Setting big goals is scary. There’s always that little voice telling me, ‘you will fail’. A 3:35 marathon wasn’t just outside my comfort zone a year ago, it felt flat-out impossible. But putting that number out there shifted everything. It turned casual runs into purpose-driven training and turned “good enough” into “I’ve got more in me.” It forced me to dial in my effort, stay consistent, and trust the process even on the tough days. Chasing a goal that once felt unreachable has redefined how I approach running; not just physically, but mentally. I’m not just training for a time anymore, I’m chasing the best version of myself.
I’d be remiss if I didn’t take a moment to mention the NSPCC UK and the incredible work they do for children’s lives. Their mission to protect children from abuse and neglect, while supporting families in need, is something I truly believe in. As race day draws closer, knowing that I’m raising money for such an important cause keeps me pushing through the hard miles, especially when fatigue starts to take over. Each step becomes more than just a personal achievement; it’s a way to make a real, lasting impact on the lives of children and families who need help the most. You can help support my journey to raise money for the NSPCC by clicking below.
THE TRAINING PLAN
The Runna app has definitely pushed me over the last 19 weeks, but I honestly feel like it’s put me in the best position to succeed. Turning off autolap on my watch was a game changer; finally fixed those frustrating pace misreads on speed workouts. My subscription runs out at the end of May, and unless I stumble across a good discount, I probably won’t renew right away. That said, I’ve really appreciated the simplicity, structure, and steady consistency the app brought to this training block.
THE GEAR
No hiccups the past four weeks. Everything’s dialed in and ready for race day. The Suunto Race stays glued to my wrist, keeping me on pace. Fuel strategy is simple and tested: 5 CarbsFuel gels and 1 mix, all sitting perfectly with me on long efforts. I’ll have my handheld bottle for the first half to keep things steady between aid stations.
Bose Open earbuds will be in, mostly for pre-race nerves and maybe the early miles. Between the London crowd and the atmosphere, they probably won’t stay in long. It’s all locked in. Nothing left to tweak. Just time to run.
THE SHOES
The Diadora Gara Carbon 2 made its debut in Week 16 and wasted no time earning its spot as the race day go-to. I feel confident in them heading into London.
The Diadora Frequenza has carried the bulk of the tempo and interval load. While the Asics Novablast 5 and Adidas Boston 12 continue to tag in for variety.
Meanwhile, the Altra Torin 8 has joined the easy day lineup, offering a 0-drop, wide toe box option that gives the feet a well-earned breather while keeping things smooth and steady.
THE RUNS
Week 16:
Biggest week yet with 56.6 miles and my longest run of training. Tuesday started with 9 easy miles in the Topo Athletic Aura. Wednesday’s over/under tempo in the Diadora Frequenza felt sharp. Thursday’s 8-mile recovery in the Mizuno Neo Zen gave the legs a breather.
Friday was my first run in the Diadora Gara Carbon 2, 800m repeats, and they felt fast and efficient. I took them out again for Sunday’s 22-mile long run, and they sealed the deal as my race-day shoe.
Week 17:
Wrapped up my second peak week with 57 miles. Legs are definitely earning their break. Tuesday kicked off with 9.5 miles in the Topo Athletic Aura. The hills made it feel more like a workout than an easy run, but we survived. Wednesday brought 1K repeats for 9 miles in the Asics Novablast 5; predictably punchy and smooth.
Thursday’s 9.5-mile recovery run in the Brooks Glycerin Max was just what I needed to shake out the fatigue. Friday’s 9-mile progression in the Diadora Frequenza felt surprisingly strong for a late-week effort. Sunday wrapped it all up with a 20-mile long run in the Mizuno Neo Zen.
Taper time is officially here.
Week 18:
Taper mode engaged with 48.5 miles on the week. Still solid, but legs are finally getting a break. Tuesday was 10 easy miles in the new Altra Torin 8. No drop, no problem. Smooth ride and roomy toe box made for a nice change of pace.
Wednesday brought 8 broken-up miles of intervals in the Diadora Frequenza. These have gotten tough with the warmer days. Thursday was a classic recovery run: 8 relaxed miles in the Diadora Nucleo 2.
Friday’s 8.5 miles started steady and shifted into a strong tempo in the Adidas Boston 12, still one of my favorite tools for that kind of work. Sunday wrapped it all up with a 14-mile long run in the Mizuno Neo Zen.
Week 19:
Down to four runs and 32.5 miles as taper continues, with a little schedule shuffle thanks to Special Olympics and Easter weekend. Tuesday kicked things off with 8 miles of rolling 800s in the Asics Novablast 5.
Wednesday was 8 recovery miles in the Altra Torin 8. Thursday brought 8 miles of sharp 400s into 200s in the Diadora Frequenza. My last speed workout of the training block!
Saturday’s 8.5-mile run in the Mizuno Neo Zen included some race pace miles to keep things honest. Smooth, focused, and starting to feel like race day isn’t just near, it’s calling. On to race week!
WRAP UP
Nineteen weeks have come and gone, and now it’s time to shift focus to race week. It’s been a journey; full of highs, lows, failed workouts, and efforts I never imagined I could hit. I’ve run through dry days, wet days, humid slogs, and even snow (read that twice). But the work is done. Every mile is in the bank, and all that’s left is to show up and see what I can do. London, let’s go!
I’ll be back in the coming weeks to recap race day, and you can catch daily check-ins here.
