Thanks Mark, I'll definitely take the advice on trying to run closer to the full marathon distance, it'll really help psychologically. I already made that mistake training for my first half marathon 3 years ago, advice saying you should be fine training to long runs of 9 miles! It didn''t work and I had to walk/run after 11 miles. I trained for the Leeds half marathon earlier this year and did the full half marathon distance as training, really enjoyed the race this time and knocked 12 minutes off my previous time.

I'm hoping the stunning scenery will help when it gets tough for Snowdonia. My logic when I chose a marathon was something with enjoyable scenery, I've never fancied a city marathon would hate the big crowds, car fumes and concrete, I have my best and most enjoyable runs out in the countryside. Haven't got high expectations for a time and have learnt it's fine to have walking breaks on long runs to refuel etc! Have got a weekend planned for the Lakes in August so might try the route suggested, have walked Hellevelyn in the past and thoroughly enjoyed it.