I take it you don't want to be running in a heatwave?
Definitely not. Heat's a big problem for long-distance runners, even those used to warmer climates. Some can cope with them better than others, but all suffer. So a hot day would see a much slower time for everyone - and I'd rather it be a lot cooler.
What are the ideal weather conditions for a marathon?
I guess everyone has different ideal conditions, but for me I've enjoyed running and found it easiest when it's about 5 degrees, maybe with a slight drizzle, and a gentle cool breeze (but not too windy as that's a bugger).
Is rain a problem at all? Would you prefer cool but no rain?
Rain itself isn't a problem, unless it's torrential. Puddles can be a problem though as wet feet can cause problems with rubbing, etc. I'm generally OK in the wet though - but again, nothing too silly. If it's going to be 16 degrees, then some rain would be very welcome.
I don't expect much of your running has been in hot temperatures seeing as you train early in the mornings. Have you changed this at all recently to allow your body to be prepared for starting later than usual?
The race starts about 9:45, so I'm used to running early (rather than in the evening), but yes I usually run earlier than that. My longer runs at weekends are usually later in the day, and the last long run I did was during the afternoon and it was a hot, sunny day. So good practice for if it is warm on Sunday.
I would imagine that there's a bit of an issue when you usually run as soon as you wake up rather than 3 or 4 hours after. Obviously your carb levels etc. change a lot in the first few hours that you are awake.
Starting a bit later does mean I'll be able to eat some toast and have a banana or whatever to give me some additional fuel before the race, which is the same as my weekend runs. The worst bit about the marathon is the waiting around before the start, and trying to time the trip to the loo correctly. That and trying to negotiate the runners who started to close to the front with the faster runners when they really should have started further back with those running a slower pace.
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