With 9 weeks until the London Marathon we're getting close to the midpoint of our training journey. If you're following a 16 week training plan the last seven weeks will have tested your commitment, resilience, and strength, both mental and physical. It’s highly likely your initial enthusiasm has started to wane and you’re struggling to find your mojo to lace up and get out the door. The longer runs are getting longer and it’s still not light for long enough to avoid running in the dark. It may be getting more challenging to fit everything in as you juggle marathon training with work, family and social commitments. If your other half hasn’t complained about being a ‘marathon widow’ yet you’re one of the lucky ones (your time will undoubtedly come). Now is a good time to pause, reflect, and reignite the spark that set you on this path.
Here are my 5 top tips to give you a little boost if you are experiencing a mid-marathon training slump.
1.) Remember Why You Started
Each and every one of you has a story, a reason that propelled you to take the first step. Maybe it's a personal challenge, a charity close to your heart, or a journey towards a healthier self. When the training gets tough, revisit that initial spark to help boost your morale. Visualise yourself crossing the finish line, the immense emotions you'll feel, and the impact your efforts will have. The finish line feelings are indescribable, I don't have the vocabulary to do it justice. This year is my 5th London Marathon and those finish line feelings have felt special every single time. Let this vision be your guide through the challenging days ahead.
2.) Celebrate Your Progress
The London Marathon is your victory lap for all the effort you’ve put in during training. Celebrate the small victories on your journey, the obstacles you’ve overcome, and the lessons learned. Celebrate your growing physical strength and fitness, your increasing mental resilience that will help you in all areas of life, and the amazing running community you are part of on this journey. Sign up to some events as part of your training such as a 10km, half marathon and a 20 mile race 3-4 weeks before the marathon as your last 'long run' before you taper towards race day. I love some race bling to perk up my spirits. I also find it helpful for some of my longer runs to be events so that I'm surrounded by like-minded people.
3.) Listen to Your Body & Adapt
Your body is your most honest coach and I beg you to pay attention to it. I speak from vast experience having had two major hip operations, a complicated pregnancy and surgery for 2 cancer scares (one being only 5 days prior to publishing this post!). If you're facing physical challenges, remember that rest is not a setback; it's an essential part of progress. Adapt your training plan to include adequate recovery, cross-training, and, if necessary, seek professional advice to address any injuries or concerns. Remember, your training plan is a guide, NOT a rule book! It’s better to get to the start line healthy and undertrained than ignore the early warning signs and get a more significant injury that prevents you from even starting.
4.) Connect With Your Community
Marathon training can feel lonely at times, but remember, you're part of a vibrant community of runners, each with their own goals and challenges. Connect with fellow runners, share your experiences, and support each other. Whether it's through social media, running clubs, or training groups, finding solidarity in a shared purpose can be incredibly inspiring and motivating. I’ve made friends for life from all over the world since my first marathon in 2020 - people I would never have met had it not been for this crazy challenge of running 26.2 miles. Running with others can also help with accountability. If you've arranged to meet a friend for a run you are more likely to go even if you don't feel like it. We're more likely to do something for others than we are for ourselves, so this helps to keep you on track.
5.) Embrace the Journey
Finally, remember that marathon training is as much about the journey as it is about the race day. It's a journey of self-discovery, pushing boundaries, and realising your potential. Embrace each run, each challenge, and each moment of self-doubt as stepping stones towards your goal. As you lace up your shoes for the next nine weeks, carry with you the knowledge that you are capable, strong, and part of a community of warriors, all striving towards the same finish line. The road to the London Marathon is paved with perseverance, passion, and the collective heartbeat of thousands of runners. Keep your internal fire burning bright, and let it light your way to the finish line. Together, we run not just through the streets of London but towards personal triumphs, community spirit, and unforgettable memories. Let's make these next nine weeks count #WeRunAsOne #LondonMarathon
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