Tips for London Marathon Preparing For The London Marathon Preparing For The London Marathon Preparing for the London Marathon is different for each individual. For some, running the marathon will be the first time they run this distance. For others, it may be a frequent event alongside triathlons and ultramarathons. The closer you are to the later group, the more your body is accustomed to the level of stress you will endure, and the more experience you will have with how your body reacts to it. The closer to the former group, however, the more you are entering into unknown territory. For this reason, this group should take extra care when preparing. Main Areas Of Advice: Musculoskeletal / biomechanical assessment by a specialist podiatrist Video gait analysis by a specialist podiatrist Training Footcare MUSCULOSKELETAL / BIOMECHANICAL ASSESSMENT This assessment entails examining your unique bone alignments, joints, range of motion and strength of your lower limbs including hips, legs, knees, ankles and feet. This should identify whether you need to work on any strengthening and stretching exercises, and how you will likely function and deal with the forces of a marathon. You may benefit from visiting a physiotherapist to improve some of these. VIDEO GAIT ANALYSIS It is important to increase your activities gradually and allow at least 48 hours between sessions to see how you respond to the activity, and allow your body to adapt. Remember, concrete is a hard surface to run long distance over and you