London Marathon 2026 in 2:55:24; From 3:19 April 2025 to 2:55 April 2026 with the help of a lactate test, a coaching plan and some helpful mind management on the day.
Prior to coming down to the Blizard training group, I had been running largely by myself and socially with mates at uni in Nottingham. I completed the Manchester Marathon (2025) in 3:19 and was over the moon at the time. Following my summer travels, Dave encouraged me to come down to train with the group, which I did for the first time on the 1st October last year. Despite getting absolutely nailed on some 800s during my first session, I loved it and was hooked by training with like-minded, welcoming people. Continuing to come and train week by week, ticking off sessions that just seemed too good to believe gave me a real buzz. After some confidence boosting race results at Gainsborough HM and Doncaster 10k, I started to flirt with 2:XX in London.
At the beginning of January, I had my lactate test. The level of detail and information from Dave was unbelievable and I loved it. I remember getting back in my car and not believing the amount of time that had passed, it flew by! I then opted to take Dave on as my coach off the back of the test and headed into the marathon block. Training had gone well and I was enjoying the process of it. Portugal week was of course a highlight of the block, a fantastic week which I learnt so much from. Being around more experienced runners and the constant drip-feeding of information really helped me. The taper wasn’t so fun. I was constantly in my own head about little niggles / anything else that could hinder success in the capital (apologies to those who put up with any of my moans). Dave especially backed me all the way, and the race plan left me feeling positive. The Friday/Saturday before the race I was super nervous despite “trying not to be” and just enjoying the weekend.
Onto race day, I woke up feeling really excited. It was here! Hearing shouts of “world-record potential conditions” on the TV coverage whilst waiting in the field was encouraging and I just wanted to get going. Gun goes off, “don’t be a hero early on” was going through my head. HR was higher than desirable, and my main wobble came earlier than anticipated. From 5-15k I couldn’t hit the pace we discussed in the race plan without HR going higher than we were going to allow. My head started to go. For those who came to Portugal, “chimp” came out to play and he was laughing. Chimp was definitely 1-0 up and piling on the pressure. I knew what Dave would say and it would be the simple but very effective words of “relax Reuben”. I started to do just that and enjoy the occasion as the crowds just built and built. The support was incredible and just accumulated as the race progressed. I went through halfway in 1:29:26, slower than I wanted in truth but had to be disciplined and not throw my race away. Gels were going down OK and I continued to feel strong and be sensible. 20-mile marker in sight, time to let rip. HR can do cartwheels for all I care now. The race had begun. I didn’t look at my watch again and just ran and overtaking people all around me was a huge confidence boost. Despite really wanting to ease off again around 23 miles I pushed myself right the way round with help from the sheer noise from the crowds. I got over the line in 2:55:24 and ran the second half of the race in 1:25:58. A big negative split (Carley made it look cool in Manchester!). I was over the moon and “mile 6 me” would have not believed it. What an experience! Chimp 1, Me 2.
Special shoutout to Dave for being a brilliant coach and mentor. A massive thank you to the entire training group for the support, guidance and making the entire process so enjoyable. Group training really works! Onto the next…
