Day 13: Rest Day Ramblings and a Bike Ride with Polly

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A Back That Knows When to Rest
Day 13 of my London Marathon 2025 training and as planned, it was a rest day. My back, which muttered darkly during Day 12's run, seems much happier after some time off. A reminder, if I needed one, that sometimes the best way to move forward is to pause.

An Alarm Clock’s Betrayal
The day didn’t begin quite as I intended. My alarm—ever the traitor—decided not to do its job. Thankfully, Kelly’s alarm, set a full 30 minutes after mine was supposed to go off, saved the day. Waking up late is an effective way to discover just how well your morning routine is drilled into your muscle memory. My bag was already packed, my Huel breakfast and lunch waiting patiently in the fridge and my teaching materials prepared the night before. All that was left was a frantic dash to get ready, leaving me pondering whether alarm clocks are secretly unionised against early starts.

A Calmer Evening and a Ride with Polly



The chaos of the morning gave way to a much calmer evening. Arriving home while it was still daylight felt like a small luxury. Polly, eager to put her new bike to use, was thrilled when I suggested taking it out for a spin. While she pedalled enthusiastically, I strolled alongside, enjoying the fresh air and the simple joy of seeing her confidence grow. It wasn’t exactly marathon training, but it was a reminder that movement doesn’t always have to be fast to be meaningful.

Lessons from a Rest Day
This gentle outing was likely just what my body needed. Rest days don’t have to mean complete inactivity—sometimes, a little light exercise can help the recovery process along. My back seems to have appreciated the reprieve and I’m hopeful it’ll let me lace up my trainers tomorrow without protest.

Key Takeaways from Day 13

  • Rest is as important as running: Muscles grow stronger when they’re allowed to recover, and taking a day off is as much a part of training as the miles themselves.
  • Listen to your body: Ignoring its grumbles is a sure way to invite a full-blown argument.
  • Variety is key: Gentle movement and fresh air can be as refreshing for the mind as they are for the body.
  • Adaptability matters: When alarms and plans fail, preparation and flexibility can save the day.
  • Enjoy the journey: Training isn’t just about hitting targets, it’s also about finding joy in the little moments along the way.

Looking Ahead
Here’s to tomorrow—may my back cooperate, my trainers feel ready, and my alarm rediscover its purpose in life.

Location: Sittingbourne, UK

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