Phil’s 2026 London Marathon Journey…..
So its my first London Marathon but my 8th Marathon, and I have even done a few ultra marathons, so already you might be thinking he’s sorted and its easy easy. Let me dispel the myth.
I tipped over 50 last year and discovered that apparently there is more to running than running. Hellish things called strength and conditioning, yoga, and even more bizarre – stretching! Positively these (apparently) fortify you against injuries.
Further to above I am somewhat psychologically bruised by a few too many marathons that I under prepared for and therefore hit the proverbial wall far too early. I have come to accept I will hit it at some point (ideally 21 miles plus) and run through it - but less than that can be really gruelling.
The upshot of the above is that I am trying very hard to prepare like I have never before, namely ‘properly’. My formula is Yoga Monday, interval training Tuesday, personal training and recovery run Wednesday, 7 miles hard Thursday, yoga Friday and then 20+ miles Saturday and recovery run Sunday. Fortnightly sports massages and I have even invested in protein shakes, electrolyte tablets and a few other things that I have never touched before. So, given all of that - why?
The why is the easier and infinitely more positive part. Firstly running is life itself and I love it, yes physical health but fantastic mental health and escapism. Secondly running a mass participation event and how that galvanises you and the positivity and pride you feel, co-experiencing it with thousands of others, is phenomenal however many times you do it. Thirdly and as Amelia explained in her article what a brilliant way to raise much needed funds for a brilliant charity in Derby Headway.
So its 8 weeks to marathon day and I am feeling very motivated and committed to 40-50 miles a week, and generally doing lots of the right things. Maybe because of the carrot of running a time I can be proud of and having amazing marathon experience. Or maybe the stick of being scared stiff at the prospect of hitting the wall at 16 miles and having to run through it for another 10.2 miles. Who knows and does it matter!
Regarding Fundraising, and on top of all I raise through donations, Rehabilitate Therapy Ltd have agreed to match my training miles with a £1 for each mile. So that will boost the coffers by another £600-£800 at the end.
