Beholding the London Marathon broadcast on BBC verges on the intoxicating. For extended hours, it’s hard to look away from the vibrant, ever-smiling crowd of athletes bobbing along the city streets. If you tuned in on Sunday, I’m certain you also found yourself moved to tears as participants imparted deeply personal tales of happiness and despair, courage and grit.
The hustle and bustle begins in East London and I wait anxiously, eager to hear the runners’ aspirations for the forthcoming day. Two decades ago, I was a novice marathoner in those very fields and the anticipation, thrill, and trepidation rush back so vividly. Oh, how I wish to be among them, rather than lounging on my settee.
A marathon extends beyond a single day’s event.
Each year, I find myself spellbound by this reoccurring daydream. The festive surroundings and the intoxicating spirits of these metropolitan marathons are impossible to resist. Each jubilant runner waving towards the camera stirs a pang of envy within me, but I am fully aware of the countless months, and sometimes even years, of relentless toil and commitment required to prepare for a marathon. Seeing a marathon on the telly might spark a desire to participate in one, so it’s crucial to be rational when deciding if this is the right moment for you.
Training for a marathon is something I would whole-heartedly suggest to anyone, provided they are equipped with the essential preparations and have the resources, enthusiasm and respect for the forthcoming training. It’s indeed an awe-inspiring adventure, but it’s often the marathon day that is the least daunting aspect of the entire journey.
The behind-the-scenes efforts often demand much more from runners than the actual race day.
Life is unpredictable.
It’s remarkable how many London Marathon runners fundraise for charitable causes. BBC reporters probing along the marathon route often pose the question, “For whom are you running today?” My emotions run high as I listen intently to the draconian runners unfold their intimate reasons for channeling their energies into raising funds, in the hopes of assisting those less privileged than themselves.
The motivations of charity runners encompass more than just attaining personal records. The duty of fulfilling their commitment to those who have sponsored them adds an extra layer of encouragement to cross the finishing line. Every race day brings with it an unpredictability, irrespective of the preparation, causing even the most conditioned athletes to sometimes falter. Recognising the fact that many individuals will never have the opportunity to participate in any kind of race, whether a 5k or more, acts as a potent motivator to step outside and hit the track. It’s crucial to take advantage of our ability to move, given life’s unpredictable nature.
Maintaining a positive attitude in the final stretches, despite exhaustion and the cheering crowd, can be challenging. Observing the run, there is a noticeable shift in runners’ body language compared to the initial surge of enthusiasm. Although some manage to maintain consistency, many suffer a dip in their gaze, rhythm and posture. Unbeknownst to them, this stance is making the task harder for their bodies. As a running coach, I frequently feel the urge to advise them to stay upright and look ahead. The more a body leans, the more strenuous the effort to propel forward. As fatigue begins to hit, remembering simple tactic tips can help pull us out of the slump. This is not restricted to a marathon scenario – many would benefit, even in the last kilometer of a casual Saturday morning parkrun.
The time it takes to cross the finish line does not encapsulate the entirety of a runner’s journey. While some concentrate solely on reaching the finish line in a set time, others participate to enjoy the experience. There is no universal way to mark success in a marathon, provided the set goal was achievable. Two runners may have disparate reactions to the same performance, with one finding it exceptional whilst the other considers it a letdown. Two comrades could cross the finish line simultaneously, after divergent experiences on the course and in training. The first may mourn being a half a minute slower than a previous race, whilst the latter celebrates completing the race unscathed.
Avoid making assumptions about a runner’s satisfaction based purely on their race time. Not all participants are concerned about their running time; some runners are happy just to finish, regardless of their rank. Indeed, a participant ending in the top 100 might be less pleased than another one who ends up as one of the latter 100.
An overwhelming task can be taken on by breaking it down into manageable pieces. Seeing the iconic Big Ben in the final stages creates different reactions among the marathoners. Some, nearing the end, loosen up, savouring the atmosphere and the cheering folks around. Others give it their last ounce of energy for an impressive finish time.
Surprisingly, towards the end of my marathon run, I wished it wasn’t ending so quickly. Engulfed in the collective energy of the crowd and feeling in high spirits, I was hesitant to let go. I’d never imagined completing a marathon a year ago, but simplifying the journey into smaller parts made it possible.
When guiding other runners, I strongly encourage celebrating every little achievement as they progress towards their ultimate racing goal. Focusing only on the grand event can overshadow the effort made in the journey towards it. It is important to value how far our bodies have journeyed to make race day possible.
Set a deadline for your aspiration, it might not be to participate in a marathon. However, there could be other seemingly overwhelming goals. Start with the initial phase; reaching that milestone will open another door. Seeing the marathon on your TV screen reminds you that setting a time frame for your aspiration gives it direction.
Setting a deadline will prompt you to follow your plan step-by-step, which in turn sets your grand adventure in motion.
Mary Jennings, founder of ForgetTheGym.ie and a seasoned running coach extends an advanced eight-week programme for those aspiring to achieve the 10km mark. Her Dublin Marathon Coaching programme for 2024 is now open for reservations. Six steps identified to progress to the 10km milestone can be referred for guidance.