Autumn race season is almost here, and whether you're doing something completely new or looking to shave seconds off your personal best, now is the perfect time to fine tune your training. To help you get race-day ready, we caught up with Olympic Heptathlete Chari Hawkins, who shares her top tips for maximising your training. Plus, we’re excited to introduce the newly launched Brooks Hyperion Max 2—a shoe designed to make fast feel good.

Q: As an athlete that competes across multiple distances and disciplines, how do you train to ensure you can perform at your best? 

Being a Heptathlete throws a lot at you – hurdles, high jump, shot put, 200m, long jump, javelin, and the 800m. That means my training needs to be versatile to accommodate for each one of the events. However, there is a core part of my training that stays consistent! Drills.

Doing proper warm-up drills are so good for the body, running longevity and overall performance. It doesn’t matter where you are on your running journey, they are the secret weapon in your training arsenal. Drills may seem simple, but they build muscle memory, improve form, and prime your body for efficient movement. Whether you're a seasoned competitor or a first-time runner, incorporating drills into your routine will pay off big time on race day.

Q: How much do you taper for races? What does race week look like for you?

Race week is all about fine-tuning. Yes, I taper down on training volume, focusing on peaking for the race, keeping my body loose and ready to explode. It's a balance between staying sharp and not overdoing it on the track and in the weight room. Physical therapy is also crucial so I can show up on race day ready to go.

Q: How important is it to have a rotation of shoes for training and racing?

Using a variety of shoes has helped me stay healthy and enabled me to be more consistent with my training. Different shoes offer different benefits – some prioritise cushioning, others responsiveness. It helps prevent overuse injuries and keeps my training fresh.

My current go-to is the new Hyperion Max 2. It gives me impact protection and relief on my hips, knees. Shins and feet due to the amazing cushioning and support. Having a quality shoe is so important for any runner - staying healthy is the biggest advantage that you can have. 

As I do seven events being able to pick out a pair of shoes that is suitable for my specific training session, whether it is speed, endurance, jumping or weight training. The rotation of the shoes allow me to get the most out of the workout. 

Q: What is your morning routine for race day?

My goal is to always keep it the same. My focus is on staying consistent with what I do each morning before practice so that the competition feels the same as how I practise. Mornings are all about setting the right tone. Early wake up, at least 3.5 hours before I compete, grab a healthy breakfast packed with protein to fuel my body, and drink plenty of water/electrolytes. 

I get to the competition and warm up with my trainer for about 30 minutes before I hit the track and start getting ready for my first event, the 100M hurdles, roughly 1 hour before race time.

Q: Finally, what’s your one golden mantra you say to yourself when you’re standing on the start line waiting for the gun to go?

Here are a couple:

1. It doesn't have to be perfect to be good. 
2. See - Feel - Trust. (see yourself do it, feel yourself do it, trust yourself to do it!)

Final thoughts

As you prepare for your autumn races, remember that preparation is key to success. With the expert advice from Chari Hawkins and the fast and protective design of the Brooks Hyperion Max 2, you have everything you need to make this race your best yet.

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Training for my first ultra-marathon has been a transformative journey, full of valuable lessons and unexpected joys. From embracing early bedtimes to prioritizing recovery baths, I've learned to balance a demanding schedule with the physical and mental demands of ultra training. If you're considering this incredible challenge, prepare for an adventure that will test and reward you in ways you never imagined. 

You will be tired a lot of the time.

• Training for an ultra puts your body through a lot. Coupled with a demanding job, a 9pm bedtime became non-negotiable for me to be able to perform well.
• Recovery baths with Epsom salts on weekends have been essential, along with yoga sessions after my long runs so I can still (just about) touch my toes.

You will need to change your diet - protein is your friend.

