Conquering the London Marathon: Less Hillbilly, More High Five City!
So, you've signed up for the London Marathon, congrats! You're about to embark on an epic journey of pounding the pavement, dodging rogue pigeons (those things are fearless), and high-fiving enthusiastic spectators dressed as everything from dinosaurs to giant pints. But before you lace up your trainers and dream of that sweet finisher's medal, a question might be nagging at your brain: just how hilly is this darn thing?
Don't Worry, Be Flat (-ish)
Here's the good news: the London Marathon is about as flat as a supermodel's stomach after cheat day. We're talking pancake-flat, rolling hills that are more like gentle slopes you could conquer with a nap and a cup of tea.
Yes, there will be some elevation gain – around 120-140 meters (or 400-ish feet) spread out over the entire course. That's like climbing a particularly enthusiastic puppy. In marathon terms, it's a walk in the park (well, a run, but you get the idea).
No Need for Mountain Goat Training (Unless You Want To)
This doesn't mean you can skip leg day entirely. Strong legs are essential for any marathon, but forget scaling mountains in your training plan. Here, focus on building endurance and speed – those are the real champions on this course.
Embrace the Flatness and Channel Your Inner Gazelle
Now that you know the course is practically devoid of drama (elevation-wise, at least – dodging rogue pigeons is a whole other story), it's time to focus on your gazelle-like grace. Here's what you can do to truly own the flatness:
- Work on your speed: Train at your target marathon pace to conquer those flat stretches.
- Practice negative splits: Aim to run the second half of the marathon faster than the first. The flat course makes it perfect for putting this strategy into action.
- Fuel your flat-crushing machine: Proper nutrition is key. Stock up on those carbs and stay hydrated!
Conquering the London Marathon: FAQ
How to train for the flatness? Focus on speedwork, tempo runs, and building endurance on flat terrain.
How many hills will I encounter? Think more of gentle slopes than Mount Kilimanjaro.
How important are strong legs? Very! But forget mountain goat training – focus on building endurance and power.
What should I wear? Comfortable running gear that wicks away sweat. Bonus points for a fun costume (dinosaurs are always a crowd-pleaser).
Should I be worried about the elevation gain? Nope! The London Marathon is all about speed and enjoying the (mostly flat) ride!
