Virtual London Marathon 2025

So before I signed up to London next year, their were a number of events this year I did. I've been slow at writing them up and reflecting on them, but finally, I have some time to sit and look back on what I've done this year.

And that starts here with the virtual marathon....

As I look back to April now, I'm actually astounded that this even went as well as it did. This marathon was my 8th time going to, or above Marathon distance. This would prove to be my 4th fastest Marathon, so bang in the middle of my efforts. I did that with a piss poor commitment to my long runs, 15 miles was my longest run and it wasn't a consistent plan, week in week out. There were a number of reasons to explain this, and we'll get to them. But, I've carried this attitude into the next run, the Two Tunnels. If I'm to do well at London next year, I have to commit better to training. It's part of the reason I signed up to do London. Yes the charity is the main reason, but the personal reason, is to be accountable to my fitness. But back to this year. So life was busy and family time was important, and that's not to blame them. Em is amazing at letting me make time to go run, but I want K to never feel I'm not putting him first. So there was that. But also, my asthma was crippling me at this time. It was linked to my asthma, where I couldn't catch my breath and hold a pace, so it really impacted training. Luckily adjustments to medication would put it right, but until the week before, I wasn't sure if I was going to be able to go or not. So ready or not, if I am able to start, I start. So the beauty of a Virtual Marathon, I slept in my own bed, I had time with my family, I didn't have to rush to get to the start. There is a lot to like about running from your own house. The drawbacks? You are on your own. No crowds, no support, take your own drink, no closed roads, no atmosphere. Self motivation is king. You plan the route or you don't. Mine was a bit on the fly, that was the mistake looking back. I didn't know the route, beyond a vague idea and i need to be more planned. So the run. It started well. Too well. I was too fast... again. Mile one pace... 9:01.... Mile 25...... 15:23. Pacing wasn't a thing. But... I enjoyed it, the time was ok... 4 hours 35 minutes. I ran up and along the canel and that was mentally tough. The same scenary... over and over. I missed the variety. So not a great plan, not a great performance, but I got round and I just imagine.... what would it be like if I really put the effort in... and that's why we come to London 2026. Next up The Dragon Devil and one of the toughest days of cycling I've ever endured....