We landed in London and, after a quick stop at the hotel to drop off our bags, settled in with a proper cup of tea. Then it was off for a Saturday morning walk around my favorite city.
On Sunday, I was up early for a fun run through Kensington and Hyde Park, enjoying a beautiful morning in one of London’s most iconic green spaces. I followed it with a long lunch and great conversation with one of my best friends from Singapore, who happened to be in London for work.
I’m not ready to say it with absolute certainty, but I think the London Marathon may have been my last full marathon. The decision isn’t final, but the idea has been settling in quietly, the way a truth sometimes does long before you’re willing to say it out loud. I’ve already decided that when I’m in Kenya, I’ll be switching from the full marathon to the half — and honestly, that feels right.
What makes this harder is that my training leading up to London was incredible. One of my best cycles ever. I felt strong, consistent, and genuinely excited. I went into race day hoping for something special.
And in many ways, the day was special.
I started in the Team Green area, which felt like a little oasis before the chaos of the race. Hot tea, picnic tables, no bathroom lines — it was the calmest, most civilized marathon start I’ve ever experienced. I soaked it in, feeling grateful and ready.
The first ten-plus miles were everything I hoped for. My pace felt smooth, my legs felt good, and I was enjoying the energy around me. But then the heat crept in, and my fueling just didn’t keep up. By mile 15, things started to unravel. I was still enjoying the run, but my body wasn’t responding the way I needed it to. I had to walk big portions of the second half, and eventually I couldn’t take in any more food. Even water had to be taken in tiny sips.
Still, I made a choice: if I was going to finish, I wanted to finish strong. So I ran the last few miles, lifted my head, and crossed the line with a smile. And that smile was real. Despite everything, I genuinely enjoyed most of the race.
As for injuries? Nothing dramatic — just a sunburn, a few blisters, and one very bruised pinky toe. Honestly, that feels like a win.
So maybe London was my last marathon. Maybe it wasn’t. But if it was, I’m glad it was this one. A race that challenged me, humbled me, and still gave me joy. A race that reminded me why I started running in the first place — and why it’s okay to let the definition of “runner” evolve.
For now, I’m looking ahead to Kenya, to the half marathon, and to whatever comes next. Maybe the marathon chapter is closing. Maybe it’s just changing shape. Either way, I’m grateful for every mile.
#LondonMarathon #MarathonJourney #MarathonRunner #RunningCommunity #RunHappy #RunStrong #RunLondon #MarathonLife
It’s officially one week until the London Marathon, and I’m feeling all the emotions. I’ve logged over 520 miles preparing for those 26.2 on race day — miles filled with discipline, doubt, breakthroughs, and a lot of determination.
No matter what happens next weekend, I’m proud of the work I’ve put in. Now it’s time to taper, breathe, and get ready for the big moment.
London, I’m coming for you.
There are years you simply live through, and then there are years you step into with intention. For me, 2026 is shaping up to be one of those rare, powerful years—the kind that feels like a turning point long before it even arrives.
This is the year I turn 50. A number that once felt distant and abstract now feels like a badge of honor. Not a finish line, but a marker on a much bigger journey. I’m stepping into this new decade with gratitude, curiosity, and a determination to make it unforgettable.
And what better way to celebrate a milestone birthday than by doing something bold, challenging, and deeply meaningful?
In April, I’ll be taking on the London Marathon again, one of the world’s most iconic races. The energy, the crowds, the history woven into every mile—it’s a dream race for so many runners, and I’m thrilled that I will get another chance at it.
Training for London feels symbolic. It’s a reminder that strength isn’t something you lose with age—it’s something you build, nurture, and reclaim. Every run is a step toward that start line, and every mile is a celebration of how far I’ve come.
Just a few months later, in June, I’ll be heading to Kenya to run the Lewa Safari Marathon—a race unlike any other in the world. Set in a wildlife conservancy, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and incredible conservation work, it’s more than a marathon. It’s an experience at 5,500 ft elevation, a hilly dirt terrain and temperatures between 80-90 F.
Running through Lewa will be a privilege: a chance to challenge myself physically while supporting a cause that protects wildlife, communities, and one of the most extraordinary ecosystems on the planet.
If there’s a theme for 2026, it’s this: movement. Forward, upward, inward.
