SimonRunsLondon

Mid 40's plodder from Cambridge who's about to embark on his first ever marathon.

[simonrunslondon]

Going in #mikkeller #traeblod #imperial #maplesyrup #coffee #shoreditch #london #bethnalgreen #beer #ale #craft #craftbeer (at Mikkeller Bar London) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bx5EPDenckO/?igshid=bfuznwt4lnvt

[simonrunslondon]

So, my first post marathon run and how lovely it is to go running for fun again. Had the pleasure of @skmascall joining me for a gentle 3 miler. Legs and knee felt ok so hopefully I haven’t done any major damage... My vest for the London Marathon turned up today... Bit late, I’ll just pop it in my marathon memory box... In other news I just couldn’t resist putting in for the 2020 ballot... #herewegoagain #vlm #londonmarathon #virginlondonmarathon #virginlondonmarathon2019 #run #running #runfree #garmin #garminvivoactive3 #simonrunslondon #strava #runhappy #marathon #training #mikkellerrunningclub #mikkellerrunning #hsrsc #homestartroyston (at Cambridge, Cambridgeshire) https://www.instagram.com/p/BxAi7oNARYf/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=hc8kl8biocz3

[simonrunslondon]

So, no running for me today... Just a quick transformation Tuesday post. Not promoting physical change but the transformation from an average runner to a marathoner, a six month journey that finished on Sunday when I completed the Virgin London Marathon. Running a marathon isn’t just about putting on a pair of shoes and running for 2/3/4/5/6/7/8 hours, it’s about learning what you body is capable of. It’s about changing your diet, it’s about going to bed early, it’s about planning your runs around holidays, work, family, nights out. Its about making sacrifices, it’s about being selfish, it’s about pushing yourself when you think you can’t go on. It’s about asking your family and friend for support. It’s about getting in an ice cold bath when all you want to do is get under the duvet or eating a bowl of porridge when all you want is a full English. Did I enjoy it? Yes. Would I do it all again? Hell yeah! #vlm #londonmarathon #virginlondonmarathon #virginlondonmarathon2019 #run #running #runfree #garmin #garminvivoactive3 #simonrunslondon #strava #runhappy #marathon #training #marathontraining #mikkellerrunningclub #mikkellerrunning #hsrsc #homestartroyston #marathoner #transformationtuesday (at Cambridge, Cambridgeshire) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bw4CMs1guie/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=16f4i4wmx0lq

[simonrunslondon]

Finally got round to doing my post marathon update. My #virginlondonmarathon race day experience began Saturday, when I travelled down to London the night before. Carbs in Carluccios and then an Uber to the hotel in Whitechapel, where I can’t say I slept like a log..anxiety was kicking in. The bus took me to the start line early, where I had the pleasure of meeting some friendly, interesting fellow runners, to wile the waiting time away. Before I knew it I was in the starting pen and we were off. Started strong and feeling good, which together with the electric atmosphere from London Town contributed to me going off far faster then I intended, or indeed had practiced in my training. Unfortunately this meant that at mile 16 the nagging injury that I’ve managed throughout this whole experience came to a head and caused my knee to pop. I spent the next half a mile contemplating whether I was going to even get to the finish and stopped at The St Johns Ambulance tent for some paracetamol and encouragement. Not gonna lie, the next 10 miles were painful to say the least, but seeing my people (plus a few celebs) at various points along the route made a huge difference to my motivation. The last 3 miles were really tough (I reckon the last km was the longest km ever run) but I was determined to see it through and finish. I’m not disappointed with a time of 4h and 30m, a first time achievement with no real timing goal from the off. Even though immediately after finishing I said ‘never again’ the next day I find myself thinking that the early bird incentive sign up for the Paris marathon 2020 is looking interesting...🤔 Well done to everyone who raced. An amazing experience to be part of and memories to cherish forever. Big thanks to everyone who has sponsored me, it’s not too late if you still want to, link is in my bio..😀 #vlm #londonmarathon #virginlondonmarathon #virginlondonmarathon2019 #run #running #runfree #garmin #garminvivoactive3 #simonrunslondon #strava #runhappy #marathon #training #marathontraining #mikkellerrunningclub #mikkellerrunning #hsrsc #homestartroyston #marathoner #ididit (at London, United Kingdom) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bw2V7DMAD6I/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1ulk5qmvgettu

[simonrunslondon]

No turning back now. Race number and timing chip collected, race photos bought and paid for, dogs diet changed (don’t asked), chocolate purchased (don’t ask) and race number clips sourced... Just the small task of running 26.2 miles left now... #vlm #londonmarathon #virginlondonmarathon #virginlondonmarathon2019 #run #running #runfree #garmin #garminvivoactive3 #simonrunslondon #strava #runhappy #marathon #training #marathontraining #hsrsc #homestartroyston (at ExCeL London) https://www.instagram.com/p/BwsByNFAiU0/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=131h6zru57sd3

[simonrunslondon]

