London Sport has been running a series of blog posts on our five chosen runners for this year’s London Marathon.
We caught up with Tom back in January and he’s given us his latest update on his training with the big day just a few short weeks away.
How has training progressed since we last caught up in January?
My training has picked up a lot in the last few months, and I’m really gaining momentum with how often and how far I’ve been running.
I have been aiming to get in at least one long run a week, and I’ve gradually managed to increase this distance to 20 miles in the last couple of weeks.
I live about 15 miles from work and so it’s been great getting that distance in and mixing up my commute for a few weeks.
What’s been the best thing about training?
First and foremost for me it’s been great to have an excuse to get out running. Running really is a passion of mine and the more I do it the more I seem to be getting the bug.
The thing I have enjoyed the most, is noticing the improvement in my fitness and technique which has recently allowed me to achieve a half marathon PB (1 hour 36 mins) at the Weymouth Half which has really helped my training motivations.
What’s been the biggest challenge you’ve faced in your marathon journey to date?
Although I enjoy the running, when you are training for something like the marathon, it begins to take over your life.
In turn it becomes very easy to beat yourself up when you miss a run or don’t eat all the ‘right’ things.
It’s getting the balance right of enjoying the training but also not putting too much pressure on yourself.
How have you found fundraising alongside training?
The fundraising has been a challenge but now I can begin to see targets being met, it makes the hard work worthwhile.
It’s been amazing how generous people are when you take on a project like this and people really are invested in what you are doing.
We have been organising a quiz night as our final fundraising event this weekend and I’m looking forward to hosting that.
What’s the best/worst piece of advice you’ve been given so far?
I think the best advice I’ve had so far is to not start out too fast.
Don’t get caught up in the excitement and start running at a pace far quicker than you’ve been training for and that you may regret later in the race.
Great advice as I know that’s what I would do.
Do you feel ready for the marathon next month?
I can’t wait!
Physically I feel ready and now I’m excited to take on the challenge, and soak up the atmosphere, which everyone tells me is amazing. Bring it on.
Our Virgin Money London Marathon 2019 runners will be raising funds to help inactive or less active Londoners in a range of underrepresented communities – specifically to support deaf and disabled Londoners to become more active.
