Day 35 of London Marathon Training: Embracing the Long Runs and Upcoming Challenges

-

 Today was a long run for me, a 90-minute canter from home to just past Norton and back. This marks the end of a slightly gentler week of training, which appears to have been built into the plan as a buffer between the first four weeks of training and the next few weeks of very intensive training.

I had my trusty running buddy, Polly, with me for the run. Although she slept for most of the way, she was there to offer me moral support. I must say that I am feeling really good with running now and am looking forward to the longer runs and harder efforts that are coming up.

This week has been a great reminder of why I started training for the London Marathon in the first place. It's not just about the physical challenge, but also the mental and emotional benefits that come with it. The endorphins that I experience after a long run are unparalleled, and they give me a huge sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.

With the next few weeks of training being very intensive, I am reminded of why I need to focus on my nutrition and hydration. Proper fueling is crucial for my body to be able to perform at its best, and I will be sure to pay close attention to what I eat and drink.

Don't forget, if you're interested in supporting a good cause, you can still donate to the Sittingbourne Carnival Court. The selection event for the new Miss Sittingbourne will be held this Saturday, and I hope that you'll consider making a contribution via my GoFundMe page


In conclusion, I am feeling good and am excited to continue my training journey towards the London Marathon. I hope that you'll continue to follow along as I share my progress and experiences.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Day 117: The Countdown Begins – With Bubbles, Cable Cars and Freeze-Dried Yoghurts

-
Image
An Alarming Rest Day The first of my rest days arrived with the cheery chirp of a 6am alarm, because apparently, my brain hasn’t received the memo about the whole “rest” part. Still, there was a strange satisfaction in rising early knowing I didn’t have to pound the pavements today. That satisfaction was slightly dampened—much like the weather—by a particularly excitable pollen count. Despite the persistent drizzle, the air was clearly full of microscopic mischief. The antihistamines made their valiant appearance and were taken with gratitude and a mild grumble. A Journey Worth the Cable Car This afternoon marked one of the most exciting rituals in the London Marathon build-up: collecting my race number. It involved a drive to the O2 followed by the delightfully surreal experience of sailing across the Thames in a cable car, which felt a little bit like commuting in a Bond film if Bond wore Asics and carried a protein bar. Upon landing on the other side, the Excel centre welcomed me...
Read more

London Marathon 2025: The Final Chapter

-
Image
Morning Light and Marathon Dreams Today was the day I had been building towards for months. Every cold morning, every soaked pair of socks, every long, lonely run came down to this — London Marathon day. The alarm clock chirped far too early, but I was already half-awake, running through the plan for the day in my head. After polishing off two cinnamon and raisin bagels (because clearly one was not going to be enough) and a strong coffee, I packed up my bag of gels, SaltStick chews, and hope and we set off. The drive up to Blackheath was filled with that strange, electric mix of excitement and anxiety. My parents did their best to drop me as close to the start as they could and I waved them off with a grin that hid the fluttering nerves underneath. I made my way to the starting area, ticking off the necessary pre-race rituals — most importantly, joining the epic pilgrimage to the toilets, where I was reminded once again that there are few places in life where dignity is checked at t...
Read more

Day 30: Canterbury 10-Mile Race - A Yardstick for Progress

-
Image
The Morning Rush Sunday races always mean an early start, and today was no exception. Arriving in Canterbury at 8 am, I was immediately thrust into the trifecta of pre-race rituals: parking, collecting my race number, and navigating the inevitable toilet queue—an experience that can feel like an endurance event of its own. It was a bitterly cold morning, hovering around 2 degrees. Dressing appropriately for a race in such conditions is always a gamble: the first few minutes will chill you to your core, but once you’re moving, layers can become an unnecessary burden. After a quick, if not particularly effective, warm-up, I bumped into a friend, Ben Holliday, whose detailed analysis of local cricket diverted my attention from my frozen fingertips. Perhaps distraction really is the greatest warmth. The Race With over 1,200 participants, the start line was a jostling crowd, all shuffling for position like biscuits in a tin. The initial bunching, while slightly frustrating, provided some re...
Read more