• Following a 90% vegetarian diet, I struggled to get enough protein. Protein shakes have helped me feel fuller for longer and aid recovery. The best (or least bad tasting) ones I've found are from Form and Huel Black Vanilla flavor.
• While I love baked goods, I didn’t want to rely on them post-runs. Greek yogurt with berries and some peanut butter became a handy go-to snack.

You can’t do it all. And that’s OK.

• You’ll miss social events, have to go easy on the booze, and prioritize early bedtimes over watching the latest Netflix craze since you'll need to squeeze in long runs before work.
• I stripped down my daily life to work, exercise, and rest/chill time. After long runs, weekends left me exhausted, so I only arranged a few low-key social events. It’s not forever, and my friends have been really supportive of my goals.
• As your training progresses, your body adapts and it does get easier.

It pays to make your runs more enjoyable:

• Listen to podcasts you love.
• Go on runs with friends, your partner, or a family member.
• End your long weekend runs somewhere great. Gails Dulwich has been a staple and has taken an embarrassing amount of my paycheck every month.
• Make sure you mix it up!

You don’t need to stick rigidly to the training plan.

• Strength training twice a week has been a key component of my regimen.
• I also use a Peloton bike for cross-training.
• In my opinion, my dedication to strength training was one of the key reasons I was OK on race day and I’ve been able to stay injury-free.

Your body will change.

• Your feet, for starters, will suffer (I’ve lost three toenails and counting). I look at them fondly as battle scars (and thankfully, I have a very good local pedicure spot!).
• My legs and core have never been stronger!

Gear I found really helpful:

• A range of trainers, including cushioned ones and good trail shoes.
• A running vest is KEY. I highly recommend the Salomon vest for its options to carry fluids in a camel pack as well as bottles, plus lots of pockets for snacks.
• Good running socks - your feet go through a lot. Treat them well.
• Epsom salts - as mentioned, they became part of my post-long run ritual every weekend.
• Snacks you enjoy and can eat while running - I refused to ‘endure’ taking on that many calories with things I didn’t enjoy eating. This should be something you look forward to on your runs so find fuel that you like to eat!! 
• Running sunglasses - they might be a placebo, but they make me feel like I look the part.

On race day…

(FYI, I did Race to the Kings - a 50km coastal loop and could not recommend it more to anyone trying out an ultra for the first time.)

The saying is so true: If you want to go fast, go alone, but if you want to go far, go together.

Remember to enjoy the experience! 

• Ultras have much less of a time pressure compared to road races I’ve done previously, and for good reason. You are already superhuman for tackling a distance of this magnitude—you don’t need to prove anything else.

Enjoy your surroundings!

• Most ultras are set in epic scenery, and there were several times we just stopped to take in the view, snap a pic, and then crack on!

The community will carry you.

• I absolutely loved how friendly everyone was. People were chatting with one another, the volunteers were incredibly supportive, and while the route wasn’t packed with crowds, the pockets of people cheering us on felt much more personal and truly spurred me on.

For anyone who I’ve convinced to sign up for an ultra, GOOD LUCK!! It’s such an incredible experience and something you will look back on in later years with immense pride.

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As the weather warms, we're seeing more people than ever out running with friends. If our last post about the rise of run clubs  inspired you to round-up your crew and head out for a run, then we have more summer-ready running tips here. Continuing our partnership with Brooks and their new Ghost 16 running shoe – the fail-safe choice for urban explorers – we’ve created the ultimate guide for social city runners. 

Here, with help from Brooks and some of the UK’s biggest run clubs, we share the very best of where to go and what to see, eat and drink en-route. From scenic parks to steep climbs, try these routes in the Ghost 16 to experience the shoe’s perfect comfort for yourself. If you fancy trialling them, why not apply to be one of our testers? 

Explore London with the LDT Run Club

This may be a shameless plug for our own Run Club but hey, if there’s one thing we know best it’s running! Kicking off along the Mall, right next to St James’s Park, best known for being the finishing straight of the London Marathon. Snap a selfie in front of Buckingham Palace before heading north towards Regent’s Park. 

