On Sunday I ran London Marathon. The Sunday before that I ran Manchester marathon. In case you’re thinking of doubling up, here are the answers to a few questions that I’ve been asked a few times.
Why did I do it?
There wasn’t a grand plan to do two marathons in eight days, it just sort of happened that way.
I had a Good For Age entry for London this year but, after last year’s experience, I didn’t want to try to run fast there.
My race plan was the same as Paula Radcliffe’s – soak up the atmosphere, enjoy the day and don’t think too much about the time. Coming out of the  80k ultra marathon in March, my legs felt pretty good. So, as I was going up to Manchester to support Phil anyway, I decided to support him round the 26.2 miles by running right next to him.
Weren’t your legs ruined?
No, not really. I ran both races at a sensible speed that would allow me to enjoy both. If you’re doing two marathons this close together, you’re not going to be getting a PB in either, so don’t even try. Just relax and enjoy having lots of support on your training run. My legs are in better shape than they were after/during SnowDublin last year.
What did you do the week between them?
Ate a lot. Slept a lot. Went to work and then ate and slept some more. I ran once: three miles on the Wednesday to get a sense of how my legs were feeling more than anything. I cycled slowly to and from work a couple of days and went swimming twice. Â Take your recovery sensibly. Don’t go out and run lots of miles – there’s no point. Eat well and sleep well.
What’s next?
I’m off to Copenhagen in May to run the marathon there. I’m hoping to run it a bit faster than I did at these two and be close to my marathon PB. So, you could say that I’m now on my taper. Hooray for that!
If you have any other questions, pop them in the box below. There’s a podcast of London marathon coming soon.
Amazing stuff Laura, nice one! I’m going into the ballot for Ldn again but am not sure which Spring marathon to go for next year, if any. I’ve done Brighton twice now and as much as I love it, I fancy a change but faffing about way too much to decide and waiting for payday! Good luck at Copenhagen, lemme know what the course is like it might be one for next year!
Thanks Tess. Copenhagen is nice and flat apparently. If you’re looking to go fast, I really rate Manchester. It’s a fast course and there’s good support. Not that scenic but the support makes up for that. I’ve heard only good things about Paris which is spring too.
I ran Paris and Milton Keynes last year, I think they were about 4 weeks apart. My legs felt fine for MK but in general there wasn’t enough energy in the tank to go faster than Paris. Ended up running 15 min slower but enjoyed it more because of no time pressure.
Yes, I remember you doing this! I’m hoping I took it steady enough on these two to put my foot down next month. If not, no big deal. There’ll be other races. I’m over putting pressure on myself and having a rubbish run because of it.
WOW girl reading your post got me so motivated. I’ve only done half marathons and I’m debating whether I could handle a full marathon or not since my IT band loves to give me trouble. Way to rock out those TWO marathons. Such an inspiration! 😀
Thank you! IT bands are pesky but can be brought in line with a bit of patience.
Amazing stuff Laura!! Congratulations on getting the beer balloon around London in one piece.
If you were only able to run one final UK spring marathon would you pick Brighton or Manchester? I haven’t included London as I’ve run it twice before and the crowds and noise really stressed me out.
Good luck at Copenhagen 🙂
That’s a difficult one! If I was wanting to go fast, I’d choose Manchester. For scenery: Brighton. both have great support and are lovely, well organised races.
Wow, well done! I ran Manchester this year (spurred on by many of your awesome tips!) and there’s no way I could have run a second marathon a week later! Glad you enjoyed them both.
I ran Manchester last year, and mentally I couldn’t have faced another marathon, even if my legs had it in them (they didn’t). I didn’t eat enough the day before, got three hours sleep the night before, didn’t eat enough breakfast and found way harder than I’d hoped.
I would like to tackle a marathon again – and would definitely learn from my fueling mistakes. I just haven’t been able to face it after the trauma of last time.
(Dramatic? Me?)
Hey Laura. Great blog. How did you find the ‘stress’ of running London this time compared to the first time? Were the obstacles still there or could you have got a better run at it this time round?
I was really relaxed going into the race. Not having a time goal and wanting to just enjoy it took a lot of pressure off. I probably could have gone a fair bit quicker if I hadn’t done Manchester the week before (and wasn’t filming and podcasting as I went round), but I don’t think London is an easy place to get a PB. Respect to everyone who manges them there though.
hey I’m a a teenager who loves to run long distance and I was just wondering if you have any tips for how to look after your feet…? my shoes are amazing but they just don’t look very nice and can be a bit embarrassing around friends. love the blog by the way!!
Hello. My feet don’t look very pretty right now – two black toenails and a lot of hard skin. I see them as badges on honour and they don’t bother me. Sorry I can’t be much more help.
Hi Lara
Congrats on your wonderful achievement this year !!
I have secured a place in the 2016 London marathon and I would also like to take part in my local Belfast marathon 8 days later. I ran my first marathon in Belfast this year.
I’m hoping to raise more money for charity for competing in 2. I’m not what u would call a typical runner but I love the events.
Any tips on a training plan and prep etc would be very much appreciated?
Many thanks
Robert
Hi Roberto
You’ll need to approach them more like an ultra than a single marathon. Don’t run too fast in the first – pace yourself and get round comfortably. Then get out a couple of times for a short 2-3 mile run in the week between to get your legs moving again. And good luck!