Yahoo News Never too slow: How one Cardiff woman is training for London 2020
With so much noise about bio-secure bubbles and circuit loops in the build-up to this year’s London Marathon, it can be easy to forget the 45,000 runners who will be virtually clocking up 26.2 miles on October 4th.
As the professional athletes complete 2.15km laps of St. James’ Park in Westminster, non-elite entrants will be covering their own personalised route from anywhere in the world.
And with participants from 81 countries registered in the event, it looks like the buzz of Britain’s most iconic race is set to rotate around the globe.
In celebration of its 40th birthday, the Virgin Money London Marathon is extending its time limit to 24 hours and allowing entrants to either run, jog or walk their selected route.
Emphasising enjoyment over competition, the 2020 event aims to be its most inclusive yet. Its participants may be of different fitness levels, but they all have one thing in common: a goal to complete the London Marathon – even if they’re thousands of miles from an Olympic medal (or a red telephone box.)
Kerrie Aldridge is one of the many participants in this year’s race who’s defying societal expectations of a runner. As the last official finisher in the 2019 London Marathon, the 39-year-old mum is now on a mission to improve her time.
Aldridge fell in love with running two years ago during a difficult period of her life, and she hasn’t looked back since.
'I woke up on New Year's Day 2018 very overweight and unhappy in my own skin,' she tells Runner’s World.
Worried that her weight would negatively affect her son’s social experience at school, she decided that she needed to make a change. 'There wasn’t much I would be able to do to help make it better, but I thought if I could stop him being bullied for having a fat Mummy, that would be one thing,' she reveals.
She saw an advert for a running club for plus-sized women, and, with nothing but sheer motivation and a pair of trainers, went along to her first group meeting one cold January evening.
It was this first step that marked the beginning of Aldridge’s path to becoming a devout runner and proud marathon finisher.
Just one year into her running journey, she began to pursue longer distances and decided to sign up for the 2019 London Marathon.
'A friend of mine, who was doing it, told me all these amazing stories of the camaraderie between runners and the crowds and I wanted to experience it,' she explains.
By completing the mammoth race, she hoped to prove to both herself and her son that anything is achievable with the right mindset.
Aldridge also saw this a golden opportunity to raise awareness and money for the Miscarriage Association, a charity which provides support to women after pregnancy loss. Having endured five miscarriages with her husband, she wishes that she had known of the organisation during these difficult times and is now committed to bringing attention to their work.
'For something that affects so many, miscarriage is still a taboo subject, but there is no shame, and it is important that we talk about it and grieve and celebrate our angels,' she says.
After following a beginner’s training plan and conducting a library’s worth of research, Aldridge was convinced that she was prepared for the big day in April 2019. However, after her third mile, her pace dropped, and she was hit by the daunting reality of the challenge ahead.
As race organisers packed up the course and the atmosphere died down, Aldridge struggled to stay motivated.
Refusing to give up, Aldridge battled through and crossed the finish line in nine hours and 11 minutes. Rather than being put off marathons for life, Aldridge is now gearing up for Round Two.
With refreshed confidence and a revamped training programme, she is ready to take on the London Marathon once again – but this time, a little closer to home.
'My route is still subject to change but will take in some beautiful areas of Cardiff, such as the Taff Trail, as well as sections of the Cardiff Half route,' she reveals. 'Cardiff is my home, so it seems right to celebrate those beautiful areas I often run past as part of my route.'
Having learned from previous marathon training mistakes, she has prioritised strength exercises over the past few months to minimise injury risk. Working with a fitness instructor, she has gained a huge amount of knowledge and now feels both physically and mentally prepared for race day.
But like any runner who’s training for a marathon, Aldridge cannot deny she is nervous for the day itself. 'I would be lying if I said I wasn’t. I have been working so hard and am hungry for a sub 8-hour marathon,' she admits.
However, her slower pace in 2019 also highlighted to her a major strength – she doesn’t need any cheerleaders to keep going. Despite the dwindling spectators’ support, Aldridge soldiered on.
When doubts creep in, Aldridge quickly counters them by reminding herself of her incredible progress. 'Through my work this year I have lost weight and gained strength and running makes me feel good. Running is my happy place.'
She also keeps in mind those who don’t have the privilege of being able to run. 'While I can run, I will, as there are people out there who would love to and can’t – so I lace up my trainers and go for them.'
With just a week to go until race day, Aldridge is excited to put her hard work to the test on Sunday and improve on last year’s performance. She plans to treat herself to a well-earned glass of bubbly at the finish line, followed by some quality R&R with her two biggest fans.
'My real celebration will come when I am back home having snuggles with my hubby and son, before soaking in a bath of Epsom Salts!'
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