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

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 eve...

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...