So You Want to Conquer the London Marathon? (Unless You Meant to Walk to the Shops)
Ever looked out the window at a sunny day and thought, "Man, I could really use a 26.2-mile jog?" Well, then the London Marathon might be just the challenge for you!
But First, How Far Exactly is "Really Long"?
The answer, my friend, is 26.2 miles. That's a hefty dose of pavement pounding, enough to take you past all of London's greatest hits: Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, maybe even a rogue fish and chips stall (though strategically timed refuelling stations are more likely).
Here's the thing: 26.2 miles might sound daunting, but think of it this way: that's roughly the distance between two airports if your holiday plans go spectacularly wrong. Except, with the marathon, you get a medal at the end, not a travel agent's side-eye.
Why the Extra 0.2 Miles? Blame the Royals!
There's a bit of trivia for you: the original marathon route wasn't quite as, well, marathony. The story goes that the race organisers wanted to include a jaunt past Buckingham Palace for a bit of royal flair. Unfortunately, that threw a spanner in the works (or should we say "clotted cream in the scones") when it came to distance.
To appease the Queen and keep things official, the course was extended by 0.2 miles. So, next time you're huffing and puffing at mile 26, remember, you can thank Her Majesty for that extra uphill climb.
But hey, at least you'll have a right posh story to tell your grandkids, eh?
Feeling Inspired?
The London Marathon is a fantastic challenge, a great way to raise money for charity, and an excuse to stock up on enough energy gels to power a small village. Just remember, those 26.2 miles will seem a lot shorter when you're dressed as a giant banana (a popular choice, apparently).
How to TrainHow to PrepareHow to Mentally Prepare for Those Mile 20 Wall Moments
How to Refuel (Without Inhaling a London Bus)How to Not Get Lost (Unless You Want to See Every Pub in Town)
These are all important questions, my soon-to-be marathoning friend, and the internet has a wealth of resources to help you out. But for now, why not celebrate your newfound inspiration with a celebratory nap? Those 26.2 miles aren't going to conquer themselves!