Turning 50 isn’t about slowing down—it’s about leaning in. Leaning into adventure, into health, into experiences that stretch me in the best possible ways. These races aren’t just events on a calendar; they’re milestones in a year that I want to remember for the rest of my life.
So here’s to 2026: a year of big goals, big miles, and big meaning. A year to celebrate where I’ve been, embrace where I am, and run boldly toward everything that’s ahead.
159 days. That’s how long I have until I toe the line again at one of the most iconic races in the world—the London Marathon. Today marked the beginning of my training journey, and Florida decided to surprise me with a rare chill in the air. Not exactly the tropical warmth I’m used to, but maybe it’s a sign: this journey is going to be full of surprises.
Bundled up and laced up, I hit the pavement for my first official training run. It wasn’t long, but it was meaningful. Every step reminded me why I signed up for this challenge—to push myself, to grow, and to be part of something bigger than just a race.
Running in cold weather is my favorite, there’s something invigorating about starting this journey with a bit of discomfort. It makes the goal feel real. It makes the finish line in London feel just a little closer.
Over the next 159 days, I’ll be logging miles, battling early mornings, and learning more about myself with every run. I’ll share the highs, the lows, and everything in between. Whether you’re training too, cheering from the sidelines, or just curious about the process, I hope you’ll follow along.
Here’s to day one. Let’s do this.
I always enjoy reading my past blogs about my marathon, but I have been putting off doing a blog for months now. I know it is something I need to do.
The London marathon was a race I had been looking forward to for years and I was looking forward to the week. Unfortunately it was probably the worse week of my life and I considered not even running. But I knew I would regret it is I didn’t go to the start line.
The night before we had an amazing speaker, the director of the Boston marathon! His story of not being an athlete growing up and running because it was the only sport that they didn’t cut athletes reminded me of growing up. He failed at his first 2 attempts at the marathon, not even finishing, but has gone on to do some amazing things!
I woke up race day to rain. I put on a brave face and headed out. They estimated 1 hour to get to the start line and I gave myself extra time, only to arrive at the start line long enough to drop my stuff at bag check, use the toilet and walk to the start line. It was probably a good thing as the rain was coming down fairly good. The atmosphere at the start line was pretty boring with not much going on and there was no fanfare when you started. In fact I had to ask someone if we were at the start line.
Once we started I just ran. I didn’t look at my watch, didn’t follow any race plans. I noticed I was running faster than I planned at the check points. I just took the stress of the week out on the course. The course was busy and I spent most of it dodging people in light rain. I got to the last 10k and had a decision to make with regards to time, so I picked up the pace. The rain stopped as I got within a few miles of the finish line. As I ran up to Buckingham Palace I had about 45 seconds to get to the finish line to break 5 hours. I ended up about 20 seconds off.
The finish line was pretty quiet as well. I collected my bag and finisher shirt and walked back to the hotel. A quick shower and diner followed by an early night to bed finished up the day.
I have had a lovely lunch at Edera. It is a quaint little Italian restaurant I found just wondering around.
I started with fried octopus and zucchini. Then followed up with some risotto with black truffles. They shaved the truffles right at the table as well.
It was entirely too much food, but delicious!
It has been a lovely day in London so far, I got out and went for a little run. It wasn’t much, but it was a start. I did 2 miles with a one minute walk between miles. I was slow… but I was moving!
There were a few more items I wanted to try at The Shed, so I gave it one more go.
I started with Pigeon Rillette, Brioche and Chicken Liver Parfait and the Endive, Goat’s Cheese and Pear.
Then I went for the Gin crusted Trout, Seabass Taramasalata and Nut Granola. It was my favorite for the meal!
Everyone was raving about the Squid Ink Pappardelle with Cornish Cram and Chilli… it was just ok. The fact that everyone said it was their favorite may have increased my expectation for it.
I finished tonight with a cheese plate. There were 4 very nice local cheeses.
This morning I had a board meeting down by the Camden Markets, so I thought I would take a peek around… Interesting place I have to say. They were not my type of markets, but good to see. After my meeting we did a bit of walking around and there were tons of stalls, but it was full of tourists and I was scared that someone was going to step on my toe, so I just rushed through.
Now they had some good food stalls, so I did get a good falafel wrap!
The Johnsons 