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

The Challenge of a Sore Back Day 12 of my London Marathon 2025 training, and a new challenge has appeared: lower back pain. Being on the taller side, I’ve had my fair share of back twinges, but today the discomfort made itself known during my 30-minute base run. What started as a minor annoyance quickly escalated, turning the run into a balancing act between determination and common sense. Climbing Maidstone Road Hill My route today included Maidstone Road hill—a stretch that can make even the fittest runner question their life choices. With every step up the incline, my back pain seemed to double down, forcing me to dig deep just to keep moving. It was a reminder that even the simplest runs can demand more than expected. A Rest Day Comes at the Right Time Thankfully, the universe seems to have a sense of timing, as tomorrow’s training plan includes a rest day. The forecast of icy conditions feels like an extra nudge to take it easy. As much as I enjoy pushing through challenges, the c...

Day 3 of my London Marathon 2025 training, and my body is already hinting—with all the subtlety of a hippo attempting ballet—that a rest day might be a good idea. It’s surprising how quickly those aches and twinges make themselves known, even at this early stage. It’s a good reminder that rest is just as crucial as the miles you’re clocking, especially when you’re gradually increasing the demands on your body. After all, you wouldn’t expect a vintage car to perform at its best without regular tune-ups, would you? And now, some rather exciting news: my place in the London Marathon 2025 is officially confirmed! While the public ballot didn’t favor me this year, I’m fortunate to work at a school that receives a guaranteed entry. This is thanks to the hard work of our staff and students, who volunteer their time on race day at the event’s bag drop. They’ll be responsible for ensuring thousands of runners’ belongings are safely stored and retrieved—a task that likely requires the organisati...

Hello and welcome to my London Marathon 2025 training blog! I can't believe it's already time to start thinking about the iconic 26.2 miles again, but here we are! On Sunday 27th April 2025 , I'll be joining thousands of other runners in Greenwich, ready to take on the challenge of the London Marathon. This will be my third time running London. I completed it in 2019 and again in 2023, documenting the latter journey on this very blog. I like to write about it as sharing my experiences helps provide me with the motivation to get out there and follow my training program every day. This time around, I'm aiming to draw on those past experiences, push myself further, and hopefully smash a new personal best! Reflecting on Past Experiences One thing I learned from my previous marathons, especially the 2023 one, is the importance of consistency and pacing myself. Just like in 2023, I'll be posting regular updates on this blog. This will help hold me accountable and hopeful...