Penultimate Sunday run before the big one..! Today’s easy run was exactly that...easy. After a weekend in Paris, with a minor hiccup (see the picture) resulting in me foregoing my planned interval session, I felt rested and well carb loaded (beer) and ready for it this morning. My legs felt strong, didn’t really get into my stride until mile 8 and then it was pretty much finished. No injuries (or maranoia...yet..) causing any issues, so roll on the 28th. I’m ready for it!! 💪🏻 #vlm #londonmarathon #virginlondonmarathon #virginlondonmarathon2019 #run #running #runfree #garmin #garminvivoactive3 #simonrunslondon #strava #runhappy #marathon #training #marathontraining #readyforit #feelingstrong #paris #eiffeltower #headinjury #stitches #ouchie #hsrsc #homestartroyston (at Cambridge, Cambridgeshire) https://www.instagram.com/p/BwQKCv3Ae7q/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=5h1w66k0dlcb

[simonrunslondon]

Interval run today. Feeling a bit better than yesterday, thankfully!! 10 mins easy, 1 min jog, 1 min recovery X 10 then 10 mins easy. This run went better than yesterday’s, so feeling a bit more on track again. Rest day tomorrow, look out for a new running destination over the weekend..👍🏻 #vlm #londonmarathon #virginlondonmarathon #virginlondonmarathon2019 #run #running #runfree #garmin #garminvivoactive3 #simonrunslondon #strava #runhappy #marathon #training #marathontraining #renewedmotivation #intervalrun #hsrsc #homestartroyston (at Babraham, Cambridgeshire) https://www.instagram.com/p/BwFxEd-ApNH/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1nuajz5zdbluw

[simonrunslondon]

This is the face of a man who is feeling pretty exhausted with all the running training. Psychologically I should be feeling better right, long run under my belt and taper now.. but I’m so tired and struggling to keep myself motivated..😬 in fact so lost for motivation that I missed posting this run yesterday so 2 in one go today...🤦🏻‍♂️ Rest day tomorrow and a business (with a bit of pleasure) trip to Paris over the weekend will hopefully renew my enthusiasm! #parismarathon is happening Sunday so perhaps seeing the set up for that will inspire me..🤞🏻 Look out for the #Eiffeltower selfie...😆 #vlm #londonmarathon #virginlondonmarathon #virginlondonmarathon2019 #run #running #runfree #garmin #garminvivoactive3 #simonrunslondon #strava #runhappy #marathon #training #marathontraining #eiffeltower #businesstrip #weekendaway #Paris #hsrsc #homestartroyston (at Cambridge, Cambridgeshire) https://www.instagram.com/p/BwFv4joAGVJ/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=7tf7gir8y9jg

[simonrunslondon]

Last long run...!! 😳 That’s it, 22 miles under my belt and the taper begins. Really didn’t fancy it this morning, felt tired and cold and like I just wanted to stay in bed. It took me until about mile 12 to really feel like I was into it, but when I got there I felt strong and finished knowing I had miles left in these legs!! 👍🏻 I’d go so far as to say best run yet!! 😊 And now the taper begins, which I’m actually looking forward to. I’m ready for this VLM now... well as ready as I’ll ever be... #bringiton #ivegotthis #vlm #londonmarathon #virginlondonmarathon #virginlondonmarathon2019 #run #running #runfree #garmin #garminvivoactive3 #simonrunslondon #strava #runhappy #marathon #training #marathontraining #tapertime #lastlongrun #hsrsc #homestartroyston (at Little Shelford) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bv93Y2BgCUn/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=17pf3r3vcspso

[simonrunslondon]

Interval run today. Busy day and put the run off and off and off until I knew I had to either go or decide I would skip it. I literally dragged my self out the door for the 5 min jog 50 min pace and 5 min jog again. I surprised myself how easy I actually found it, and in fact I ran faster than I’d anticipated and ended up having to ‘be creative’ with the route!! 😬 Felt good when I got back and realised I’m getting so much stronger. Just as well as last long run on Sunday...22 Miles...gulp! 😳 And then the dreaded taper beings...!! bought some #tigerbalm this week to help my leg. Think it’s making a difference..??!! #vlm #londonmarathon #virginlondonmarathon #virginlondonmarathon2019 #run #running #runfree #garmin #garminvivoactive3 #simonrunslondon #strava #runhappy #marathon #tigerbalm #training #gettingstronger #hsrsc #homestartroyston (at Babraham) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bv4-b1Dg59S/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1237nse42ecvt

[simonrunslondon]

50 min easy. Wasn’t feeling it at all today and really didn’t want to get out there when I got home from work. Tired, cold and unmotivated. But once I was out I plodded through my 50 mins and it wasn’t so bad. Bit of leg pain but manageable. Think the clocks going forward has had more of an affect on me than I realised.... Tomorrow’s another day! #vlm #londonmarathon #virginlondonmarathon #virginlondonmarathon2019 #run #running #runfree #garmin #garminvivoactive3 #simonrunslondon #strava #runhappy #marathon #training #marathontraining #tomorrowsanotherday #tired #unmotivated #soreleg #hsrsc #homestartroyston (at Babraham, Cambridgeshire) https://www.instagram.com/p/BvxR4m2ArVM/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=12dy32roxqrqo

