15/09/2026
Peak of training! 🏃🏻♂️🔥
Finally, after almost half a year of training, I’ve reached the peak of my marathon programme! I still can’t believe I was scheduled not only for a 34km long run at the height of my training, but also with a significant portion at my target race pace. Just thinking about how far I had to run already felt daunting, especially with the minor injuries I’ve been dealing with over the past few weeks.
So, in the couple of weeks leading up to this session, I made sure to stay consistent with my strengthening programme, prioritise rest and sleep, and give my body enough time to settle and recover whilst preparing myself mentally for the challenge.
The session was split into two segments: 16km at conversational pace, followed by 18km at my newly updated race pace of 4:45/km. I also attempted to practise my race-day strategy by starting slightly faster than target pace for the first few minutes — something I managed to achieve successfully.
But this was far from a straightforward session.
For the first time in this entire training programme, I had to deal with rain during a long run and was already partially soaked within the opening kilometres. Then came the equally hilly Shotover Country Park and Wheatley, with a total elevation gain of around 326m, just as I transitioned from conversational running into race pace.
The hills have certainly helped improve my breathing, strength and overall performance in recent races, but this time, they seemed to take their toll. They slowed me down and left me feeling tired much earlier than expected. My Adidas Adios Pro 4 also didn’t feel quite as bouncy or responsive as it once did, having already seen plenty of mileage in training. I’ve recently invested in another pair of race shoes, but with the rain and muddy conditions, I wasn’t quite ready to christen them on this run.
The longer-than-usual gap since my previous long run probably didn’t help either. And after deliberately skipping my speed sessions for the past three weeks to allow my injuries to recover, maintaining race pace towards the end became increasingly difficult.
There were several pauses and stops, particularly in the latter stages, but I’m incredibly glad I got through it injury-free and still managed to complete the session.
And the numbers weren’t too bad either. Six PRs, including my fastest-ever 30K and a second new Half Marathon PB of 1:51, hopefully showing that I’m heading into the final four weeks with some serious marathon readiness. I averaged 5:28/km — around a minute faster than my average pace in my first full marathon — whilst my heart rate stayed elevated at an average of 163 bpm, peaking at 183 bpm, reflecting just how hard I was working, particularly through the tempo and threshold zones.
I wasn’t able to fully simulate my race-day morning routine either. Instead of waking up early, I allowed myself a lie-in to catch up on sleep and even squeezed in a big nap before heading out. And honestly, I think my body really needed it.
So, five months in, this was quite a way to peak the entire training programme. 🙌🏻
I wish reaching the peak meant the distances would finally start getting shorter… but apparently, another 31km is waiting for me next! 😅
Still, with a relatively flat race course, a brand-new super shoe for race day, well-rested and properly tapered legs, and all the preparation and race-day plans I’ve been working towards, I’m hoping everything comes together on the big day.
Four weeks to go. The goal now is simple: arrive healthy, run smart, give it my best — and hopefully enjoy every kilometre of it. 🏃🏻♂️💪🏻
Apple Strava runna adidas ANDOTSPORTS
