hard work. You'll be part of an amazing festival of running, with a million people watching you in person and many more millions on TV. Bands will be laid on in your honour. You will be absolutely blown away by the atmosphere.

As Sweder said, take it easy -- so long as you don't try anything silly and injure yourself, then by hook or by crook you'll make it. Last time, I set off too fast, imagining that I could finish half an hour faster than planned. Luckily I didn't injure myself, but the last hour was tough. Save your strength, and maybe you'll enjoy the last hour a bit more than I did.

Good luck, mate.