36 Days to Go: Why I'm More Excited (and More Nervous) Than Ever

Well... it's been a while

The last time I sat down to write was back in May, and somehow summer arrived in full force before I realised just how much life had happened.

Work has been busier than ever, we've enjoyed an incredible family trip to Vietnam, The UK decided to throw us a proper heatwave, and somewhere amongst all of that I've been quietly building towards one goal...

In just 36 days, I'll be standing on another world major marathon start line. It still feels slightly surreal writing those words, Sydney not long now.

Marathon training isn't always Instagram-worthy

If you've ever trained for a marathon, you'll know it rarely goes exactly to plan.

There have been weeks where every run has felt effortless, and others where I've questioned why I ever signed up.

The heatwave made some sessions impossible. Runs were moved, shortened or swapped for treadmill runs. Travel meant adapting the plan rather than following it perfectly. I've learnt that consistency is far more important than perfection. At times I just need to ignore the plan and adapt to what life throws at you.

I've also had the odd niggle (puffy knee) along the way that forced me to listen to my body instead of my training plan. That's probably been one of the biggest lessons this time around.

Sometimes the strongest thing you can do is back off for a day so you can keep moving forward for the next month, listening to my physio has really helped me here.

Running has become so much more than fitness

When I first started running, it was about getting healthier. Somewhere along the journey it became something much bigger. Running clears my head to deal with those difficult days at work. It gives me confidence I never knew I had. It has introduced me to incredible people and unforgettable experiences. It has taken me to places I'd never have visited otherwise, and perhaps most importantly, it's shown me that I’m capable of far more than I thought.

Every long run teaches me something. Sometimes it's about pacing. Sometimes it's about patience. Quite often it's simply about putting one foot in front of the other when I'd rather stop. I am also learned it really is a mental game.

Life isn't that different really.

The final countdown

Thirty-six days feels close enough to get excited and just far enough away to wonder if I've done enough. There are still long runs to complete. There are race-day decisions to make. There are inevitable pre-marathon nerves beginning to creep in.

But there's also something incredibly exciting about knowing that months of training are nearly ready to be put to the test. That's the beauty of marathon training. You don't become the runner on race day. You become the runner during all the ordinary days beforehand.

The early alarms.

The sweaty summer runs.

The miles that nobody sees, unless you follow me on Strava.

What's next?

I've missed writing.

Over the next few weeks I'm going to bring you along for the ride as race day gets closer.

I'll be sharing the highs, the doubts, the kit that's genuinely earned a place in my marathon bag, nutrition wins (and mistakes!), race-week nerves, and hopefully the finish line itself.

If you're training for something yourself—whether it's your first 5K, a half marathon, your hundredth parkrun or simply trying to move a little more than you did yesterday—I hope these posts remind you that progress rarely looks perfect.

You don't have to be the fastest.

You don't have to have the fanciest gear.

You just have to keep showing up.

Here's to the final 36 days.

Let's see where they take us.

🏃 Training Snapshot

📅 Days until the marathon: 36

🏃 This week's mileage: 37.5 km - deload week

❤️ Best run: 15 km long run that reminded me why I love running

🥵 Biggest challenge: The summer heat made several runs tougher than expected, legs are feeling a little heavy right now

💡 Lesson learnt: Consistency beats perfection. One missed run won't ruin my marathon.

🎵 Current running anthem: End Credits Chase & Status (feat Plan B)

👟 Shoe of the week: Hoka Cielo X1 3.0

☕ Post-run treat: Flat white and sourdough toast.

😊 Mood: Excited... with just enough nerves to keep me focused.

❤️ Things I'm Loving This Week

✨ Beauty: Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Gloss – my hair has been loving this, especially after sweaty summer runs.

👟 Running Gear: Hoka Cielo X1 3.0 – speedy carbons that feel and look amazing.

👕 Style: My favourite Lululemon running shorts – comfortable, flattering and so light and airy for the hot days.

🎧 Podcast: Paula's Run Club – perfect company for easy miles and Dish - chats are so fun.

☕ Coffee Stop: Iced vanilla latte - perfect in this forever lasting heatwave.

🥗 Favourite Meal: BBQ Butterfly leg of lamb with Homemade chimichurri.

📖 Reading: Crown of Midnight - Sarah J Mass.

🌅 Moment of the Week: Watching Spain beat Argentina in the World Cup Final, Football Won!

💚 Grateful For: A healthy body that lets me keep chasing big goals.

Sylv x