You Stalker, You! (But Actually How to Track Your Speedy Friend in the London Marathon)
The annual London Marathon is upon us! A glorious day of fancy dress, questionable running attire choices (hello, nipple chafing!), and the undeniable triumph of the human spirit (or at least the triumph of getting to the finish line without collapsing). But let's face it, there's also a breed of spectator out there with a more...intense interest. You, my friend, might be a marathon-watcher-slash-stalker (hey, no judgement here).
Fear not, creeper! Because in this age of technology, tracking your loved one (or that cute runner in the banana costume) is easier than ever.
So You Want to Play Big Brother During the Big Race?
Here's your guide to becoming a virtual hawk, with none of the questionable trench coat vibes.
- The Official App: Your Digital Cheer Squad Central
The TCS London Marathon app is your one-stop shop for all things tracking. Download it, find your runner by name or bib number, and boom! You'll see their location updated in real time - almost like they're wearing a tiny GPS ankle bracelet (which, let's be honest, wouldn't be the worst marketing idea). You can even send them encouraging messages like "YOU GOT THIS (and please don't trip over that pigeon)!"
- Beyond the App: Exploring the Trackingverse
The app isn't the only game in town. If your runner is a fitness fanatic, they might be using a service like Strava or Garmin that allows them to share their location live. Just a heads up: This might require some insider knowledge (begging them to enable location sharing before the race doesn't exactly scream "casual").
Remember: A little online stalking is one thing, but showing up at every mile marker with a boombox serenading them with Rocky music might be a bit much.
For the Truly Tech-Savvy Stalker (Emphasis on Savvy)
Feeling fancy? If you're both tech wizards, you could even explore two-way communication options. Imagine the thrill of your runner getting a mid-race pep talk that includes, "Looking good! But maybe ditch the neon pink tutu for the next marathon?"
Disclaimer: This might require some serious tech know-how and runner cooperation. Unless you're both cyborgs, it's probably best to stick to the app.
FAQ: You Ask, We Answer (Briefly)
How to download the TCS London Marathon app? Search for "TCS London Marathon" in your app store. Easy peasy.
How to find a runner on the app? You can search by name or bib number.
How to know if my runner uses Strava or Garmin live tracking? Just ask them politely!
How not to be a creepy stalker? Limit the tracking to the race itself, and avoid showing up at their house with celebratory balloons.
How to be the best cheerleader ever? Lots of enthusiastic cheering, funny signs, and maybe some strategically placed snacks (bribery is a time-tested motivational technique).
