This past Saturday, we stepped into the last 6 weeks before the Olympic Marathon. At this point in the preparation, there are a few boxes I want to have checked.

1.) I want to be in shape, but a shape that’s still rising.

I’m running a good amount of miles, between 160km and 180km, but without any really amazing workouts. I have been doing some half marathon work in shorter workouts, to get my body used to running faster than marathon pace, so that when we finally start doing long blocks around that marathon pace, it will feel smooth and relaxed. None of my workouts were really tough, because you can only go hard for a short time before you reach peak shape. We’re getting fitter every week, but still holding back so we have some reserves for the coming weeks.

2.) I want to be physically resilient.

Marathon training is very taxing on the body. Personally, the hardest thing about it, is getting into the rhythm of running so much. After my marathon in February, it took weeks to recover, and then some more weeks to be back at a decent training level. One of the main goals to achieve between 12 an 6 weeks out, is getting my legs used to all the running so I can absorb the amount of work that’s ahead. I’m able to run the big volumes, without any niggles that are risk areas for the coming weeks. Of course, most of the work is still in the future, but this is a great place to start.

3.) I want to be mentally fired up.

Marathon training is exhausting. There’s a fine line between preparing your mind and body to run very hard for 2hrs+, and just plain overtraining. One of the most important indicators on how my body’s responding to the load, is my cheerfulness. Before my marathon debut, this was the time where I was emotionally exhausted. Even though my running went really well, I was on the edge of my mental capacity to deal with the work. It’s different now. I feel fresh and ready to tackle the hardest work of the Paris preparation.

Together with my coach, I’m leaving for training camp to the Swiss mountains now. It’s where I prepared for the Berlin Marathon last year, so this will feel very familiar. Aside from the benefits from training at high altitude, this block offers the opportunity to have few distractions, and focus solely on running and recovery. I believe this is one of the key ingredients to go places you’ve never gone before. The fun part begins!