Loop the park, enjoying the super-soft cushioning of your Ghost 16s. This shoe is perfect for warm-weather days – the breathable fabric helps to keep your feet dry and blister-free, a dream combo! Finish up at one of our favourite spots, the Lucky Saint pub, where you can sip on a cold 0% lager and plot your next running adventure. 

Explore Manchester with Snappy Runners

At 5km, this is a perfect short route for a quick jog with friends. You can trust the Ghost 16’s cloud-like cushioning to tick all the boxes for comfort on inner-city runs. The shoe’s super lightweight design is perfect for this route, shared by the Snappy Runners club. 

Head to Ancoats and check out one of the many local coffee shops for a caffeine kick before your run starts! Fan favs include Cafe Cotton and Just Between Friends, but you’re spoilt for choice here. Crew assembled, make a b-line for Mayfield Park and enjoy the wide-open green space, perfect for group running. Lap the park and turn back towards Ancoats, finishing at The Crown & Kettle, an old school pub with a huge beer garden. The perfect spot to while away the rest of your day. 

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Explore Edinburgh with We Run Edinburgh

We’ve traversed the flatter land of London and Manchester; now let’s put the Ghost 16s to work in the hills of Edinburgh. Shared by We Run Edinburgh, this route starts on Princes Street with views of the Edinburgh Castle. From here make your way through Meadow’s Park on the way over to the western entrance of the famous Arthur’s Seat. 

Follow the path down the backside of Arthur’s seat, following the unbroken path that is popular among local runners. As you tackle the hills you can rely on the Ghost 16’s stretchy yet supportive fit that hugs your feet as you climb. Take in the views (and a couple deep breaths) before continuing on your way towards the Portobello Promenade. Breathe in the fresh sea air and finish your route at Civerinos Pizza, for THE best pizza in the city. 

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Explore Bristol with Queens Square Runners

Our final city running route, shared by Queen Square Run Club, loops around Bristol’s harbourside. Meet at Society Cafe by the Queen’s Square and enjoy some specialty coffee alongside homemade cakes. Once you’ve gathered your friends, make your way out on a loop around the harbour. 

This route can serve up some tricky terrains, featuring uneven surfaces like sunken railway lines, adding to the sense of exploration. Thanks to the Ghost 16’s resilient RoadTrack rubber outsole, you can be sure of an extra sturdy grip, leaving you to focus on the waterfront views. Finish with a well-deserved lunch from the Pump House. Their beautiful harbourside patio and seasonal menu is perfect for that post-run refuel.  

Ready to try one of these routes?

Sign up to Brooks’ 5k Strava challenges to get started. Here, you can join routes (or map your own), gain digital medals and share your achievements with friends. Even if you’re running alone, the Strava community supports and celebrates your goals. Plus, you know you can always count on the Brooks’ Ghost 16 shoe to be the perfect plus-one.

We are well into the summer of (epic) sport and for our team here at LDT we are more inspired than ever to bring home a medal of our own. If you are feeling the same as us and find yourself itching to have a race day for yourself we've got you covered with our team's top tips for success, both in the lead up to as well as on race day.

1. Start slow.

‍The saying “it’s a marathon, not a sprint” couldn’t be any more fitting than when it comes to race day itself, particularly for longer events.
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“In a race, everyone will be flying off the starting line, pumped full of adrenaline and excitement – don’t follow that crowd. Start off nice and easy. Know your goal pace and stick to that. You’ll end up overtaking those people later in the race, which will feel much better than them overtaking you”.

2. Prioritise rest.

‍Tick off your tasks well ahead of race day – and then relax. 

“Take it easy the day before the race. At this point you've put in the work training it is not the day to go for a speed session or a long run! Pre event make sure you don't make any crazy plans the day prior this is not the time to go for a 10k hike even if it is one of the rare sunny days in theUK."

