Next week is London Landmarks Half Marathon race week! The event you have been training for over the past few months.
The focus now shifts from training hard to preparing smart. With the hard work already done – this week is all about organisation, calm confidence, and setting yourself up for a smooth race-day experience.
Race week is not the time for last-minute scrambling. Preparation is key. Prepare everything a few days in advance so you can focus on enjoying the event.
Your race kit checklist might include:
Plan how you’re getting to the start line. Check travel routes, allow extra time for crowds, and find out where bag drop and meeting points are if you’re running with friends or supporters.
👉 Read your Tommy's guide to event day – as it covers everything you need to know about event day.
Race excitement can make it tempting to set off too fast – that’s adrenaline for you. Start at a comfortable, controlled pace for the first few kilometres and let your body settle into rhythm.
Ignore everyone else around you. Run the race you have trained for, it’s your race and no one else’s – it’s you vs you.
Remember, a half marathon rewards hard work, discipline and patience. A steady start often leads to a much stronger finish.
Feeling nervous is completely normal. It just means you care. Confidence comes from preparation and you’ve already done the hardest part.
A few simple strategies can help:
In the last two days before the race, focus on simple, familiar foods that support energy levels without upsetting your stomach. Look at adding in extra carbohydrates at every meal, an extra bagel, and extra fruit smoothie, an extra bowl of Rice Krispies or Coco Pops.
Good options include:
Try to avoid heavy, high-fat, or very high-fibre meals, as well as anything new or overly spicy. The goal is to keep digestion comfortable and energy stores topped up.
If you’re pre- or post-natal, race week is about listening carefully to your body and prioritising comfort.
Pre-natal: keep expectations flexible, stay well hydrated, and run at that conversational pace.
Enjoy the atmosphere and focus on how your body feels rather than pace.
Post-natal: make sure your pelvic floor and core feel supported. Consider a run–walk strategy if needed and remember that finishing feeling strong and comfortable is always a success.
Race week can feel exciting, emotional, and a little nerve-wracking all at once. That’s completely normal. Take a deep breath, trust your training, look up and around at all the amazing landmarks of London – and remember why you started.
You can do it, because you can do hard things. When the London Landmarks start line arrives on 12 April you will be ready, and it’s now about taking it one step at a time towards that finish line.
Drop me an email if you have any questions. Wishing you the best – you're going to do great!
📧 Email me: sarah@sarahcampus.com
📸 Follow me: @sarahcampus
