London Marathon 2025

They sure are & I just got one 😐️ Can't exactly say I'm surprised of course.

Happy annual rejection day to all those that celebrate.

Still nothing for me. I guess giving me the false sense of hope of sending all the pfo first 😄

And now I know I'm not in.

Got a place in the UK ballot and bought the ticket just now. Interestingly it allowed me to enter my Dublin address even though it’s a UK ballot place. Anyone know what the deal is here? Better off putting a friends UK address on there instead?

And also with you.

Trying to ponder, if I ever somehow manage a GFA, how I can submit that time via my sister who lives in the UK. AKA what is the flimsiest bill I can sign up for that would be accepted as proof of residence…

Yeah I'm thinking something along those lines… Anyway, I'm far off a GFA for now unless I get down to optimal racing weight, which would require giving up beer and chocolate. Priorities…

if you're reconsidering i'd be happy to take it instead please :)

I agree, you have plenty of time. If you can gradually increase your longer runs at the weekend and don't worry about times you'll be fine.

I signed up in the end! Worst case I can defer. :)

I have increased my runs on one day of the week so far, just completing 17km this morning. The only thing I find is that while the cardio side of things is ok, after around 12-14km its my hips and legs that are the issue. I start to sort of become almost a running statue with the odd bit of what seems to be almost nervy pain at upper hip or lower back. I presume this is all fairly standard..

There is this Runna app that the marathon suggested and your above suggestions for actually following a plan. I must do something like that soon.

While I agree with everything Murph_D said, I'm going to try to phrase it a little more positively :)

Congrats on getting into London Marathon. You're extremely lucky, and in a position most runners would kill for.

Now, you basically have 8 months to prepare. That is loads of time. In fact, too much time in my opinion. I wouldn't even be thinking about the marathon yet. If I were in your shoes, I would take a month off running completely now, and let any niggles/pains subside.

Once you feel good, start slow and low. Do very easy 5kms a few times a week, and build up gradually, with the aim of being able to run a slow, comfortable 8km, pain free by Halloween. Maybe target 20 - 25km a week for the first few weeks

From there, you need to start getting structure to your training. Embrace the slow runs.

You should really have three types of runs each week. Slow Runs - 2 or 3 a week. Speed Runs - 1 a week. Long runs - 1 a week.

There is tonnes of information out there. Runna is just one option. Hal Higdon is another. Join a running club is another.

Me personally, when I ran my first proper marathon. I digested the official marathon training plan from the Chicago marathon, and applied it to myself.

It's great that you have the ability to defer, but that should be the furthest thing from your mind right now.

Marathon training is very difficult, both mentally and physically. You'll face doubts and pains throughout. Just know everyone goes through them

As we would say you can bluff a half but you can’t bluff a marathon.

Straight from the church to airport for a weekend in London sounds a great communion

Id almost say your are an the enviable position by deferring.

You know that you will have a spot on the start line of the 2027 race.

You have time to save for your trip and you can get in and book a hotel wherever you want nice and early. Way ahead of everyone else who is waiting to see if they get in on the ballot/charity etc.