3. Carb loading is key.

Have a plan in place for when you’ll start upping your carb intake – and by how much. 

“Increase your carbs earlier in the week. For example, load up on carbs Wednesday to Friday,  then have a normal meal on Saturday to give your stomach a break. Also, the golden rule: nothing new on race day. If you’re feeling tired during the race, don’t be tempted by a gel you’ve never tried before at the gel station. This can cause havoc in your stomach”.

4. Display your name clearly.

‍If people can see your name, they’ll cheer you on. 

“Don’t forget plenty of safety pins to display your number prominently – and make sure your name is easy to see on your front. There’s nothing better than when people you’ve never met before are screaming your name. People love to cheer you on!” 

5. Practice in your gear ahead of race day.

‍You don’t want to be put off by chafing, blisters or any of the unexpected niggles that can come with new gear. Smooth out those creases before race day.

“I always wear the same race day gear now because I know it works for me. A great pair of shorts with side pockets is essential to ensure I have easy access to my nutrition while running. I always bring sunglasses for no-rain days and a visor for rainy days to keep the top of my head cool. Also, put a pair of sliders in your bag to wear after the race! The last thing you want to do is put on tight trainers. Comfort is key. Oh, and a sweater for after because you’ll cool off a lot after the race”. 

6. Make a race day ritual.

Figure out your favourite way to calm the nerves and master the race day mindset. 

“I like to listen to music to get in the zone. I know people who enjoy talking to others before a race, to ground themselves and help them to stay calm. I always focus on the moment I'm in, rather than overthinking the race. You have to trust that your training is banked and you’re capable of what you’re trying to achieve, whether that’s your first event or you’re trying to hit a PB. My favourite mantra is: ‘You can do hard things. Your mind will give up before your body’ – so always tell yourself you are capable”. 

7. Get enough sleep on the event lead-up.

Even if you don’t sleep the night before a race, if you’re generally well-rested, you’ll be in a better place for the day itself. 

“Pre race nerves can make it hard to sleep the night before a race but if you get a couple of good nights’ sleep before, that sleep bank will carry you through. Don’t stress yourself out too much if you have a poor sleep ahead of race day”^.

8. Stay in a positive mentality.

Don’t overthink what you could or should have done differently - trust the process.

“Trust that the training you’ve done has set you up for success and always remember that you can do hard things. It can be easy to get into a negative headspace, but it is important to stay positive and stay in the moment”. 

9. Leave plenty of time on the morning of your event.

‍Rushing can lead to stress, which can affect your positive mindset. Keep things calm by giving yourself ample time. 

“Make sure you know where the bag drop is, in relation to where the start line is, so you can get that taken care of with enough time to warm up and get yourself in the right mindset”. 

10. Agree a communication plan with your supporters.

From how you’ll spot them mid-race to where you’ll meet afterwards, you’ll thank yourselves later for pre-planning this.

“Make sure you don’t miss your support squad by agreeing beforehand where you can expect to see them during a race. Make sure your loved ones have a big obnoxious sign or even a large inflatable balloon to set them apart from the crowd. If you want your crew to support you during the harder bits of the race, get them set up at the right mile for a boost of energy when it matters most”. 

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After a near-death experience with sepsis in 2021, the first endurance event that personal trainer Slav Josephson took on after leaving the ICU, was THE ROC Trilogy. He caught THE ROC bug and has since been encouraging his clients to take part, too. So, why do people of all backgrounds love THE ROC Trilogy so much? What makes it so unique? We caught up with Slav to find out. 

1. It’s inclusive and beginner-friendly

The beauty of THE ROC Trilogy? It’s a challenge like no other, but you don’t have to be an elite athlete to take part. Slav believes it’s the idea of cut-off times that puts people off taking part in endurance events. With THE ROC Trilogy, you needn’t worry about that. “THE ROC is super good with stuff like this”, says Slav. “Even if you don’t make the cut-off time, the team still lets you finish the race. With THE ROC Wales for example, you have a time to meet at a certain point up Snowdon. If you don’t make that time, you can just turn back and finish the race, without running the full distance, you will still get your medal just with a different ribbon. If you want to encourage people to do events like this, that’s a massive part of it, because then they’re not scared about not completing it”. 

