+1 for the compression socks. I used the calf sleeves from compresport throughout my training and on the day. I got them after having a training run where my calves knotted up so much I couldn't run at all.
Recovery wise they've been great too.
4 hours 16 minutes
Raised nearly £1800 for the Alzheimer's Society
First marathon and I'm never doing it again. The support from the crowd is amazing though.