15 Weeks Until the Paris Marathon

Happy New Year!

Does it feel new and improved??

As for me, I’m up to the same old stuff…

Here’s my recap of training for the Paris Marathon on April 13th:

(I think I counted incorrectly, originally, and was previously recapping 17 & 18 weeks out, but I have to skip 16 to get back on track with 15 weeks out. Paris will be here sooner than I thought!)

Monday: We’ve been able to work from home for the two weeks of Christmas and New Year’s (what a treat!) I also had planned to take Monday off to spend with my dad, but I did need to work a bit.

But first, Ruth and I ran 6.5 miles together and then my dad and I did the opening tour of the Churchill War Rooms. I had been once before since we moved here but this time we ended up chatting with a volunteer guide for quite a bit of time, and he shared some really interesting stories that made it even better than the first visit.

Then we came back to Hampstead for me to work, eventually took the dogs for a nice long walk through the Heath, and then Dustin, my dad, and I all went into SoHo for dinner (Pastaio in Kingly Court, very good) followed by tickets to see Les Miserables.

I had a laugh looking back at one of my first Instagram posts ever, back in 2012. It was just a picture of the book of Les Miserables; I must have been proud of myself for reading the whole thick book! That was the year the movie version came out with Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe and Anne Hathaway, and I read it for a book club leading up to going to see the movie.

Instagram used to be so different- no stories or reels, just pics! I missed the good ol’ days.

The musical was grand; we all really enjoyed it. Exceeded expectations! I worried that it might feel long, but it definitely did not.

Dustin and I (and the dogs too) really enjoyed my dad’s visit. We squeezed in quite a bit in his 3 days here! I hope he comes back in the summer or fall though, when the weather is a bit nicer. But he’s a great guest and I’m so happy he spent the time to come over.

Tuesday: My dad’s flight back to Chicago left early Tuesday morning; I saw him off, and then headed out for another Ruth run. The last run of 2024!

I ran 2,545 miles in 2024- a year that included 3 marathons (Barcelona, Tromso, and Cape Town) and 3 halfs (Hackney Half. Big Half. and St. Neots) and lots of 10k’s and 5k’s. It was a big year in mileage, but actually no where near my biggest. But I’m grateful to have been healthy and (mostly) injury free. I discovered reformer Pilates in 2024, and I would like to think that it helped with that injury piece!

I did about 30 minutes of lower body strength at home before a nice dinner and a bottle of champs with Dustin. After hosting my dad, we were happy for a low-key night in. New Year’s is never really my thing, as it all seems like a lot of hassle, though the fireworks down by the Thames in London do look incredible- but I’m happy just to watch them on the BBC!

Wednesday: New Year’s Day!

Dustin and I slept in a bit before eventually making our way out for an 8 mile hilly route around the Heath to Hampstead Garden Suburb. It was a very blustery day and then started pouring on us.

Not the best weather to kick off the year, but it’s London; if it’s not raining, you’re not training! Ha!

I did about 30 minutes of upper body plus core at home later in the day.

Thursday: Another glorious work from home day. I was up early to get to the track for a short speed session: 2x(3-2-1-45 sec-30 sec). 7 miles total. After work, I took a Heartcore Pilates class- first class of 2025! Felt hard after some time off.

Friday: I had a skin treatment (Lumecca/IPL, if you’re familiar, to help with sun damage, redness, etc. I’ve had good luck with this treatment in the past) in Marylebone in the early morning, so I jogged there slowly (so as not to get too sweaty), 3 miles, and then ran home for 6ish miles total on the day.

Saturday: Easy run, 3.5 miles, followed by another vet appointment for Matilda at the RVC. She wasn’t really eating and had diarrhea and was very weak. They gave us some various meds to help.

Sunday: Regents Park 10k! I did 2.8 miles to warm-up to get to the race start, then the 6.2 mile race, followed by 2.8 miles home to get to just under 12 miles total.

It was a slower 10k for me (49:16 or a 7:52 min/mile average) but I’ll blame the weather. which was really rubbish- it actually snowed a bit overnight in London, but was just absolutely pouring during the 10k and about 40F/5C. Not very fun. I was proud of myself for showing up at all!

I was meant to join a friend later in the day for a matinee of the Lehman Trilogy play, but I ended up cancelling. Matilda had taken a turn so we needed to go back to the RVC. They are keeping her overnight for some fluids and testing. I don’t usually skip a play that I paid for, but it happens. I want to be part of any decisions with Dustin regarding Matilda. I have to say we have been SO happy with all of the vets that we have seen at the RVC; very caring and knowledgable. They are great explaining all of our options.

Our sweet Matilda…she’s has better days. Hopeful that this tummy setback is temporary, which it seems so far that it is….anything might have set it off, as she’s on a lot of meds that can upset her stomach.

Summary: 51 miles total, 2 strength sessions and 1 pilates reformer class

That’s a wrap on this week. It’s back to the office tomorrow full time with a busy month ahead, with a work trip back to the US and a snowboarding trip to Verbier (Switzerland) after that.

I’m linking up with Running on the Fly and Confessions of a Mother Runner; check out their blogs to connect with other fitness bloggers for workout ideas and inspiration!