I’m very proud to say I completed the Berlin marathon back in 2013, and have signed up to take on London 2016 to raise money for Mind. So this felt like a good time to reflect on all those little things I learnt along the way training for Berlin…and a quick reminder of what I need to remember.
1. Your toenails will be ruined – if not pre-race, certainly post
2. Lucozade becomes your best friend
3. The battle is 75% mental
4. Running without a phone is not only stupid, but it’s a good way to ensure complete boredom during training runs
5. You are stronger than you think – it is pure determination and power that will push you through
6. You may cry and that’s totally acceptable
7. It really is as simple as one foot in front of the other (just a lot longer than you would normally wish to do this for…)
8. Smiling when you hit a mileage maker genuinely helps
9. Enjoy it and take in your surroundings, you signed up for this, so make it your race
10. Ice packs become a freezer necessity
11. Weekends are no longer weekends but opportunities to run
12. You become a total pro at managing to concisely pack your work clothes in to a running bag
13. Statistically along the way an injury will occur, and you may well need to rest. Rest and recovery is just as important as the running. Promise.
14. You will be hungry all the time. Literally eternally hungry.
15. Running a marathon is completely bizarre, running multiple marathons is just a way to keep reaching for that finish line high. Trust me, it’s worth it.
Aperol Sprints 