2. The breathtaking views

THE ROC Trilogy offers views like no other. During THE ROC Wales, you’ll witness panoramic views from Snowdon. THE ROC England will see you biking past Coniston water. THE ROC Scotland promises tip-top views of Ben Nevis – to name just a few of the highlights. Slav’s favourite one to take part in is ROC Wales. “Wales in particular is just on a different level”, he says. “You start off at the sea on the beach, go through the forest, pass waterfalls and rivers. The 50k distance goes by just like ‘that’ because you’re just like ‘wow, wow, wow’. It’s like the whole world is condensed into one spot”. One thing that’s an absolute must on your packing list: a camera. 

3. It’s a huge confidence boost

Speaking of THE ROC Scotland, Slav says it’s the toughest challenge he’s ever taken on but that the feeling of completing it has boosted his confidence. When he took part, it was during the peak of a bad storm. “People who were supporting me were like ‘we’re getting weather warnings and they’re shutting train stations – but Slav is doing THE ROC!”, he says. “I literally had cramps everywhere but when I crossed that finish line, the feeling was unexplainable. A massive chunk of people never turned up and a big chunk didn’t finish. Being part of those who finished, it makes you realise your strength and you can transfer this into everyday life. When something happens in your life – like my illness – you think ‘if I can do that, I can cope with tasks in everyday life, as well’”, says Slav. If that’s not a good reason to take part, we don’t know what is.

4. The warm welcome

THE ROC Trilogy welcomes you into an inclusive community. “It’s nothing like the other big brands of triathlons where you’re literally just a number”, Slav says. “THE ROC is very family oriented. Everyone knows your name and there’s lots of chat before the race. There’s no egos. If anything needs sorting out, the team will do their best to help. With other brands, if you need help with anything, they will just send you a link to the rules”. As well as the support from THE ROC’s event organisers, Slav notes a great sense of camaraderie amidst his fellow participants. He says: “This guy, Iain, he wins everything. I don’t know how he does it. People who win other events I’ve taken part in, they wouldn’t just stop and chat to you – because they’re winners. Iain [winner of THE ROC] stops and talks, we message on Instagram. That’s the great thing about THE ROC”. 

5. It enhances your training regime

Training for THE ROC Trilogy involves strengthening all areas of your body through swimming, biking and running. This enhances your training regime and reduces your chance of injury in all disciplines. Taking part in an endurance event like THE ROC “will keep you in your training regime”, says Slav. “The fear factor makes you get out there and train, be nervous about it, and makes you feel alive. It’s the mental aspect, too”, he continues, “you finish the event and think ‘oh, maybe I’m better than I think”. 

If Slav’s story has left you feeling inspired, why not sign up? 

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Feeling inspired? 

We thought so! Learn more about THE ROC events below:

THE ROC Wales (11th May 2024)

THE ROC England (7th September 2024)

THE ROC Scotland (5th October 2024)

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To follow Slav and support him in his next endurance triathlon, click here.

Looking for fresh training motivation? Want to make a difference with your running? Signing up for a charity run may just do the trick. Other than raising money for a great cause, there are SO many reasons to get involved. Here, we take a look at why you might like to sign up for a charity run. 

Enjoy extra support

Once you’ve signed up for a charity run, you’ll find you get plenty of support from your chosen charity before, during and after the race. Each charity has its own way of supporting runners but fundraising tips, training plans and branded T-shirts are all pretty common. Some charities even offer post-race massages and parties, or waterproofs and extra kit on the day, to make sure unpredictable weather can’t rain on your parade. 

