Melanie Widdows – 5:02:00 to 4:12:03 London marathon

Having secured a charity place in the 2023 London Marathon, Melanie attended an online workshop I co-hosted and was seeking some guidance. Having run a virtual marathon in 5:02 back in 2019, this would be Melanie’s first official marathon.

We had 16 weeks to get ready, factoring in weekly hockey training and several Saturday matches as well. From Melanie’s Runner’s MOT, we added only a small amount of additional strength and mobility work to what she was doing with her physiotherapist.

Throughout the training, Melanie progressed very well, sticking to the plan and taking on board the small adjustments to nutrition. PBs over 10 miles and half marathon put her on for a cracking time, and running 2:56:34 comfortably at the Wymondham 20 put Melanie on for her sub 4 hour marathon target.

In London, a combination of watch syncing issues and speeding up to catch a friend from a different wave, meant the first few miles were closer to half marathon pace, but Melanie settled this back to target pace after this and maintained sub 4 pace until mile 17. A tough end to the marathon where Melanie held on and dug in, saw her run 4:12:03. Not what we both know she’s capable of, but a huge and well deserved 50 minute PB.

I have no doubt that sub 4 is well within Melanie’s capabilities on the right day, and long term I’m sure she’ll surpass this comfortably.