Sydney Marathon – One week countdown

When I reached the one week countdown, I decided that I’m going to cut down my mileage and start saving my energy for the marathon (usually referred to as ‘tapering’). I spent and focussed my time on the following:

· Carb loading – This basically means eating more carbs and ensure my body is able to load up on crabs so I avoid HITTING THE WALL
"Carbohydrates that a person eats are converted by the liver and muscles into glycogen for storage. Glycogen burns quickly to provide quick energy. Runners can store about 8 MJ or 2,000 kcal worth of glycogen in their bodies, enough for about 30 km/18–20 miles of running. Many runners report that running becomes noticeably more difficult at that point. When glycogen runs low, the body must then burn stored fat for energy, which does not burn as readily. When this happens, the runner will experience dramatic fatigue and is said to "hit the wall" (Source - Wiki)

· More rest – I rested and slept as much as possible

· Designed my race day plan – including pace calculator (http://www.marathonguide.com/fitnesscalcs/PaceBandCreator.cfm)

· Dropped off my personal refreshment – Runners had the option to drop off personal refreshment in 8 drink stops in the course – 5.8km, 10.4km, 16.4km, 20.8km, 25.8km, 30.5km, 35,3km and 38.7km. I decided to drop off my personal refreshment ‘as a backup’ in 7 stops (I skipped the 5.8km stop).
I dropped off a bottle of Powerade, Banana, Energy Gel and a mars bar

· Familiarize myself with the intermediate cut-off times. These were the point in the course where runners were stopped and taken off, if you didn’t pass it within a certain time.