"London Marathon 2025: Getting in Shape Again for the Ultimate Running Challenge!"

Running Through the Ache Another day, another run, another quiet mutiny from my lower back. I knew today wasn’t going to be a heroic effort, but determination outranks comfort when it comes to marathon training. I’ve done my research and as long as the pain isn’t making me see my ancestors or forcing me to adopt a new and permanent sideways gait, I can keep going. I set off with a plan—nothing too ambitious, just a steady run to keep my legs moving and my training ticking over. The first half wasn’t too bad, though I could feel the ever-present stiffness lurking in the background like an officious administrator waiting for an opportunity to hand me some very inconvenient paperwork. But by the time I reached the second half, my back decided it had quite enough of this nonsense and staged a small but effective rebellion. Every stride felt a little heavier, every movement required more thought than it should and the idea of stopping became increasingly appealing. Still, I pressed on. Not ...

Earned, Not Given After yesterday’s long run and a weekend that could only be described as “character-building” (courtesy of unexpected water damage), I was elated to see that today’s schedule contained the most glorious of words: Rest Day. There are few things in life more satisfying than knowing you’ve worked hard enough to deserve a proper break. It’s the same feeling a wizard might get when, after a long night of incantations and improbable near-death experiences, he realises someone else is now responsible for saving reality. Resting Properly Now, a rest day isn’t just about doing nothing—it’s about doing nothing properly . That meant ensuring, through sheer determination and a bit of tactical delegation, that I had no lingering tasks hanging over me. No surprise marking, no ‘quick jobs’ around the house, and certainly no unexpected DIY disasters sneaking in under the radar. Once I was satisfied that all was in order, I settled into the fine art of relaxation, feet up, cup of tea ...