Training Plans & Runs | London Marathon

So proud of what you’ve achieved. There were moments I had my doubts in truth. I think partly because of the distance between us and not being able to check up as much as I would like, but you’ve overcome the obstacles put in your way and I really pleased with how you come into the big race. The key and it’s so important is to go off slowly. I want you to run slower than you did in your training run two weeks back. 6:00+ per km would be great, then if you feel good at the end, then pick up the pace. But the likelihood is, even at that speed the legs will tire after 20 miles. So using too much energy running 5:40-5:50 early on could ruin the race. Even 6:15-6:30 for the first 5km would be a smart move, then slowly pick up the pace towards 6:00 as the race unwinds. Imagine this, 10k to go, you still feel strong, and you’re overtaking other runners, with the crowd cheering you on. If you get the pace right that can happen. Very best of luck, you got this Kirsty. A few of us are planning on heading up to watch and potentially meet up so I’ll try and message you to let you know where we are in case you wanted to say hi post race.

Coach Simon

FEEDBACK

10 ENJOYMENT

4 RPE

PACE

What can I say, I loved it. I’ve signed back up for next year. I was worried about the heat so just kept telling myself to hold back and not burn out quick. Having this mindset I ran extremely slow and I’ll be honest I’m now reflecting on if I went too slow. As Monday my legs ached but apart from that I was fine. I went to kick boxing on Wednesday but was cautious on kicking hard. I would have been in the 4 hr mark but I stopped for the toilet twice, one at roughly 15k then the 22/23 mile mark. By getting the gist of things it seems everyone takes Imodium (tmi I know) but the queue for this slowed me down massively. I did not stop running as I was cautious my legs will ache once stopping. The only time did I hit a “wall” was when I was 22 miles my dad said he was at 23, that mile seemed to take the longest in my mind. Apart from that I soaked in the atmosphere and honestly loved it. I’m still on a high now. Just disappointed on my time but the achievement of getting to the finish line was far greater. Thank you so much for all your help and support meant a lot. I kept telling myself throughout the race, if I can cope with my mum passing I can get to this finish line. So

Kirsty Toner

You did amazing. I think you ran a really smart race if I’m honest. The other scenario could have been you went off much faster, ending up hitting the wall, walking a lot, feeling like shit and coming in a few minutes quicker, never wanting to do a marathon again. Instead, here you are, having run the whole way (very few did) and now keen to have another crack. It ultimately depends what you want from your running long term, but having followed your training, I think you have the potential to run a marathon in 4:30 one day. If not quicker. Whether that’s next year or in 5 years time, I think that’s achievable and perhaps now you’ve got this one under your belt, running a faster marathon is the next big goal? I can’t for a second begin to how tough it’s been for you, but what I do know is how strong you’ve been to achieve such an amazing goal, for such a good cause. Hopefully this is just the beginning of you running journey. Fantastic work Kirsty.