Jonathan Goldsmith

London marathon week 7 and 8 /16

Week 7 was spent on a family holiday to Gran Canaria the plan for this week was to just maintain with a 40km week. This reduced to 30km as I developed a slight chest infection, but at least I got soke mileage in the legs and in more pleasant weather. 

Week 6/16- London marathon training

The start of week 6 was tough due to the unplanned max effort at Llanelli Half at the endnof week 5. By midweek all the aches and pains had gone and I was back to normal. Long run this week was the longest run of the training block so far, 28km. Felt good, fuelled it well, no drop in energy or cramp so big positive. 53KM total in week 6, building nicely.

London marathon week 5/16

Great week of training a total of 53km this week. Only one wet run this week which was a bonus. My long run this week was the Llanelli half marathon, a good opportunity to push hard and trial a fuelling plan, this resulted in the realisation that I need more salt/electrolytes in my fuelling. Energy was great but my calves were onb the verge of cramp. Really happy with the 1hr 29 min time though, decent little PB. 

Week 3+4/16- London marathon training

Week 3 and 4 have all been about avoiding getting wet as much as possible. I've still managed to complete all my runs inbthe plan which is a bonus. Long runs for these two weeks have been 23km and 22km so slowly getting the distance in the legs. Week 4 long run was about testing a race strategy for next weeks Llanelli half marathon, hoping for a sub 1.35 but happy with anything below 1.40. Its all about london at the end of the day!!!

Week 2/16- London marathon training

Week started much better this week, dry and not so cold. Had to do my first couple of runs this week at 6am due to home and work commitments, this was tough but got a 6k easy and a 10k progression run done. Wednesday was a rest day and Thursday was an treadmill 8k easy run as it was biblically raining (not so easy because it was so hot in the gym). Wrapped up the 2nd week of training with a 19k long run mostly easy pace but with 5k at marathon goal pace. Felt really good this week!!

Week 1/16- London marathon training

Opened the curtains on day 1 feeling really positive about starting the training plan, low and behold the weather was not on my side, snow was on the ground and it was freezing. Still managed to get the 5km done on day 1. As the week went on the ice and snow eventually thawed, by the long run (16km) on friday the snow had disappeared and it was almost perfect running conditions. 39km completed, on target for week 1. Looking forward to week 2, Weather is looking slightly warmer but a lot wetter. 

Support my challenge

This year I will be taking on the London Marathon to raise vital funds for life-changing mental health treatment for veterans.

Combat Stress is the UK's leading charity for veterans' mental health. For over a century, they've helped former servicemen and women deal with issues like trauma, anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. Today, they provide support to veterans from every service and every conflict.

I’m taking vital steps towards ensuring veterans can get the support they need.

Thank you so much for your support.