Week 6 of my marathon training introduced a new challenge—tackling hills, specifically Highgate Hill. This marked a shift in the long runs as I began incorporating tougher terrain to prepare for the elevation on the Brighton marathon course. The steady progression in both the distance and difficulty was starting to test me physically and mentally.

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Sunday – 10K Progression Run: The week started with a solid 10K progression run. I focused on gradually increasing the pace throughout, working hard to control my speed as I got deeper into the run. It felt great to push through and end strong, reminding me how much my fitness has improved over these past weeks.

Monday – Recovery Run (5K): Rather than playing badminton on Monday, as I had in previous weeks, I decided to prioritize rest. Giving up badminton, something I really enjoy, wasn’t easy, but I had to put my running goals first. Resting my knee was key to ensuring I stayed on track with the bigger marathon objective. I went for a recovery run later that day, keeping a steady 6:00 min/km pace. Jen has emphasized the importance of pacing these recovery runs, and I focused on keeping it slow and controlled to help my body recover after the weekend.

Tuesday – Strength Training: Tuesday was all about strength training, focusing on core exercises and weight work. This continues to be a vital part of my routine, especially for maintaining knee stability. I felt strong and capable during the workout, completing the session in just over an hour. The consistent strength training is really paying off, helping to keep my knee in check while building overall endurance.

The long run on Friday was the highlight of the week. Clocking in at 22.73K with an elevation gain of 189m, this run included the first real challenge of Highgate Hill. Mentally, it was daunting knowing this would be part of longer future routes, but the steady climb was a great confidence booster. I took a gel at 10K and another at 16K, which worked well to maintain my energy levels. I felt good throughout, even commenting afterward, “Felt good, was over before I knew it, must be enjoying it.”

Jen’s feedback this week was positive. She highlighted my consistency, especially in how I’ve been pacing both the recovery and long runs. “It sounds like it’s really coming together now, and your hard work is really paying off,” she said, which was encouraging. She also noted how well the gel strategy is working for me, especially with my current pace and distance.

Reflecting on the week, I feel the sacrifices and adjustments I’ve made are paying off. The focus is now on pushing through these tougher challenges, knowing that each step is bringing me closer to the marathon finish line. How do you handle giving up things you enjoy for your training? Do you find it hard to stay focused on your goals?

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Weekly Totals:

• Total Distance: 37.83 km
• Total Time: 5:02:09

This week highlighted the sacrifices that come with marathon training. Giving up activities like badminton that I truly enjoy was tough, but staying focused on the bigger picture—the marathon—is what keeps me going. The steady improvements, both in pacing and endurance, are showing me that the hard work is worth it.

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What sacrifices have you had to make to achieve your fitness goals? How do you balance the things you love with the goals you’re working toward?

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With another strong week behind me, I’m feeling confident and ready to keep pushing through. Seven more weeks until the marathon, and each step is bringing me closer!