My Marathon Training Journey: Discipline, Diet, and the Drive to Go Further

Training for a marathon isn’t just about running. It’s about discipline, mindset, and building a body that’s strong, fit, and capable of going the distance. I’ve set myself a goal: to run further than I ever have before, and one day, achieve a personal best that I’ll be proud of.

My Training Routine

Right now, I train three times a week with a mix of distances—5K, 10K, and 20K runs. Each one serves a different purpose:

• 5K: Keeps me sharp, working on speed and pacing.

• 10K: Builds endurance and rhythm.

• 20K: Tests my stamina and mental grit.

Every run feels like a small step forward, but together they build the foundation for something bigger. I know that if I stay consistent, the day will come when I push past 20K and into a new milestone.

Building Strength and Stamina

Running alone isn’t enough. Core strength is a big focus for me because it supports better posture, improves stride efficiency, and lowers the risk of injury. Strength training, pole fitness and bodyweight exercises help me feel more balanced and toned, not just faster.

I’m not chasing just a finish line, I’m aiming to build a body that looks fit, feels strong, and performs at its best.

The Discipline of Diet

What I eat matters just as much as how I train. Discipline in the kitchen fuels discipline on the road. I’ve cut out processed foods, greasy takeout, and empty calories that slow me down. My meals focus on lean proteins, vegetables, whole grains, and fresh fruit; foods that give me energy and help me recover.

When it comes to drinks, I keep it simple: only water. No sodas, no sugary energy drinks, just clean hydration. It’s amazing how much lighter and sharper I feel by keeping it that way.

Running With My Mum’s Spirit

Training has been harder without my mum here. She used to hype me up, celebrate my achievements, and I’ll never forget the sound of her cheering at the finish line. She wasn’t just watching from the side-lines either, she used to run 5Ks and 10Ks with me and my siblings. Together, we ran for charities like Great Ormond Street Hospital, the British 10K, and Cancer Research. Those runs weren’t just about fitness; they were about giving something back, and they’re some of my happiest memories.

Now, I carry her with me in a different way. When I run, I hear her voice in my head. I listen to her favourite music through my headphones, and it feels like she’s right there beside me. I know her spirit is proud of me. Even if I can’t see her physically, she’s always running with me, step for step, mile for mile.

Whatever marathon I run next, I will run for her.

The Bigger Picture

Not every run is easy. Some days my legs feel heavy, or motivation is low. But this journey is about showing up consistently, no matter what. It’s about discipline, choosing to train, choosing to eat well, and choosing to stay focused on the goal.

Each week I’m a little stronger, a little faster, and a little closer to the personal best I’m chasing. And when the day comes that I hit it, I’ll know it was built on discipline, one run and one choice at a time.

And now, it’s not just about me, it’s about carrying my mum’s spirit forward with every stride.