April 2017
Has the hype around this year’s London Marathon inspired you to up your game when it comes to pounding the pavements? With spring now definitely in full swing, you will have noticed the runners out in force taking advantage of the milder weather. Some may be starting out on their running journeys and others training for the next half marathons, marathons and obstacle runs appearing all too quickly on the horizon.
If you are embarking on marathon training, putting in the time is crucial to success, and running down your goal requires time, patience, tenacity, and perseverance.
So what does it take to tackle the 26.2 miles?
What made you decide to do the marathon?
I wanted to challenge myself and achieve a new PB.
What was your training like before you started. How often did you run?
I'd always wanted to do a half marathon race, so I signed up for the Hampton Court Half marathon in November 2016. I wasn't expecting to have a place in the London marathon after missing out in the ballot. I was lucky enough to win my place in February 2017, through a competition. By the time I got my place I was well into training for my first half marathon so there were only a few things that needed to be adjusted to get me race ready. While training for my half marathon, I was running three times a week.
What training schedule have you followed?
As I was already training for a half marathon, there were just a few tweaks needed to get me race ready. I have also added a weekly yoga class and spin class to improve my core strength and endurance.
What has been the hardest part of preparation so far?
Staying motivated on the long runs, music has helped on those longer runs, but it's a battle of the mind.
How are you feeling about the big day?
I'm feeling nervous, but excited. I feel that I've done all I could in the space of time I've had. I know the crowd will help me get to the finish.
What advice would you give to anyone going for their first marathon?
1. Forgive yourself – There will be runs, that don't meet your expectations, there are runs which will be missed, there are runs which don't go to plan. Don't focus too much on what went wrong in a run, focus on how you can do better.
2. Get your name printed on your running top - it helps when you're struggling to get around.
3. be proud of how far you've come.
GOOD LUCK PREENA!
We also wanted to take the opportunity to mention Jhavni Karia – youngest daughter of Ravi and Sadhana, sister of Kash who all train with me. Ravi is currently undergoing stem cell treatment. Jhavni is running her first London Marathon for a charity close to their hearts - the Anthony Nolan Bone Marrow Trust. Good Luck Jhavinda and everyone else running on Sunday 23rd!
Left to right: Kash, Sadhana, Dr. Johnvi & Ravi
Our Improving Running Performance course will start next month in Ruislip and will run every other Saturday. With drills and specific training exercises, you can pick up some top tips and train with like-minded runners at every level.
It doesn’t matter what distance you’re trying to run, just follow a training plan, do your strength training, stretch, fuel your body and work at your pace. As long as you’re putting one foot in front of the other, you’re going in the right direction.
It’s important not to worry too much about what you’re doing right and what you’re doing wrong. Not every day is going to be a perfect running day. It's totally fine to feel a little disappointed in yourself if you miss a planned session or if you run a slower time than you were aiming for. It means you're human. Just brush yourself off, celebrate the win of getting out there, and run on.
We look forward to catching up with our marathon runners next month.
Happy running and best wishes
Roel