Earlier this year British Ambassador to Luxembourg John Marshall recently completed the London marathon, his tenth yet. Saturday will be the second time he runs the Luxembourg marathon.

John's hack: “My usual advice is: train seriously; don't set off too quickly; and rehydrate carefully. Mental strength is as important in a marathon as physical fitness especially in the ING marathon when the last five kilometres are done without the benefit of cheering crowds (who quite sensibly stay in the vieille ville for a drink). So, I think it is important, when training, to decide how far you plan to run, and to stick to it, so that you don't get into the habit of giving up early!”

Director of youth project Hariko Marianne Donven ran the full marathon in the first edition of the Luxembourg Night Marathon. Since then she has run the half marathon three times.

Marianne's hack: “Dress very lightly, even if it feels chilly at the start. Don't start too fast, wait until you have found your rhythm and then try to increase your speed if you can. Shake your arms and legs every once in a while, don't let your muscles get too tight. Enjoy the great crowd and music in the city.”

Belgian journalist Jean-Michel Lalieu has completed six marathons in his life and plans to make the ING Night Marathon his seventh.

Jean-Michel's hack: “In any medium or long distance race, the first tip remains to hydrate properly. Water is needed to avoid the body temperature rising too high and to ensure a good level of energy. If it is very hot, do not hesitate to take a water bag (like a CamelBak) so you don’t have to wait for a refuelling station. Above all, drink before you get thirsty, preferably in the first kilometres.”

Indian management and business development specialist Kavitha Ramachandran advises runners to make mental preparations for the last five kilometres.

Kavitha's hack: “The last five kilometres are the most difficult, whichever format you are running. Remember you need to climb the killer hill in Kirchberg so, dedicate each kilometre to someone you love/care or a cause you support. This will help you keep motivated to finish the race. I also strongly advice getting a “Go-Go” girl or boy to run the last two kilometres with you. One: they will encourage you and pull you along if your legs are failing and, two: it’s fabulous experience for both of you running to the finish.”

And to keep motivated on the bit in between? Well, that’s easy, said Joe Lister, founder of sports fundraising group Kick Cancer Into Touch.

Joe's hack: “Choose a nice bum to distract yourself from the pain and distance and follow that bum. It keeps motivation and morale high and avoids you getting distracted by the crowds.”

Got a hack?

This is the first in a series of articles called “Lux Hacks”, where expert share their tips on a range of topics to help make people’s lives easier.

Got a hack you want to share? Let us know by emailing [email protected] marking “Lux Hacks” in the subject line.