Martin Fox

Running the London Marathon 2025 was by the far, one of my proudest moments (besides having children of course), and possibly one of the best things I have EVER done!! 

The training started for me at the very beginning of January and I didn't miss a session. The first month or so started off pretty easy, none of the runs were overly long and everything was manageable when compared to my fitness level at that time (poor). But from March onwards, things started get real. The weekend runs got longer, the tempo runs got faster and harder and my mindset played a few tricks on me. That said, I learned to love those long weekend runs. I actually got to a point where I could not wait for Saturday to arrive so that I could set off on my own for a couple hours and just run, it really was amazing. However, if you're reading this and getting ready to train, be prepared for that first long run (24km, 28km, 32km). Become the best of friends with Carbs and Sleep a few days before these long runs to allow you to push through. Although we run these slowly, they are also incredibly tough. So lock in and get it done!

Fast forward to Marathon weekend. The exhibition is AMAZING!!! So many people collecting their numbers, all on the same journey. This was one of those times when I actually felt like I was the same as everyone in the room. I WAS A RUNNER!! 

The morning of the Marathon, although I was incredibly nervous, I was also bursting from the seams with excitement. I was about to run the most iconic marathon IN THE WORLD!!!

The crowds were UNBELIEVABLE!!! The support was next level!! over a million people lined the streets and every one of them wanted every runner to finish, it was magical. 

I had a couple issues a Canary Wharf... it is true what they say, the wall does exist at mile 18 and I pretty much ran in to it, head first!! However, the amazing marathon support team saw me right, got me back on my feet and I ran on to the finish line and completed the 2025 London Marathon.

I would not do it justice by trying to describe the feeling of crossing the finishing line, I think it is possibly different for everyone. However, what I will say is... it's emotional. I was so proud of myself that day. I had finally completed something meaningful for someone that meant so much to me. I raised money for Athma + Lung UK, and I had a memory that nobody could ever take away from me. 

So if you're reading this, and about to embark on the same journey, I just want you to know that YOU HAVE GOT THIS!!!

When the training days get hard, and that little seed of doubt begins to creep in, erase it immediately. Doubt is the thief of the mind that strips away our confidence and positive beliefs. YOU WILL BE READY FOR LONDON. YOU WILL BE ON THE START LINE OF LONDON. YOU WILL CROSS THE FINISH LINE OF THE 2026 LONDON MARATHON.

There may come a time in our lives when running is no longer possible..... but today is not that day!!! SMASH IT!!

See you on the start line in London.