One Day I’ll Run a Marathon
“One day I will run a marathon.” – RunningDan (2002)
“Hahahaha! Really? Oh.” – Mrs Dan (1 second later)
That was our conversation back in April 2002, as we pushed our five-month-old son in his buggy, heading to cheer the lead runners at the London Marathon near the Isle of Dogs. To be fair, I can’t blame Mrs Dan for laughing. At that point, I wasn’t exactly a picture of athleticism, running was a concept as foreign as the thought of exercise itself.
Starting the Journey
Fast forward to 2009, and something changed. I began karate training, which eventually led me to try jogging. What started as a weekly plod turned into something more. By the end of the year, I entered my first race and began thinking of myself as a “runner” rather than just a jogger. In 2010, I completed my first half marathon—my first big milestone on the journey.
That year, I also entered the London Marathon ballot for the first time. Rejection. Little did I know, this would become an annual tradition, as the dreaded “Sorry, you’re not in” letter kept arriving every autumn. But I didn’t let it stop me. Instead, I focused on improving my times and running more races. By 2012, fed up with rejection, I took control and signed up for the Brighton Marathon early. That decision led to my first marathon finish: 4 hours and 47 minutes. It wasn’t the time I dreamed of, but it was a start.
From Brighton to Bigger Goals
Determined to improve, I joined my local running club. Those long Sunday runs became easier with a group, and I kept entering races throughout the year. I continued entering the London Marathon ballot (because hope springs eternal) while also seeking other challenges. In 2013, I tackled the Richmond Park Marathon (4:24) and the Abingdon Marathon (4:35). Steady progress, step by step.
By spring 2014, I’d levelled up my training. My efforts paid off with a sub-1:40 half marathon at Reading and my first sub-4-hour marathon at Brighton (3:50). I gave it my all, leaving everything on the course. Later that year, I returned to Richmond Park, enjoying the sunshine and shade-hunting while sharing the experience with my son, who cycled alongside me for parts of the course. It was hot, but it was fun—a reminder of why I love running.
Setbacks and Comebacks
In 2017, my running hit a snag—a misstep on a dodgy path left me with a rolled ankle and a broken metatarsal. Recovery was long, and just as I started rebuilding my fitness, Covid arrived and threw a spanner in the works. Running took a backseat again.
Since then, my running has been more of a gentle plod. parkrun became a weekly ritual, and countryside walks with my furry friend Maple helped me stay active. Sadly, I said goodbye to Maple in 2023 after a short illness. It was a tough time, but now I’m back running with Hana, my lively golden retriever, who keeps me on my toes—literally.
The Road Ahead
This blog is where I share my marathon training highs and lows, reflect on past races, and explore the great outdoors—whether that’s through running or simply soaking up nature. It’s a mix of running stories, random musings, and a celebration of movement in all its forms.
To those still chasing their marathon dreams or just starting their running journey: remember, every step counts. Whether it’s pushing through a tough training session, enjoying the company of a running buddy, or just showing up at parkrun, it’s all part of the adventure.
Here’s to the miles ahead!