Covid-19 casts shadow on London Marathon plans

For runners training for the London Marathon it is an uncertain time. We caught up with four to find out how their preparations are shaping up and how the threat of Covid-19 is affecting their plans.

How’s training going?

Jo Fleming, Spa Striders: Training is going really well, thanks.

I’m in Week 10 now and I’ve managed most of my sessions without illness of injury so far!

I’m doing one tempo, one speed and one long run a week, plus two cross-training sessions.

I’m up to 18 miles in my long runs and feeling good, so I feel like the training is going in the right direction and I’m in better shape at this point than I have been in previous marathons I’ve trained for.

Laura Pettifer, Kenilworth Runners: I’ve got a bit of a knee injury so it’s not going as well as I’d hoped.

I’m not reaching the weekly mileage that I’d aimed for as needing 1-2 days recovery after each hard run but I’m still managing to get my key speed sessions in and hitting my long run distances so I’m banking on these getting me through!

I ran the Draycote 20 on Sunday with a cautious start but a strong final 10k so that’s given me a big confidence boost that I can do the distance.

Nicki Curwood, Regency Runners: The training is going quite well, thanks. I’m following a plan for the first time and actually managing to stick to it fairly well.

I’m getting a bit fed-up of running in miserable weather and starting to get some pain in my right shin and don’t get me started on my toenails but apart from that, keeping focused on making it to the start line in one piece.

Rachel Miller, Kenilworth Runners: I am following an 18-week advanced plan from Hansons and so far the training is going well, although I’m not going to lie, I am bored as hell.

The only good thing is that the plan doesn’t incorporate the arduous 20-miler.

Have you done London before?

LP: I’ve never done London (or even been to watch) so it’s something I’m really excited to be a part of and I’ve got a Championship place off the back of a sub-90 half marathon so this makes it feel extra special.

I’ve always favoured shorter distances but did my first marathon at Manchester last year.

I set off way too fast and had to run/walk the last five miles but came away with a respectable 3.17 so I’m keen to try to do this one without walking.!

NC: I’ve not done London before but I’m glued to the TV all day watching it from start to finish, getting emotional and wishing it was me!

I’ve done Manchester and Liverpool Rock & Roll Marathons and although I loved the experience, you cannot beat the runner’s high as you cross the finish line!

I wasn’t sure I wanted to do another. As much as I love running and run a few times a week, marathon training is on another level, it’s such a huge commitment.

Your life starts to revolve around the long run, friends and family glaze over and roll their eyes when you’re wanging on about your latest glory run, tough run, disappointing run, bad weather, poor kit, niggles and toe nails ...the list goes on and on.

But once I got the chance of a charity place, supporting LAM Action, I didn’t think twice, I knew I had to do it. It’s the one to do.

RM: London was first ever marathon back in 2014 and my time was 4hr 11min.

I have done a further 15 since even though I said I would never do it again - it’s a bit like child birth.

The highlights were the Medoc and Beer lovers. Who wouldn’t want to run 26 miles and drink at every mile along the way? It makes it less painful and by the end you can’t remember any of it!

JF: Yes, I’ve done London twice before, the first time in 2004 when I ran 4hr 55min and again in 2012 when I ran 3hr 25min.

This year is the first time I have qualified from a championship entry, which I did by running 1:29:32 at the Manchester Half Marathon in October 2019.

I’ve run a few other marathons in the past, Paris Marathon in 2009, San Francisco Marathon in 2013 (where I got my current PB of 3hr 18min) and the Mont St Michel marathon in 2018, which was my first marathon after having my two children.

Are you worried about the potential cancellation of London?

JF: Yes, I am worried about it, though I totally understand if it’s what needs to be done.

When it was first mentioned, I didn’t take it too seriously, but now that I’ve seen how things have progressed in other countries, I do realise it’s likely to be a real possibility.

I know that at the moment, the advice being given is that mass sporting events do not need to be cancelled but London is still quite a few weeks away and so things could change quickly. All we can do is wait and see.

NC: Coronavirus has already put a stop to some high profile marathons and although I’ve been hoping it won’t get cancelled, I’m beginning to think it’s not going to happen.

LP: I’ll be a bit disappointed to miss out on the experience but it’s really not the be all and end all for me personally, though it could be for all the charities that depend on the marathon for vital funds.

I work in the NHS and am a lot more concerned about my vulnerable patients than my running plans, though I’ll not be best pleased if I can’t go on my post-marathon holiday to the Algarve in May!

RM: I think it’s likely that London will get cancelled and although it’s a shame I would be grateful to quit training and do something other than running.

It would be nice not to wake up feeling like an 90-year-oldlady.

Have you got any alternative plans in place?

JF: As my training is going well and I need motivation to get out and do 20 mile runs, I’ve also entered the Southampton Marathon.

It’s also on April 26, so if London is cancelled and Southampton not, I’ll do that one instead.

If they are both cancelled, then I’ll just have to capitalise on my fitness and enter some half-marathons over the summer and hopefully run London next year instead.

LP: My race calendar is already filling up nicely for the months ahead with the Warwickshire Road Race League and several other events lined up.

I’m doing London because it’s London rather than because I feel the need to run a marathon so if it doesn’t happen I’ll just move on to the next thing and get a few hours of my weekends back.

NC: I haven’t got a plan B at the moment.

I’m on a number of forums where many runners are aiming to run the distance anyway on that day, but I’ll decide what to do if and when they cancel.

I’ve got lots of plans post-London that I’m looking forward to – Endure 24, Leamington Half, Kenilworth Half - so I’ll keep up the training anyway.

And, have you got a time in mind for London?

RM: I wanted a sub 3.15 to ensure Championship place for next year. However I have now got a sub-90 for my half-marathon instead, so for me the pressure is off a little bit.

JF: I’d really like to run 3hr15 or quicker.

LP: I’m going to have to see how my knee is and how well the next four races ahead of London go before I dare to answer that!

I’d love to go faster than last time and if all was going to plan I’d say 3.15 but I’ll be realistic based on what happens over the next few weeks...

NC: I keep saying I haven’t got a time in mind, but I’d be happy with 4-4.5hours.

We’ll see what happens on the day, I want to enjoy it and not get too stressed about the time.