David’s 2026 London Marathon Journey…

Hi, I’m writing this update with the deadline of the marathon fast approaching – just around 1 month or 4 and a bit weeks to go. I’ve ran a few half-marathons before but didn’t really comprehend how much more work a full marathon would be. Surprisingly it’s not just run twice as far!

My training hasn’t been the most regimented fitting things round work commitments and life, but I have been happy in meeting the key milestones I need to hit (pun intended) each week as I build strength in my legs and to prepare myself as much as possible for what running 26 miles will actually feel like.

I’m incredibly proud to be representing a charity like Headway Derby, who I work closely with, giving me insight into the good work that they do support people going through very difficult times. Life can change for any of us in an instance, so having services like Headway Derby running to provide a helping hand is essential in giving people the best chance of recovering from a life changing event and to thrive again. Any money they raise goes to helping people just like you, rather than going into the coffers of places like Costa!

I am approaching the maximum pre-marathon distance and overall weekly mileage in the next few weeks ahead of winding down to get fresh before the big day I know they’ll be a fair amount of further challenges, but knowing I’m doing it for a good cause will get me through it.

Click here to donate: David Cole is fundraising for Headway Derby