Training for the London Marathon
Training for the London Marathon 2020 was a rollercoaster, both physically and mentally. From March it felt like there was a start line carrot dangled in front of us. In fairness to the organisers, they always remained confident it would go ahead. But the rest of us were torn between deluded optimism, or certainty it wouldn’t happen.
The world was telling us it couldn’t go ahead, but the London Marathon put something together pretty amazing.
The 40th race
The 40th race, despite, being virtual, was a London Marathon. Same distance, same achievement, same medal. I’ve run numerous London Marathons, and the feeling of completing it was the same. Despite no crowds, or the sights and sounds of the city, the mental toughness that we all had to show made the reward just as sweet. We were also part of a Guinness World Record.
Looking ahead
The big question is “What should I be doing?” I don’t like to use the word ‘should’, as it drives anxiety and I think we don’t need any more than that in our lives. It’s very easy to get caught up in training plans, and the performance aspects of training, but health always needs to come first.
The London Marathon is a long way off and our goal is to get you on that start line, prepared as possible for an enjoyable, life-changing day. Three things will get you there:
1. training/exercising intelligently early
2. telling the world and start fundraising early
3. getting in touch with someone (me) if you have any questions on training, or have any physical issues or any self-doubt that you can’t complete the 26.2miles.
What’s next
So, what would I do? I’d be honest with my current starting point. What is my current health and fitness state, and how much time per week can I realistically commit to?
If you’ve done nothing, then get out and walk. If you’ve done more, then look at the quality of your sessions and add in other training systems. There is more to doing the London Marathon than just running. Nutrition, strength and conditioning, rest, mobility, and environment.
Most importantly it’s about building awareness in how you are feeling daily, and the learnings you take from your training. Doing this event, physically or virtually, is far more than just a medal. It’s not only life-changing for you, but also for all those you are helping with your fundraising. Also those of you with children, you wait and see the pride on their face when they see you finish!
Find out how you can join Team Ambitious and take part in one of the most iconic marathons in the world and raise crucial funds to support our work.
