Training for the London Marathon is more than just running 26.2 miles, it’s a chance to combine my love for running, English culture, and a special anniversary trip with Katie. By pure coincidence (or fate), the marathon perfectly aligns with our visit to London, giving me the opportunity to explore the city in the best way I know: running.
Running in support of the NSPCC adds even more purpose to this journey, motivating me through every training mile. Over the next four posts, I’ll be sharing all that comes on this marathon journey. Here’s to the road ahead and crossing the finish line in one of the world’s greatest cities!
THE TRAINING PLAN
I am using the Runna app to guide my 20-week training plan. The structured plan keeps me running five days a week, with two challenging speed workouts woven in to build endurance and improve pacing. One of the features I appreciate most is the inclusion of cutback weeks, which ensure I have time to recover and avoid burnout. With a race-day goal of 03:35:00, I’m relying on Runna’s tailored approach to help me balance intensity and recovery, stay consistent, and steadily work toward achieving a new marathon PR.
THE GEAR
Gear and nutrition are key parts of my marathon training. I rely on my Suunto Race watch to keep my pacing and mileage dialed in—it’s been an essential tool for tracking every run. For super long runs, I will be using the Deuter Shortail II waist pack for carrying the essentials. When it comes to fueling, Carbs Fuel is what keeps me powered up and ready to tackle the miles. And let’s be honest, marathon training means dealing with chafing, so 2Toms Sport Shield has been a game-changer for keeping things comfortable. I’ll be sharing updates on how all of this holds up in my marathon recaps.
THE SHOES
The best part of marathon training? The shoes! My current rotation has me covered for every type of run. For easy days, I rely on the Saucony Triumph 22, Diadora Nucleo 2, and Topo Athletic Aura. Speed work calls for the Hoka Mach 6, Asics Novablast 5, and Mizuno Wave Rebellion Flash 2, while the Brooks Glycerin Max is my go-to for long runs. I’ll be adding more to the mix as training progresses, stay tuned!
THE RUNS
Week 1:
Started off marathon training with a total of 34.8 miles. The week started with a 6-mile easy run in the Diadora Nucleo 2 on Tuesday—first impressions are great. Wednesday’s 800-meter repeats in the Mizuno Wave Rebellion Flash 2. They have begun to bother me on hard efforts. Thursday was a relaxed 4 miles in the Saucony Triumph 22, followed by a 4.5-mile tempo run Friday in the Brooks Glycerin Max, which handled the pace perfectly, though they are on the heavier side.
The highlight of the week came on Sunday. I ran the MS Gulf Coast Half Marathon as a progression run: 4 miles at 9:30, 4 miles at 8:55, 4 miles at 8:30, and closing with 1.1 miles at 8:00 pace. The final hill on the course broke me but I was able to stay true to my paces.
Week 2:
Week 2 brought 36 miles of solid training. Tuesday started with 6.5 easy miles in the Diadora Nucleo 2. Wednesday featured pyramid intervals and the final run in the Saucony Endorphin Speed—a solid sendoff for my all time favorite shoe.
Thursday’s 5 miles in the On Cloudrunner Next provided a smooth recovery, while Friday’s rolling 400s in the Mizuno Wave Rebellion Flash 2 were tough but enjoyable thanks to my route through Midtown. Sunday wrapped things up with a 12-mile long run in the Brooks Glycerin Max.
Week 3:
Runna marked this as a cutback week; perfect timing as it was the week of Christmas. I logged 22.5 miles, starting with 6 easy miles on Tuesday in the Hoka Mach 6, my current favorite. Thursday’s over-and-under 1Ks in the Adidas Boston 12 added some speed, while Saturday’s 5 easy miles in the Diadora Nucleo 2 kept things steady but humid due to my laziness and pushing the run to the afternoon.
Sunday wrapped up with a 7-mile long run in the Brooks Glycerin Max, my continued go-to for longer efforts.
Week 4:
39 miles of highs and lows. Tuesday’s 6.5 easy miles in the Saucony Triumph 22 were smooth, but Wednesday’s drop set intervals in the Mizuno Wave Rebellion Flash 2 confirmed it’s time to retire them. They’re causing too much pain after becoming more unstable than in previous runs.
Thursday’s 6-mile recovery in the Diadora Nucleo 2 felt solid, and Friday’s progression run in the Hoka Mach 6 was a highlight. I wrapped up with 13.1 miles on Sunday in the Brooks Glycerin Max. Overall, a strong week as training momentum builds.
Week 5:
Race week is done, and it was the highest volume thus far with 41 miles. Tuesday kicked off with 7 easy miles in the new Topo Athletic Aura, a tank of a daily trainer. Wednesday’s tempo run in the Hoka Mach 6 reminded me why tempo runs are my least favorite.
Thursday’s 7 recovery miles in the Diadora Nucleo 2 helped reset, and Friday’s 5 wet, cold miles in the Saucony Triumph replaced speed work to keep my legs fresh for Sunday.
Sunday’s Mobile Half Marathon was a strong progression run: 5 miles at 9:00/mile, 5 at 8:30/mile, and the last 3.1 at 8:00/mile. The Asics Novablast 5 felt great. Similar to the Hoka Mach 6 but with better cushioning and helped carry me to my 2nd fastest half marathon at 1:51:04.
WRAP UP
As I continue training for the London Marathon, the journey is proving to be a mix of hard work, lessons learned, and exciting progress. From racing half marathons to testing out various shoes, gear, and nutrition, it’s been a rewarding experience so far. I’ll be back in five weeks to share more updates, including how my training evolves, what’s working, and any challenges that come up as I work toward my 03:35:00 goal. You can also catch daily check-ins from each run here. The road to London is just getting started, and I’m looking forward to the next chapter!
