How Tas Ran The London Marathon

I ran my first marathon in April 2024 and here is a bit about my training, how the race went and my advice for anyone currently training/wanting to do a marathon or any distance race!

Some background information about me is that I was not a runner before I started my training. I play football and have done since age 5, therefore had a baseline fitness level prior to starting my training.

I completed an 18 week training plan following a book by Chris Evans called ‘119 days to go – How to train for and smash your first marathon.’ This book not only contained 3-4 runs a week (long run, short run, speed run), it’s also a journal. After every run it gives you an opportunity to journal and keep track of your progression, which I really liked as you will never have the opportunity to run your first marathon again! Overall, my training went really smoothly, running 3x a week as this was what was achievable for me alongside a full time job, football, strength training and let’s not forget a social life!

My London marathon experience was amazing and very overwhelming. I ran for a charity very special to mine and my families hearts, Breast Cancer Now, which made the day even more special raising money for such a special cause. I was really lucky to have completed London marathon with no blisters, no ‘hitting of the wall’ and no injuries. The months of training in the cold and having achy legs were so worth it!

From my experience, I have so much advice for people, but I will narrow down the most important:

• Running shoes – invest in a suitable pair of shoes for you, therefore I recommend going to have a gait analysis done, which I am now able to offer at Wisbey Osteopathy using our new treadmill, where I can guide you.

• Long runs – prioritise these every week in your training plan as it is really important to get the miles in your legs. Alongside this, as horrible as it sounds, practice running on tired/fatigued legs, as during the marathon your legs with get tired! For example, I played football on the Sunday and went for my long runs on Mondays.
  
• Nutrition – find out what works for you pre, during and post runs (gels, energy drinks etc), and do not try an new foods on marathon day that you have not tried during your training.
  
• Recovery – prioritise stretching, foam rolling, massages to help aid your recovery and reduced the risk of injury.
  
• Protection – Lastly, put Vaseline on your toes/feet to stop blisters and anywhere that may rub to avoid chafing!

I will be offering an extra supportive package that I designed for all people who run, no matter your running level, ability or physical fitness. Keep your eyes peeled on the social media pages for when it launches!