London Marathon 2026 3:21. A huge 15 min PB but more importantly she found her confidence again through working with Dave and his holistic coaching methodology.
Back in November last year, I approached Dave for some help with my training. I’d lost confidence in my running, was picking up niggles, and no longer felt confident racing at all. Dave kindly agreed to help, and after a great chat he explained what sounded like a simple process to get me back on track.
Week by week, I ticked off the sessions and runs Dave set, checking in along the way. Slowly but surely, running began to feel a little easier – and more importantly, enjoyable again.
Then the email arrived confirming my GFA place for the London Marathon. A race I’d wanted to do for more than 10 years – finally, my time!
Training continued, fitness improved, and with it, my confidence slowly started to grow. During the block I ran a 5K PB at York parkrun and followed that up with a half marathon PB at Retford – clear signs that things were heading in the right direction.
A lactate test just before London confirmed what we’d hoped: the last few solid months of training had really paid off. I was in a far stronger position than when I’d taken my initial test the previous year, and Dave gave me some excellent, reassuring advice to take into race day.
Reaching the start line of the London Marathon was huge for me. Despite the progress I’d made, race confidence is still something I’m working on, and the nerves were very real. I was more than ready to get going.
The first 5K flew by – probably a little too quickly and downhill, just as Dave had warned! I kept reminding myself of the plan: stay comfortable, don’t push too early, and aim to finish strong.
The crowds in London are like nothing I’ve ever experienced. I had my name printed on my vest and it felt like everyone was shouting it! If you saw me out on the course, chances are you saw me smiling and waving – it genuinely felt like a party out there.
The nutrition plan worked perfectly, albeit a little warmer than anticipated, I managed to keep on top of hydration and even got a bottle of water from Mo Farah on Embankment towards the end!!
The final miles were where the real work began. At Manchester last year, this was the point where I’d been walking. Not this time, my HR was still relatively comfortable and I felt okay. I dug deep, stuck to the plan, and held things together. I’m really pleased with how consistent my splits were this time around!
Crossing the finish line in 3:21, feeling strong and a little emotional was an incredible moment. Running the London Marathon had been a lifelong dream – but to come away with a 15‑minute marathon PB made it even more special.
None of this would have happened without Dave. He truly understands me as a runner, knows what I need from training, and has helped me rebuild the confidence I’d lost.
