28/04/2026
* * * * * LONDON MARATHON 2026 * * * * *
* * * * * * * Diary to my Future Self * * * * * * *
* * * * * * * * * Quote of the day 👇* * * * * * *
* * * "Move your body - Move your mind" * * *
📍 An early start, I woke at 3.30 and got up at 5:00, my usual pre-race routine and headed off at 6:30 a.m. A 45 minute bus ride to the start sitting with another marathon runner on the bus, chatting and relaxed.
📍We arrived with two hours to spare. We sat it out in a field chatting and people watching. I dropped my bag, headed to the toilet and on to my designated wave.
📍 I was next to running Yana from Norway at the beginning. Runners were in high spirits.
📍 My mindset was cautious starting out, to run at a good pace that feels comfortable and see how the body coped with the heat more so in the second half.
📍 Positive thoughts were I had a strong block of training done and I was in a strong body.
📍 Of course doubt crept in with the sun blazing down but my overriding thought was you did a lot of long runs and you're in a strong body.
📍 The route was fabulous, from Cutty Sark, Tower Bridge, Canary Wharf, Big Ben and Buckingham Palace.
📍The support was so warm and genuine ❤️ with plenty of distraction along the route, time went by quickly.
📍 Amazing to see the leaders of the race coming against us at one part, particularly with history being made breaking 2 hours.
📍 I was oblivious to the fact that my tracker didn't work with my family and friends not knowing if I had even started.
📍 One sign said 'move your body - move your mind'. This is a fantastic message. If you're stuck in a negative thought pattern, movement helps to reset the mind, whether on marathon day or in everyday life.
📍 Just coming up to mile 25, the river was on my left looking across at the London Eye, Big Ben was up ahead and wait for it Mo Farah hands me a bottle of water at the water station. I'm still in control so I know I'm not hallucinating 🤣.
📍A turn right with Buckingham Palace behind me, 365 yards to go, the finish line ahead.
📍 The sun was shining, I got my gorgeous medal 🥇 and smiled. I chatted and congratulated a few runners around me. I slowly strolled up to Trafalgar Square and waited for the others.
📍 Amazing to share the day with family and friends who are unbelievably supportive.
Back to the hotel, got ready and out for dinner and drinks.
📍 London was AMAZING. To say this is a stand out day is an understatement.
📍Don't be afraid to put yourself out there and achieve, you could spend years thinking about doing something, maybe you have already. There will be good days and bad days but you will live a very full life.
📍 18th marathon and 4th major ✅.
📍 Running is a brilliant metaphor for life, good days and bad days will come up. I love running because it gives us so much back, health, fitness, community and travel to name just a few positives.
📍 Include STRENGTH TRAINING with your running, easy to fit in with our Home Workouts available at https://pbfitnessireland.ie/book-classes/
