One longest run completed

stats of the week: run 45 km, cycled 78 km, gym 3 h

It was my best training week since London last year, including my longest run yet. I successfully completed the scheduled 25K, alternating 3K of running with 300 meters of walking. My performance is gradually improving, as shown by several 5K runs under 30 minutes.

Watching the 2024 London Marathon video by interair.de made me excited about returning to London. I still expect it to be one of the toughest days of my life, but I hope I’ll be able to enjoy at least the first half of the race.

Someone asked me whether I’ve stopped running marathons - except for London - and the question really made me pause. On reflection, I have to admit that it’s probably true.

Photo: I will return to blue start this year, first time since 2018.

A happy last mile at Birdcage Walk 2017

Increasing the training distance

stats of the week: run 32 km, cycled 52 km, gym 3 h

While the official TCS London Marathon website recommends tapering at this stage, I managed to complete at least a 20K training run. But wow, it was tough! By the final mile, I was completely exhausted, and I honestly have no idea how I’ll manage to run double that distance in less than three weeks.

My plan now is to do a 25K jog this week. I’ll alternate 3K of running with 300 meters of walking right from the start, along with disciplined hydration and nutrition. That’s also the strategy I’ll be using for London.

This year’s London Marathon will feature 87 Guinness World Record attempts — including people running dressed as a reptile, a Spartan warrior, wearing the most pairs of underpants, and even as a fish, bird, vegetable, and many more!

(c) TCS London Marathon