London Marathon update-it’s time to play the long game……

by Philip Potter

As the countdown to the race starts to build, the nerves start to kick in and you start to remember that 42 kilometres is actually quite a long way. The last time you did it you remember telling yourself it’s not pain its in your head. Don’t be fooled by all that rubbish, it is definitely  pain.

After a really strong Fleet Half Marathon in March, I was pleased to see training going well and felt really strong, probably stronger than when I did the London Marathon in 2021. This was because I now have a much better structure to my training.

And then it happened!

Despite all the training and hard work, I remember thinking (about 10 days after Fleet)  that my foot didn’t feel right. I noticed it going upstairs and that evening dived into a bit of running yoga with Adrienne. Other brilliant running yoga videos are also available.

But the pain didn’t go and at this point it was more of a dull ache. I went for a Thai massage (not the dodgy type) and actually this was awesome. Contorted in all directions by this Thai lady that was easily one third my height but three times stronger. I felt really good afterwards but mostly because she had pummelled the rest of my body as well.

The next day the dull ache was still there. Now I was worried. It was five weeks till London!

So off to the Physio I went, and that’s when she found it. Why do Physios smile when they find that little point that puts you in so much pain you are climbing the walls? I had extensor tendonitis. This is an inflammation of the extensor tendons which are located on the top of the foot and help lift the toes.

So I carried on running a bit hoping it would get better, but I don’t get out of bed for less than 5k. So when I got to around 7 or 8 kilometres I would be running with constant pain.

I had trained so hard ever since the 20th December when Owen pulled my name out of the hat for the club pace. Whilst it took me 4 weeks to admit I had to defer my London place, this was as painful a decision as the injury itself.

I have had DNFs before (did not finish), but never a DNS (did not start). But the heart wrenching reality was starting to sink in. Yes it is a sport which prides itself on perseverance and courage, but don’t be a fool. There is a fine line between pushing through discomfort and risking long term damage.

Gutted doesn’t go near describing how disappointed I am. Walking back the 5 KMs on my last run (that took an hour) reduced me to a few tears as I had been truly ‘pumped up’ about doing what is arguably the best race in the world. Running London with the amazing support and 60,000 other athletes is one of life’s great experiences and the crowd literally carries you for the final 41kms.

I am at peace with my decision to defer now and whilst disappointed, I know that running on an injury can cause long term damage and that deferment must come over pride.

Do the right thing. There is no shame in DNS or DNF, and in 12 months time all will be forgotten. Play the long game.

So the good (and final news) is that you have another 53 weeks of my marathon blogs!

I would like to say a big thank you to all the club members for their support and also understanding. Bring on April 2026!