It often surprises people when I reveal that I’ve completed ten marathons. I’m met with two common responses: “You don’t look like a runner,” and the inevitable question, “Have you ever run the London Marathon?”

As I begin to explain the daunting ballot system and the challenges of securing a spot, I can sense their interest waning. Many tune out before I even get to the part about the substantial charity fundraising required.

The Dream of Running the London Marathon

Running the London Marathon has always been a dream of mine, especially before hitting the milestone of 40. But as time ticked away, it seemed like that dream was fading. After seven years of applying and facing rejection from the ballot, I had almost resigned myself to the idea that it might never happen. “Maybe I’ll run it before I’m 50,” I would tell myself.

Then came the usual rejection email, but this time, a glimmer of hope emerged when I had the chance to enter my running club’s ballot. Athletic clubs affiliated with British Athletics are eligible for club entries, and to my amazement, my name was drawn for one of those spots. It felt surreal, and if I’m honest, it still does. I don’t think it’ll fully sink in until I’m standing in that starting pen, surrounded by fellow runners.

Overcoming Rejection: My Path to Entry

The journey to securing a spot in the London Marathon was anything but straightforward. After years of determination and resilience, I found myself at the intersection of hope and despair. The rejection emails began to feel like a cruel joke, and each “not this year” chipped away at my confidence. Yet, through it all, I remained steadfast in my belief that persistence would eventually pay off.

When I received the notification of my successful entry, it was a transformative moment. Suddenly, all those years of hard work and disappointment culminated in this one opportunity. I felt a rush of adrenaline and motivation, igniting a fire within me to train harder than ever before.

Training for Success: Committing to the Plan

Determined to prove that the club’s spot went to the “right” person, I committed to rigorous training. Securing a place in this marathon is no easy feat, and I felt the need to justify it. My sights were set on achieving a sub-4-hour marathon, a significant improvement from my current personal best of 4:12.

So, my marathon journey began… For the past three months, this race has consumed my life. Focused and determined, I followed the training plan posted on my fridge, completing every session without fail. I challenged myself to tackle even the toughest runs, including those grueling hills.

I immersed myself in YouTube videos of the race and drove my colleagues to the brink with my marathon talk. The hard work paid off when I set a new personal best in my first race of the year!

Navigating the Pandemic: The London Marathon Postponement

Fast forward to March 13, 2020, as I approached the 11th week of training. The high-mileage phase was in full swing, and I felt ready to tackle the London Marathon. However, the announcement I had both dreaded and anticipated arrived: due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, the London Marathon was postponed until October.

While completely understandable given the circumstances, it was undeniably heartbreaking. This announcement was followed by the cancellation of many other spring marathons and events across the globe.

Building a Strong Foundation for Future Races

It’s entirely normal to feel disappointed; we had our goal postponed. We trained diligently through winter and braved countless storms (I lost count too) to have our moment taken away. We adhered to sensible diets, stayed well-hydrated, abstained from alcohol, and ensured we got a full eight hours of sleep. You might be wondering if it was all for nothing, but it wasn’t.

To quote an article I recently came across in Runners World, Robbie Britton, a GB ultra runner, points out:

“Marathon training can make you extremely fit, whereas the race itself can be quite destructive and leave a runner needing time off for recovery. So a marathon training block without the race at the end will leave any athlete in a really strong position. It’s a fantastic foundation on which a strong autumn marathon could be built.”

Above all, remember that we’re all in this together. For now, I’ve dialed back the distance and am simply running for movement and sanity. I’m embracing the freedom of the outdoors while I still can and looking forward to taking it a bit easier until formal training resumes. After waiting seven years to run the London Marathon, a few more months felt trivial.

Embracing the Journey: Running for Movement and Sanity

As I reflect on this journey, I realize that the marathon experience transcends the race itself. It’s about the friendships forged, the resilience built, and the personal growth achieved through countless miles on the road. Running has taught me more about life than I ever expected, and this upcoming London Marathon will be no different.

The camaraderie of fellow runners and the shared experiences make the journey worthwhile. It’s not just about crossing the finish line; it’s about the memories created along the way. Every early morning run, every hill tackled, and every aching muscle reminds me why I fell in love with this sport.

Looking Ahead to the London Marathon

As I gear up for this momentous occasion, I remind myself that the journey is as important as the destination. My marathon story is still unfolding, and I can’t wait to share it with all of you. Whether you’re a seasoned marathoner or just starting, remember that every step counts, and the pursuit of our dreams makes the journey worthwhile.

Stay tuned for updates as I prepare for the London Marathon. I’m excited to document this experience and share insights that may inspire fellow runners or anyone considering their marathon journey.