There is only one month left until the 2024 London Marathon.

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There is only one month left until the 2024 TCS London Marathon takes place on the streets of the city.

Over 500,000 individuals are scheduled to participate in the event on April 21, along a route that includes popular spots like Tower Bridge, Cutty Sark, and Buckingham Palace.

Runners have been training for a while now, but it is now crucial to finish their last long runs well ahead of the marathon day.

How are the sports writers from The Independent managing the stress of training with the final countdown approaching?

Jack Rathborn, the sports editor, has had successful training. A crucial factor for him has been making an effort to go out for a run six days a week. By doing this, the distance and time spent running typically take care of itself. He has been able to reach almost 50 miles per week in the hope of achieving his goal of completing a marathon in under three hours.

If I am unable to complete one or two runs due to life circumstances, I prioritize the long-term goal and strive to complete a 90+ minute run once a week to improve my strength.

Thankfully, not much has gone wrong so far.

Kieran Jackson, a sports journalist, experienced highs and lows while preparing for his first marathon. He had a successful end to the previous year and start to the new year with his training. Secretly, he found himself enjoying the slow but steady progress in his tempo runs along the Thames Path.

However, I experienced intense foot discomfort, which I self-diagnosed as plantar fasciitis, causing my progress to slow down for several weeks. As a result, I took a break to allow it to heal.

Fortunately, the previous month has been successful. Investing in a pair of new running sneakers has helped me get back on course. I have completed a total of five half-marathons in the past four weeks, with my longest run being 18.5 miles (30km). The key change has been shifting my perspective from striving for speed to maintaining a comfortable pace while running.

Jamie Braidwood, a sports reporter, shared that their training was going smoothly. They had about seven weeks left and were meeting their mileage goals comfortably. They also felt good during their long tempo runs. Unfortunately, they experienced a setback when they injured their ankle while hopping down a step in Greenwich Park.

Regrettably, I had to take a three-week break and readjust my objectives for the marathon.

JR: Mostly marathon-paced efforts during longer runs on tired legs and extending those efforts from one mile up to four miles, culminating in a key session of four sets of four miles with one mile recovery.

In addition, I am focusing on staying hydrated and properly fueling during my long runs, training sessions, and final practice races (a half-marathon, a 16-mile run, and a 20-mile run). Due to experiencing hamstring cramps in my last two marathons, I have undergone a sweat test with Precision Fuel & Hydration to determine my sodium loss per liter of sweat (1146mg).

I now have an improved understanding of how to substitute that (using electrolyte capsules) and the amount of regular and caffeine gels required for race day.

KJ: My top focus is completing the long runs, with only three remaining on my training schedule and the furthest one being about 22 miles (35km). With some consistent runs and football practice mixed in, I hope to be in good shape.

In addition to my running, I still need to adjust to the energy gels that I recently incorporated into my routine. I must determine when to consume them and the appropriate quantity needed.

JB: Returning to my running routine and focusing on staying injury-free before the race. I have accepted the injury and my current goal is to fully enjoy the day.

It is a pleasant feeling to not have any pressure.

As noted, the Precision Fuel & Hydration range has been effective in maintaining performance and improving recovery, especially when using the electrolyte tablets immediately after a challenging run.

While carbon-plated shoes offer significant benefits during running workouts and races, I prefer to use a well-cushioned pair of shoes, like the Asics Gel Nimbus 26, for my easy runs to help them feel more comfortable and efficient.

KJ: Two things have made a real difference in the last few weeks. My ultra-light running shoes – Saucony Ride 17s – have been a gamechanger from trainers previously three years old. The only regret is not getting hold of them sooner.

There have been instances of running together with friends. Engaging in good old conversations helps the time pass by faster and, quite frankly, makes it all more tolerable.

JB: Waking up early, the sensation of new running sneakers, gummy candies, the transition from winter to spring, and enjoying the outdoors.

Source: independent.co.uk