The fun of fundraising 

The joy of charity running can begin long before the start line. If you plan to go the extra mile with your fundraising, what better time to arrange a social event and help spread the word? Whilst pre-run fundraising events aren’t a requirement, they’re the perfect excuse to get creative, get your friends together and get your sponsorship form filled. 

The roar of the crowd

Most charities have designated cheering points where supporters can give you an extra-loud cheer and shout out your name on the way past. They’ll usually direct your friends and family here, too, so they can get a good view. A roar of cheers from family, friends and other supporters will have you feeling like a superhero for the day. 

Make a positive difference

Lacking motivation? Nothing gets you up and running like making a difference to a cause you care about. When you’re on those last few miles and your energy might be flagging, the thought of running for a charity close to your heart will help spur you on to the finish line. This is your moment to give something back. 

Raise awareness

With lots of spectators and even the chance of media coverage, marathons and other running events are the perfect place to spread the word about your chosen charity. Plus, any fundraising efforts in the lead-up to the event provide a precious opportunity to chat to your sponsors about how your charity makes a difference. 

Raise extra money through Gift Aid

If your sponsors are UK tax payers and fill out a few extra details on your sponsorship form,  the charity you’re running for can claim tax relief, which puts even more money into the charity pot. This is known as Gift Aid and makes a huge difference to your fundraising efforts. 

Reach your goals

Training for a charity run will boost your fitness, help you to set and achieve new personal bests and give you motivation to achieve your goals. On those days when you’d rather snuggle back down under the duvet, having your charity at the heart of your training will give you a good reason to get up and achieve great things. 

Socialise and have fun 

You can always count on a charity event to play host to all sorts of weird and wonderful costumes and of course, plenty of fun. They’re also a great opportunity to network with like-minded people and make friends. The positive atmosphere and sense of camaraderie at these events can be addictive.  

The charity runner’s high

There’s the runner’s high and then there’s the charity runner’s high. Can you imagine completing the race and thinking about how all your hard work will help to change lives? Not much can beat that finish-line feeling after a charity run. 

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Think of us as your active-lifestyle agony aunt. From gear recommendations to running hacks, we’ll answer all your event-related questions. Our favourites will feature across our social pages and in these newsletters.

To get your questions answered, either DM us at @letsdothis_ or email in at askusanything@letsdothis.com.

The best ones we’ll share here on our blog, in our newsletters and across social media to help others in our community. 

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To view the latest questions and answers from our community, click here.

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‍A few things to bear in mind:

• While we will endeavour to get back to as many questions as possible, we sadly can’t commit to answering every question submitted.
• By submitting the question you give us permission to publish your question alongside your first name + city.. If you would prefer for us to anonymise your question please let us know.
• As none of us are trained physios or medics, we can’t offer any advice relating to injury (preventing or rehab) and/or health
• The responses and recommendations shared are on behalf of our team members who are passionate participants in the various sports we offer on the platform - they don’t necessarily reflect the views of Let’s Do This.
• We are not paid for any of the recommendations we provide
• Let’s Do This are not responsible for any action(s) taken in light of the answers received.
• We reserve the right to block / remove comment and posts that are not in keeping with the tone of our channel and that we or others may find offensive
• Please limit your questions to only running / cycling / triathlon events, equipment or training- related questions. As much as we want to be there for you, we’re not qualified to answer questions beyond this scope

You don’t need to be a fast runner to work at Let’s Do This, but that doesn’t stop Let’s Do This data scientist, Simon Wright, from running sub 3 hour marathons in his spare time.

A 2:53:20 marathoner, triathlete and enthusiastic orienteer-er, Simon added yet another string to his bow this month when he paced the 2022 London Marathon.

Read on to hear from Simon himself about his experience as a London Marathon pacer – and how you could get involved too!

Becoming a London Marathon pacer

I like running. But I love maths*. So maybe it’s unsurprising that I found myself drawn to the prospect of pacing for races. 

