Running on Full

Random thoughts, used to be about running

marathon

Some key pointers for London Marathon runners including getting to the Expo early, getting your name printed on your top, and remember to pace from the start and not get caught up in the hype.

Advice for London Marathon Runners

Sophie–Race Day–

London comes alive on the day of the marathon. And the thought of it, especially if you’re running it, can be daunting. Here’s some advice for London marathon runners. The excitement in the air is palpable. It brings out the best in runners, in the fantastic marshals and volunteers and organisers, and those 10s and 100s of thousands of members of the public that line the route. Bands are playing. Some make a day of it with picnics. Others are drinking wine or beer. It’s a day that brings out the best of everyone. 

Week 1 of London Marathon Training

Sophie–Running, Training Updates–

A few weeks ago I got some great news! With thanks to my running club, and the ballot it holds for those unsuccessful in the public ballot, I have a place in this year’s London Marathon. I’ve been fortunate. This is my third London Marathon, and when I haven’t been running it, I’ve been a marshal. Because of getting a place, I have taken the decision to defer the Guernsey Ultra, a 36 mile mixed terrain race around the island of Guernsey. It’s only three weeks after London. It looks to be a truly superb race in a unique environment […]

London Marathon Ballot

On waiting for the London Marathon Ballot Results

Sophie–Running, Thoughts on Running–

It’s that time of year again. A couple of hundred thousand of us anxiously await the outcomes of the London Marathon Ballot. I’m assuming it’s a ‘SORRY’. I think this might be my 6th year of applying through the ballot. I’ve been fortunate though. I’ve run London twice, getting places via my running club. What happens, happens. And the cool thing is, whether it’s a yes or a no, I still get to be part of it. My club always marshals on the day, so if I can’t run it, then I marshal. Wishing everyone the best of luck!!!   On […]

April Roundup: When training doesn’t go to plan

Sophie–Running, Training Updates–

When training doesn’t go to plan … I’m training for the XNRG Chiltern Challenge, a 50k race in July. This was how I fared last year … I was slow, so very very slow. There was pain, there was sobbing, but I finished. I laugh every time I see this photo. You can read how it went in detail here. I’m doing this race again because I have a point to prove to myself! But over the Easter weekend, about a month ago, I tweaked my back … again. This time is was soft tissue damage in my lower back – […]

Mo Farah third in place at the half way point

The London Marathon: On being a marshal

Sophie–Race Day, Running, Thoughts on Running–

On being a marshal: The 2018 London Marathon was my third time marshaling this race, and the most challenging. But I’m getting ahead of myself… First to say well done to everyone who undertook the race. It was the hottest ever with the running beginning with high humidity and bright sunshine. I know there are many runners who didn’t achieve their time targets, and a few who had to pull out due to issues brought on by the heat. But brilliant work my friends, you’re an inspiration! Second, my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Matt Campbell, a 29 year […]

Fat Girls Guide to marathon running

The Fat Girls’ Guide to Marathon Running By Julie Creffield

Sophie–Books, Running–

Ah, the excitement of marathons. It’s hard not to get caught up. If you’ve ever had that crazy thought ‘I want to run a marathon’ but feel too fat, too old, too unfit, or indeed have naysayers in your life laughing at you for the mere mention of it, the Fat Girls’ Guide to Marathon Running is for you. Or indeed, if you’ve had someone say, ‘You’ll never run a marathon’*, this book is for you. Julie’s book is dedicated to ‘anyone who ever dreamed of running a marathon, and everyone stupid enough to actually do it.’ Yep, it’s hard […]

7 marathons in 7 days

Kasim: 7 Marathons in 7 Days for Grenfell

Sophie–Running, Thoughts on Running–

What do you say to someone who tells you they’re about to run 7 marathons in 7 days to raise funds for Grenfell? To run from Manchester to London? Added to this was the line, ‘I’m not really a runner.’ My thoughts came in rapid fire, from that’s insane yet really amazing to ooh, that’s going to be tough. What I said? ‘That’s amazing,’ and then of course I asked lots of questions, the first of course being why. Why would someone who’s ‘not really a runner’ embark on such an epic journey? I don’t normally write about others writing […]

After a bad run, Snoopy wondering about the meaning of life - where am I going? What am I doing? What is the meaning of life?

Dealing with the Bad Run

Sophie–Running, Thoughts on Running–

Ever had a bad run? I mean a run that really sucks? One of those where you doubt your ability to run even one mile. This was me the other day – 7 miles with heavy legs running slower than I have for a long time.  I wasn’t ill and I’m not injured. This run sent me into the dreaded downward thought spiral. Doubt. Fear. A bit of an existential crisis. Yep, it’s all there. But over the last few years, I’ve learned a lot about how to deal with runs like this and try to switch my headspace from […]

Women Can Marathon

Race Review – Women Can Marathon (Relay)

Sophie–Race Day, Running–

When I heard about the Women Can race, a women only trail marathon (with the option of a relay) to celebrate 50 years since Kathrine Switzer was the first woman to officially complete the Boston Marathon, I was in. This was a real landmark in women’s sport and one to be celebrated. And the location, Devon, with its rolling hills and trails galore to make any trail runner happy.

Nutrition

Nutrition and Fuelling for Marathon Day (Part 2)

Sophie–Thoughts on Running–

In March, I was lucky enough to be invited to an event hosted by Science in Sport (SiS) on nutrition and fuelling for marathon day. The key lessons from that session can be found here. Now the marathon is done, I thought it would be useful to update on how it went. And how it went on the day? I would’ve like a faster time but given a 5k seemed a long way on New Year’s day, I’m happy with the outcome. You can read more here.

postrace blues

Getting over the postrace blues

Sophie–Running, Thoughts on Running–

Ah, the postrace blues. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised. Surely someone must have written a poem or a song about this. Haiku anyone? It’s that feeling you have when you’ve focused all your energy for months on one week, one day, one moment, and then it’s over in a flash. Reality comes back to bite you in the butt. Don’t get me wrong. It was an amazing day and I loved every second of it. I’ve managed clearly to already forget those moments when running my second marathon hurt and I wanted to cry. At least this time I […]

Photo of me waving as I run along in front of Big Ben, alongside St James Park. Turn the corner and the finish line is in sight.

London Marathon Review

Sophie–Race Day, Running–

Here’s my London Marathon review. Since January 1st, it’s all been leading to this – the London Marathon. Months of preparation – of long runs, of runs on tired legs, races with bling, almost daily rolling and core, pilates classes and only a few trips to the physio. Tingles down the spine as it gets closer to the big day. There is something special about running London – with 40,000 people who all have stories to tell, when with a clear line of sight you see thousands ahead of you. It’s the crowds shouting your name, willing you on especially at […]