Story by Owen
I feel like running has been part of my life for a very long time. Only started to take it seriously once I got an ankle injury playing football. Went for a 1.7 mile run, started to add in half a mile here and there to a 5k, entered a 5 mile event and not looked back since, first marathon in 2021. Only could do 8 weeks of training due to injuries, got sub 4!
Second marathon 2023, no training due to personal reasons, turned up after a year out and just 6 runs, got 4:19. Hunger was there so December 2023 Valencia Marathon 3:50 and now it’s time for the best challenge of all – London 2024.
London Marathon 24’
Back in December 2023, I had gone to Valencia, done the marathon and came back to England feeling happy I had achieved such a thing, not knowing what was around the corner! Turned up to club for run night, just a week before Christmas. The London Marathon club ballot place was due to be drawn. An absolute dream come true, it was my name drawn out!
There we was me clenching my fists in delight! No rest but ready to give my absolute everything, a frequent thing you’ll hear runners say is, run slow, I had a time in mind (sub 3:30) this being my 4th Marathon, but hoping for it to be the 1st one I can train injury free and so it was.
I trained at marathon pace to get me in the zone and ready, up to 48 miles a week for 10 weeks. Here came the day! I’ve said to my friends, if I ever get married it’ll be the 2nd best day of my life, 1st being the London Marathon, this is how much it means to me!
Now onto race day, wow what an unbelievable experience! I’ve done London events before and knew the atmosphere was gonna be great but this was level raising stuff. I’d say I ran with my heart and the legs just went along with, the crowd lifted everything!
I don’t think anything will ever top this day and if I get to do it again I’ll treat as if it’s my last. That’s how special it is! I had close friends and family there to enjoy it too and to their shock as well as mine.
I managed a 3:14! Sub 3 in sights?