29. Taper
I’ve spent the last three weeks focusing on recovery after completing this training block. Each week, I’ve logged around 100km, and while I’ve introduced some higher-intensity runs, I’ve cut back on the longer 30-35km sessions. I felt I’d done enough of those to feel confident about having a marathon in my legs, but pushing through more of them would have started to take a toll—particularly on the mental side of training and recovery.
Mentally, the mid-week long runs were becoming a real grind. While there’s a certain satisfaction in getting a big run done before the world wakes up, I was starting to hit the point where the mental fatigue outweighed the benefits. When waking up and not wanting to run becomes a regular occurrence, it’s a clear sign that it’s time to switch things up. Physically, the weekend long runs were also starting to take a toll. Oddly enough, I struggled more with getting out early in the mornings, which meant I was battling the heat later in the day. And with Coach Matthew keeping me busy in the afternoons, the classic "run-nap" recovery routine just isn’t part of the equation anymore. But that’s okay—it’s all about assessing the situation, adjusting, and restarting.
Despite the challenges, I’m really pleased with how this training block has gone for a few reasons that set me up well for the future.
First of all, wifey and I agreed that I would be given the space to train. This didn’t mean I was free from all parenting duties, but it did mean I’d always have the opportunity to get my runs in, even if the conditions weren’t ideal.
Second, I stuck to a structured routine and kept running most days, regardless of where I was—whether that was Frankfurt, London, or Moar Gut in Austria. In the past, work or vacation travel would have at least disrupted my mental approach to training, but this time I never let it get in the way.
And finally, I now have confidence that this can be done properly again. It doesn’t mean I’m getting 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep or following the perfect nutrition and training plan. But I know that I can commit to an event and respect the distance, without the pressure of chasing a personal best for now. This last point feels like the most important one—especially as wifey and I have already started planning next year’s races. The Pilgrim Challenge, two 50k back-to-back, and the South Downs Way 50-miler are already in the calendar for February and April 2025.
Now, with Berlin just around the corner, I’m entering race week feeling incredibly grateful. I’ve once again proven to myself that when I set my mind to something, I can achieve incredible things. As for the race itself? I’m going to have fun. Back in 2016, when I was unfit and overweight, I never could have imagined standing at the start line of the Berlin Marathon. So I plan to soak it all in and enjoy every moment—hopefully finishing in under 3:30 (😉).
See you in Berlin!
Hyde Park, the setting of my runs during my work visits in London;
The cycling path that goes from Frankfurt to the surrounding villages through fields and scorching heat;
Me in 2016, I shall never forget how far I have come, you did it buddy!
