When I signed up for my first marathon back in 2018, I don't think it'd even crossed my mind that it'd be anything more than a physical challenge. The formula seemed daunting, but pretty straightforward to me - build up my mileage, follow the ten per cent a week rule, and then get ready to lace up and conquer 26.2 ( a seemingly unfathomably long distance) come race day.
But as I crossed the red-flag-draped finish line on The Mall that day, I knew one thing for sure. Marathons are as much about mental resilience and fortitude as they are about the physical strength you need to carry you through the miles. That's why, after ticking off eight more marathons, achieving three Boston Qualifying times and chipping away my personal best by nearly an hour, it's fair to say I know a thing or two about mental resilience.