[simonrunslondon]

No running for me today, just rest and eating. March was a fairly productive month, I clocked up a total of 138.5 miles. This time in four weeks I will be a marathoner enjoying a nice cold beer or 6. #nearlythere #readyforit #vlm #londonmarathon #virginlondonmarathon #virginlondonmarathon2019 #run #running #runfree #garmin #garminvivoactive3 #simonrunslondon #strava #runhappy #marathon #training #marathontraining #hsrsc #homestartroyston (at Cambridge, Cambridgeshire) https://www.instagram.com/p/BvrzIQbAaHb/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=12g4p1obmkfe2

[simonrunslondon]

Sunday long run...exercised on Saturday to accommodate a beery afternoon that didn’t end up happening anyway..! Probably a good thing this far into my training tbh. 18 miles this morning, a 3 hour run. 1 hour easy, 1 hour marathon pace and last hour easy. Legs felt ok today and the effort I put into eating the right thing last night paid off. I felt strong for this run with some miles left in the tank at the end, which bodes well. Left leg still playing up a bit, that Achilles pain takes a good few miles to wear in. Might have to find some suitable stretches/strengthening exercises for the last few weeks. But all in all a good run...finally starting to believe I can do this! 👍🏻😊 #vlm #londonmarathon #virginlondonmarathon #virginlondonmarathon2019 #run #running #runfree #garmin #garminvivoactive3 #simonrunslondon #strava #runhappy #marathon #training #marathontraining #gettingstronger #romanroad #hsrsc #homestartroyston (at Cambridgeshire) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bvo6EhBAZ39/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=hxreqbvmxtps

[simonrunslondon]

Cheeky little 3.5 miler this morning. Lovely morning to run, warm and bright. I deviated from my usual route which made a pleasant change. This weeks runs have had a switch up due to a beery day out planned for Saturday afternoon. So, rest tomorrow and long run Saturday. Had a sports massage this morning and my legs feel a lot lighter. Really going to concentrate on my diet and hydration for the rest of today and tomorrow so my long run Saturday feels better than last week...🤞🏻 #vlm #londonmarathon #virginlondonmarathon #virginlondonmarathon2019 #run #running #runfree #garmin #garminvivoactive3 #simonrunslondon #strava #runhappy #marathon #training #marathontraining #bright #morning #hsrsc #homestartroyston (at Whittlesford) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bvjo_gGgON7/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=j05zc7q338t8

[simonrunslondon]

I don’t normally do this sort of post but as I’m not running today I’d thought I would... #transformationtuesday #vlm #londonmarathon #virginlondonmarathon #virginlondonmarathon2019 #run #running #runfree #garmin #garminvivoactive3 #simonrunslondon #strava #runhappy #marathon #training #marathontraining #mikkellerrunningclub #mikkellerrunning #hsrsc #homestartroyston https://www.instagram.com/p/Bvd4DroA1KD/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=okgcn5ggs8cz

[simonrunslondon]

Recovery run one day early...ouchie...😳😬 The coming weekends social events have led to me rearranging my runs this week, so my recovery run happened today, the day after my long run. Oh dear! Won’t be doing that again in a hurry. To say it was hard work is an understatement, and the negative soundtrack took over a bit. I plodded my way through, but definitely wasn’t a run I’m going to remember! Probably a good one for mental strength though..? 🤔 Rest day tomorrow thank goodness!! My legs are not happy with me! #vlm #londonmarathon #virginlondonmarathon #virginlondonmarathon2019 #run #running #runfree #garmin #garminvivoactive3 #simonrunslondon #strava #runhappy #marathon #training #marathontraining #recoveryrun #DOMS #hsrsc #homestartroyston (at Babraham, Cambridgeshire) https://www.instagram.com/p/BvchsBeAN7C/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=og5dj0x1qugu

[simonrunslondon]

Long run Sunday. Headed out today in the glorious sunshine for a 240 min run. Before I’d hit one mile I knew that I hadn’t paid enough attention to my nutrition yesterday...😬 My legs felt heavy and I felt slow and tired - lacking in energy. For the first 5 miles I battled with my negative soundtrack..”not as strong as last week...poor nutrition going to spoil this run..” But once I had ascended mount Gog I managed to turn my thoughts around and my run became much more positive and enjoyable. My energy intake during the run helped, but the biggest thing I need to focus on now is strength in my legs. They felt heavy and tired by mile 10 and at the end of the run I definitely didn’t have another 10 miles in them! Have to hit the gym tomorrow and get that sorted. On a positive note the shoes checked out ok..phew!! #vlm #londonmarathon #virginlondonmarathon #virginlondonmarathon2019 #run #running #runfree #garmin #garminvivoactive3 #simonrunslondon #strava #runhappy #marathon #training #marathontraining #spring #cambridge #betternutrition #saucony #new shoes #sunny #hsrsc #homestartroyston (at Cambridge, Cambridgeshire) https://www.instagram.com/p/BvaJXRRAf0A/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1578uifiq1l5m