Day 7: Recovery Runs and Fence-Fixing Adventures!

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A Double Dose of Recovery

Day 7 of my London Marathon 2025 training, and it’s officially the week of the recovery run! Two in a row might sound odd to some, but after yesterday’s short effort, my body practically sent me a thank-you card for the extra easy day.

DIY Workout: Fence-Fixing

Today’s “exercise” actually had a bit of a DIY twist. I spent a good chunk of the day helping my Dad with some serious garden fence repairs. Imagine, if you will, a battle not just of man versus nature, but man versus warped, splintered wood that clearly had a mind of its own. And to make it even more delightful, the temperature seemed determined to join the challenge, dropping to the kind of cold that makes your breath visible and your fingers question their life choices. With numb hands and a chill that crept up sleeves and down collars, we hammered, lifted, and wrestled stubborn planks into submission. By the time we were finished, we were shivering but triumphant, and the fence now stands as a monument to persistence.


A Gentle Jog

When I finally checked my Garmin Forerunner 955, I was greeted by the sweet relief of another recovery run on the schedule. My legs all but whispered, “Bless you,” as they stretched out for a gentle jog. They’re still adjusting to the post-Christmas era, where mince pies and endless festive leftovers have been a regular daily fixture. Nearly two weeks of indulgence does take its toll, though I’d argue that’s what January is for: undoing December.

Reflections on the Day

Today’s run was short, easy, and with absolutely no pressure to hit any particular pace, it was a chance to focus on form and enjoy the simple act of running. No stopwatch glares, no imaginary race against the clock, just the quiet rhythm of feet on pavement and the satisfaction of knowing I’m taking care of my body for the miles ahead.

Lessons from the Fence

As I trotted along, I couldn’t help but think about the fence. It occurred to me that marathon training is a bit like fence-fixing. There’s planning, effort, the occasional stubborn obstacle, but at the end of the day, you stand back, admire the progress, and realise it’s all part of the process. And if you’re lucky, the fence (or your legs) won’t collapse on you the next time a strong wind blows.

Looking Ahead

For now, it’s another tick on the training plan and another step toward race day, but let’s hope tomorrow involves fewer splinters and more running shoes.

Until Day 8!

Location: Sittingbourne, UK

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