5 Things to Help You Smash Your First Marathon
So you signed up to the ballot after getting caught up in the hype of the weekend - driven to action through inspiration of all those who tore up the tarmac in brutal conditions on the streets of London
But surely there’s no chance, right…?
Well, technically speaking - there’s very little, but not NO chance. With 840k and some change in ballot entries for 2025, we are probably going to see north of 7 figures attempting to get there hands on a place for ‘26.
And, as someone who has continued to enter for 6 years to no avail, I’d probably say don’t hold your breath. I’m a realist, not a pessimist…
That said, you obviously had the thought cross your mind - imagine what it’d be like to knock off the infamous 26.2?
You’ve heard tales of turmoil, triumph and everything in between - but regardless, felt moved to sign a form online saying I’m ready and willing to take the step.
So, regardless of whether it’s London or not, you’ve made a commitment to yourself that a Marathon is on the cards for next year - and thus, 5 of my top tips to get the ball rolling and set a tack on the right course to glory…
#01 – Respect the Distance Early
26.2 miles is a long fucking way. Call a spade.
It’s not 10K with a bit of extra spice. Not “a long run.” It’s a full-blown mental and physical test, and treating it with anything less than due reverence is asking for trouble.
It’s not about turning up on race day and blagging your way through it.
The beauty of a Marathon lies in the months leading up – the tumultuous early days, the momentum gains, the realisation that running doesn’t have to be that God-awful memory of being forced into school cross-country in the depths of winter.
The real beauty lies in the work - and crossing the line merely marks a dramatic climax to a journey that will take you through the full spectrum of emotion. Understanding this will make you value the journey so much more, and kickstart you in the right direction towards the Holy Grail (or medal, I should say…).
Anyone who has run a marathon will say the same thing - that is, if you disrespect the ancient lore of the 26.2, you’ll get chewed up and spat out.
You have got all the time in the world if you get cracking in the next 2-3 months. Start slow, build up gently, and don’t rush your training.
#02 – Shoes Are Your Greatest Asset
There’s no fancy watch or wanky sunglasses that’ll save your joints if your shoes are wrong.
It’s one of those things you cannot cut corners on - and I’m not talking about forking out £300 for the glorified trampolines that the likes of Nike and Adidas mask under the guise of “carbon-plates”.
I’m talking anything from £80-150 on an appropriate shoe for YOU and YOUR BODY. What do I mean?
Everyone runs differently. Individual variation in our skeletal system, muscular imbalances, weaknesses etc all contribute to our running gait.
You got pronaters, cavers, heel strikers, learners - a whole range of different ways of running that require a very particular set of needs from what we wear on our feet.
…a set of needs that make me a nightmare for people like you…
Get a gait analysis and you’ll catch my drift. Visit a proper running store. And yes, it’s worth spending a decent chunk of coin on some kicks - your future knees will thank you.
Think of them as an investment - one in the future ability to tell someone at the pub that you ran a marathon!
#03 – Habits > Mileage….Initially!
Consistency beats intensity when it comes to marathon prep.
Before you even touch a 20-mile training run with a shitty stick, you want to be nailing 3–4 sessions a week without issue.
Even if they are wee runs here and there after work, or when the kids are down for a nap. Every little helps, and any time on the feet is good time.
Building the perfect base from which you can subsequently top with volume, intensity and long runs that will ultimately prove vital in getting over the line.
Jumping straight into the Full Monty is like trying to spread your tomato sauce without a pizza base - it’s going to be messy and, chances are, someone’s going to end in tears.
The secret sauce of marathon training isn’t doing more – it’s doing enough, often, and without breaking down.
For a rough idea as to exactly what this looks like, feel free to drop me a line.
#04 – Fuel Like It Matters (Because It Does)
You can’t run a car without petrol – same goes for your body.
Nutrition during long runs and leading up to race day is a game-changer. Practice fuelling during your training runs: energy gels, chews, hydration drinks – figure out what works and what doesn’t.
Again, as with the footwear, we all differ in terms of how we respond to food/drink on the go - be that running experience, our digestive system, intolerances etc.
Another one of those where there are so many factors that affect our ability to take on food while we run.
Once you are building up to the point where your running for longer than 60”, start trying bits and bobs out early on to work out the best type of fuel for you - while conditioning your body to digest quickly and shuttle the scran straight to where it’s needed most!
You don’t want any nasty surprises at mile 18.
No one wants to do a Paula on national television running down the Mall….
#05 – Mind Over Miles
You’re going to have bad runs.
You’re going to want to quit.
You will probably have to deal with some sort of injury setback. It’s normal.
I am an absolute nutcase when it comes to running - I live and breathe that shit. Professionally, recreationally, and every other way possible.
But I’ve been through a fair few periods where this has waned in favour of frustration, loathing and self-doubt.
It’s inevitable - so success lies in how you deal with this in the upstairs department.
Marathon training tests your resilience as much as your physical endurance. It’s beautiful in a sick sort of way - a choice we make to put our bodies through hell in the name of achievement/satisfaction!
Learning to sit with discomfort, and to keep moving when your brain says stop, is a surefire way to help you navigate the waters when things get tricky.
Personal ops, the mental side is THE defining factor in making it across the finish line as it’s never going to be easy.
Bulletproof the brain as much as your body. Do hard shit.
The Final Word
Running a marathon isn’t just about race day.
It’s about committing to something absurdly difficult and proving to yourself that you can stick with it.
Whether or not you get into London is irrelevant – the real victory is deciding to start, and doing the work even when no one’s watching.
Lace up, stay humble, and remember: the journey to 26.2 starts with one uncomfortable, glorious, determined step.
So regardless, you’re doing a marathon next year. Get at me if you want to double down and prove just what you’re capable of…