I first got involved in pacing very informally last year, pacing a couple of my colleagues to 10k PBs. After that, I decided to give it a go officially this year at the London Landmarks Half Marathon, managing to soak up the atmosphere while leading around a hardy band of 20 runners to a 1:45 finish. And what better place to look to replicate that feeling than at the London Marathon?

In June, I found out that I’d been selected to pace the race at 3:15, the top end of my three suggested times, which would be a challenge!

So, what is pacing?

The premise is very simple: it’s very common for runners to get very excited on the day of a big race and fly off the line.

Wouldn’t it be great not to have to worry about a burst of adrenaline threatening your race from the off? That’s where pacers come in, to run a consistent pace for the whole race to give you one less thing to worry about.

Preparing to pace

In the run-up to the race, I tuned up with some practice pacing at Wimbledon Common parkrun (mostly successfully!) and then again at The Big Half, getting some experience pacing in a crowded atmosphere.

The most important thing is to make sure you hit the splits. Not going faster than the splits, not “banking time” in case things go wrong, but running at almost exactly the target split the whole time. I did a lot of 6-8 mile runs at this target pace to try and lock in that feeling, so it would be natural on race day.

Race day

Race morning was a 5:30am start. Despite the fact that I had to be at the start earlier than most, there were still plenty of other nervous-looking runners eating breakfast on the train to Blackheath. I went for two bagels with peanut butter and a banana, which is nothing new for me on race day, just slightly more than normal!

By 8am all 76 pacers were congregated in a function room in a hotel to talk through the final bits of logistics. We’d been told to be quiet on the way there as people in the hotel might be asleep, but I think the steel drummer at the front door had already taken care of that! All that was left to do was pick up our flags and our lifelines: the pacing bands (a piece of paper with the split time at every mile) and a 5k board to wear round our wrist to check our progress. Even my maths gets a bit suspect when tired at mile 24!

It wasn’t until I walked to the start that I appreciated the vastness of the event. Over 40,000 people from all over the world at the start line, all nervously waiting to take on the same 26.2 mile challenge, hoping that the forecast wind and rain wouldn’t materialise. After a paradoxically short wait that felt like forever in the pen finding a small crew who were in for 3:15, we were off. 

Ready, set, pace!

Strangely, the first couple of miles are a couple of the hardest when pacing – it’s very easy to get swept along with the adrenaline of the masses!

This is particularly true in London as there’s a decent downhill section in the first three miles, so you can get well ahead of schedule. There were no issues this time, getting into the habit of checking the watch at the mile board – 11 seconds ahead at 4 miles, perfect.

The first half of the race was spent chatting to the runners who were following us, most of them raising money for various charities, ticking off the miles and soaking in the atmosphere around Greenwich, Rotherhithe, and the crowd on Tower Bridge. 

After we came through half-way 35 seconds up–just as planned–we saw the elite men come the other direction. You can’t help but feel a surge of energy from how quickly they’re still going, 22 miles in! 

Sadly over the next 8 miles, most of our original pace group dropped off one by one, still running fantastic times but not quite able to hold the pace. It’s one of the hardest things about pacing, you have to keep going exactly on schedule, and can’t adjust to help people who you’ve been running with for the past 2 hours.

The last 5 miles of the London Marathon are spectacular. I was lucky enough to run the Boston Marathon earlier this year, and the crowds at London may have been even bigger and louder than there. It seemed there was constant noise from Tower Hill, down the Embankment and carrying everyone the whole way to the finish line. 

Personally it was quite nice to have worked hard but not feel on the absolute limit in the last few miles, soaking it all in as I picked up a few runners who had faded a bit in the middle but were finishing strong.

I crossed the line in 3 hours, 14 minutes and 37 seconds. 

It’s always a relief to stop the watch on the line and realise you’ve managed to pace the race well. Afterwards I managed to catch up with a couple of the runners who had been in the group for the first couple of hours who had still managed to run big Personal Bests – this is why we pace!

