When I crossed the finish line of the London Marathon back in April, I genuinely thought I’d be taking things a little easier for a while.
Instead, I’ve somehow signed myself up for an even bigger challenge.
This autumn, I’m aiming to complete two marathons in just three weeks.
It’s a goal that’s going to demand more than simply running lots of miles. If I learned anything from my last marathon training block, it’s that consistency beats perfection. Last time, injuries interrupted my training and forced me to adapt more than once. I still made it to the start line, but this time I want to give myself the best possible chance of staying healthy from day one.
That’s why this training block is going to look a little different.
The Running Has Started
After crossing the finish line on The Mall in April, the first priority wasn’t another race, it was recovery.
I took five weeks completely away from running, giving my body the chance to recover after everything that went into preparing for the London Marathon. It was a strange feeling after months of following a structured training plan, but it was exactly what I needed.
When June arrived, I started running again. No chasing personal bests. No worrying about pace. Just getting back into the routine, rebuilding fitness and remembering what it felt like to enjoy running without the pressure of marathon training.
Now the focus has shifted.
The first milestone on the road to my double marathon challenge is the Swindon Half Marathon on 27th September. It’s the perfect opportunity to build speed and endurance before the marathon-specific training begins in December.
The first week of structured training couldn’t have gone much better.
I opened with a tough interval session, mixing efforts from four minutes down to two. Every target pace was hit, and I actually got quicker as the workout went on, finishing with my fastest interval of the day. It’s the kind of session that gives you confidence without getting carried away.
A few days later came my first long run of the block.
Just over 12 kilometres, controlled from start to finish, before picking up the pace over the closing kilometres. Garmin even rewarded me with my second-fastest 10K, which was an unexpected bonus.
More importantly than the statistics, though, I finished feeling strong. There was still something left in the tank, and that’s exactly how I want my long runs to feel at this stage.
It’s only the beginning, but it’s a solid foundation to build on.
Building More Than Miles
This time, though, the miles are only part of the plan.
I’ve also started taking strength training much more seriously.
Over the past week I’ve completed both a dedicated legs and glutes workout and a full-body strength session. They’re not the glamorous part of marathon training, and they certainly don’t earn the same attention as a long run on Strava, but they might end up being some of the most important sessions I’ll do all year.
The goal over the next couple of months is simple: build a body that’s ready to handle marathon training.
That means stronger glutes to improve running efficiency, stronger hamstrings and calves to cope with the miles ahead, a stronger core to help maintain form when fatigue sets in, and better overall resilience.
Learning From Last Time
I’m not pretending strength training is some magic solution that guarantees I’ll stay injury-free.
Running is unpredictable.
But I do know I picked up a few niggles during my last marathon build-up, and if I can reduce the chances of those happening again, it’s worth every squat, lunge and dumbbell workout.
I’d much rather spend the next few months building strength than spend December and January trying to rehab an injury.
Looking Ahead
My marathon-specific training doesn’t officially begin until December, and I’m determined to make the most of the months between now and then.
Running will remain the priority, but it won’t be the only focus.
Alongside my runs, I’ll be spending plenty of time in the gym building strength, getting in sessions on the exercise bike, swimming, and tackling the StairMaster. Each of those workouts will help improve my cardiovascular fitness without putting the same impact through my legs as another run.
The goal is simple: arrive in December stronger, fitter and more resilient than I was when I started training for London. Remember, I started training last year with Couch to 5K, so I’m already in a much better place.
If I can build a solid aerobic base while strengthening the muscles that support my running, then hopefully I’ll be able to cope with the higher marathon mileage when it arrives. It won’t guarantee an injury-free training block, nothing can, but it should give me the best possible chance of staying healthy and training consistently.
Because that’s what I’m really chasing this time around.
Not the perfect week. Not the fastest pace. Just the ability to keep turning up, week after week, without the interruptions that slowed me down during my last marathon build-up.
If I can do that, I’ll give myself the best opportunity to stand on both marathon start lines feeling strong, confident, and ready for the challenge ahead.
Two runs.
Two strength sessions.
One very ambitious goal.
There’s still a long road ahead. There will be tough sessions, early alarms, winter miles and, no doubt, moments where I question why I signed up for this in the first place.
But whenever training gets hard, I’ll remind myself why I’m doing it.
Every mile I run is in memory of my sister, Rachel, and every step helps raise vital funds for the Meningitis Research Foundation. Their work supporting families affected by meningitis and driving research towards a world free from the disease is something I’m incredibly proud to support.
Brighton and London aren’t just races on the calendar. They’re an opportunity to honour Rachel’s memory, raise awareness, and hopefully make a real difference for other families.
So, here’s to the journey ahead. Thank you to everyone who has supported me so far. Whether you’ve donated, shared my fundraising page, bought a Memory Mile, or simply followed along with these updates, you’re part of this journey too.
The road to two marathons in three weeks has officially begun. Let’s see where it takes us.