When I entered the lottery for the London Marathon 2025, I knew the chances were slim.

Despite warnings from fellow runners, I remained optimistic that fate would intervene. Whether through the lottery or another means, my goal was clear: I was determined to run London 2025.

I’m not fixated on achieving a six-star marathon status. Instead, I approach running with flexibility, choosing races that resonate with me. Training for my first marathon in Chicago in 2022 was intense, and the thought of another 20-week regimen wasn’t initially appealing.

However, I promised myself that if I ran another marathon, it would be on an international stage.

I’m In!

After not being selected in the lottery, I turned to charity entries. I applied to two charities—one supporting deaf children and another through Sense, a charity recommended by my friend Ethel.

Sense responded swiftly with an acceptance email just two days later, confirming my spot in the London Marathon 2025!

The excitement of acceptance was quickly followed by the realization of the commitment required for marathon training.

As a slower runner, covering distances of 15-20 miles demands significant time and dedication, impacting not only my schedule but also those around me.

The Marathon Journey

Despite the challenges, I am fully prepared to embrace this journey.

Reflecting on my marathon journey thus far, it will have been three years since my first marathon and five years since I embarked on long-distance running. I have consulted with my coach and set new goals, aiming to improve my previous marathon time by one hour.

While my Chicago marathon experience was centered around enjoying the atmosphere and sharing moments with family, my focus for London will be on achieving a marathon baseline.

Additionally, training through different seasons presents a new set of challenges. Unlike my previous summer training, I will be adapting to winter conditions, adding diversity to my training regimen.

Currently, I am in the initial stages of base-building and will start official training in September.

London 2025 promises to be an exhilarating chapter in my running journey, and I look forward to the experiences and growth it will bring.

I will most certainly be designing and wearing a new Be Light compression sock design specifically for the London Marathon. Send me your ideas, I’d love to see them. Belightcompression.com