A few months ago, I shared some insights while training for the Edinburgh Marathon, including what was working well, what I recommended for injury prevention, and how I was managing my own body through the process. Now that the marathon is behind me, I wanted to offer a quick reflection on how it all went.
First things first: I finished it! My time wasn’t quite what I had hoped for, but honestly, that feels secondary. Crossing the finish line was a huge personal milestone and a reminder that sometimes, the win is simply in showing up and keeping going.
The preparation didn’t go perfectly as training rarely does. I had a few minor setbacks along the way, including some knee pain and other small niggles that needed attention. They never became serious injuries, but they were a good reminder that it’s better to address small issues early before they turn into bigger problems. I adapted my training when needed and used many of the same principles I apply in clinic with patients including staying active where possible, managing load sensibly, and making space for recovery.
One of the biggest game-changers for me was consistent strength training. In the past, after longer runs, I’d often feel joint pain that could linger for days. But after seven to eight months of steady strength work in the lead-up to the race, I noticed a huge difference. After the marathon, I was sore (very sore!) but it was all muscular. No joint pain at all, which was a first for me. It reinforced what we often say in clinic: strength training doesn’t just help performance, it helps the body handle the impact of training and recover more effectively.
This experience reminded me that progress isn’t always linear, and that listening to your body, adjusting your plan, and celebrating your wins, however big or small, are all part of the journey.
Edinburgh Marathon Update