How to get into pacing

I’d highly recommend pacing as a totally unique way to experience events. 

It’s not quite as tiring (at least not physically) as racing and often you get even more of the atmosphere – mainly because you’re so identifiable and the crowd love cheering for the pacer! It’s also a great way to meet and speak to lots of interesting runners.

Pacing is for everyone – at London there were pacers for finish times from 3 hours through to 7 hours 30 minutes. Provided you can keep going at the pace and you’re friendly and encouraging to everyone around you, you can be involved! 

If you are interested,  there are sites you can volunteer with that provide pacers for races across the country. Alternatively, Google events you're interested in racing and see if they have pacer opportunities.

As for me, I’m hoping to race the 2023 London Marathon, but I’m already considering my 2024 pace application!

*Maths skills are not required to pace!

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If all that pacing chat got you excited about taking on a big city race for yourself, check out our full list of marathons, and start training for your own incredible race day experience.

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Plateau and boredom are things all runners deal with at some point in training.

When you find yourself starting to dread that weekly long run or getting frustrated by the familiar numbers on your watch, shaking up your training is the best way to turn things around.

That might be running with a friend, straying from your usual route, experimenting with different terrain…or doing all of those things at once with an obstacle event! 

The last few years have seen obstacle races grow massively in popularity. Why? They’re fun, a full-body challenge and the perfect way to fall back in love with running. 

Check out a few of our favourite UK obstacle events coming up soon!

1. Spartan London South East Trifecta Weekend and European Championships 

Spartan is where trail running meets obstacle course racing. With whole lot of mud and a fire jump to finish Spartan is a race like no other. 

The ultimate test in strength and endurance, they pull out all the stops to put even the most seasoned athletes through their paces. With race options that range from kids courses and 5ks all the way up to a 50k ultra, the Spartan London South East Trifecta has something for every age and ability. 

• Why we love it: Beautiful cross country course and a range of challenging obstacles.
• When: Sat, 8 Oct 2022 - Sun, 9 Oct 2022
• Where: Nutley, United Kingdom

Book Spartan

2. Inflatable 5k - St Albans (Hertfordshire)

Embrace your inner child on the world’s largest inflatable course - it’s not built for PBs, but it is built for fun. Get your mates together, select your distance (2.5k, 5k, 10k, 15k), and bounce your way through 30+ gigantic obstacles.

• Why we love it: Good fun and great tunes!
• When: Sat, 3 Sept 2022
• Where: St Albans, United Kingdom

Book Inflatable 5k

3. Grim Challenge

Go offroad with the Grim Challenge. This muddy event will have you slipping and sliding under and over a variety of fun, fairly easy natural obstacles. A crowd favourite, this event always pulls a good number of participants and promises a lively atmosphere. 

• Why we love it: Energetic, inclusive atmosphere. 
• When: Sun, 4 Dec 2022
• Where: Aldershot, United Kingdom

Book Grim Challenge

4. Endeavour Swanbourne 

There’s nothing like a bit of teamwork to reinspire your love of sport and that’s what Endeavour Swanbourne is all about. Set in the wilds of Buckinghamshire, you’ll tackle streams, haystacks, barbed wire, fire and lots of mud. 

• Why we love it: Gorgeous rural location and options for competitive racing. 
• When: Sun, 23 Oct 2022
• Where: Swanbourne, United Kingdom

Book Endeavour Swanbourne

5. Tough Mudder - North West

Add a little adventure to your weekly 5k with this obstacle course classic. Tough Mudder events are teamwork inspired, fast-paced and challenging –- perfect for getting yourself out of a rut. And the best part? You can celebrate your efforts with a hard-earned refreshment at the finish line.  

• Why we love it: Great for team building.  
• When: Sat, 10 Sept 2022 - Sun, 11 Sept 2022
• Where: Cheshire, United Kingdom

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