Road to Sydney: Marathon Diary week 7&8

The last two weeks have been such a good reminder of why I love this whole process. From sunny training runs and lighter evenings to race day nerves, and then… a PB at the Reading Half Marathon. Honestly, I’m still smiling.

Week 7: Finding My Rhythm

Week 7 felt like everything just clicked.

The sunshine finally made an appearance and it completely lifted my mood. There’s something about running through country lanes with daffodils out, sunglasses on, and actual warmth on your skin — it just makes everything feel easier.

I hit a strong 13k tempo run at 5:46/km, and it felt controlled, not forced. Those are the runs you quietly log and think… okay, we’re getting somewhere here.

Midweek miles with the run club along the canal were a highlight as always. Lighter evenings, good chats, a few photo stops — it’s become one of my favourite parts of the week.

The long run was a 16k negative split, starting steady and finishing stronger. The canal was muddy, the skies were grey, and it definitely felt harder than road running — but I stayed patient, kept my heart rate in check, and finished feeling strong.

And obviously… post-run pastry secured. Non-negotiable.

Week 8: Taper Week Vibes

This week was all about pulling things back and trusting the training.

I had a really strong 8k run at 5:18/km early in the week — one of those runs where you feel sharp but don’t overdo it. A little confidence boost just when you need it.

There was also a lovely St Patrick’s Day run, keeping things easy, soaking up the sunshine, and testing out my running glasses (priorities).

Run club ticked off again — slower, social miles with plenty of laughs — followed by a couple of short, easy runs just to keep the legs ticking over.

By Friday it was very much “who even am I running in the morning?” energy… but taper does funny things to you.

Race Day: Reading Half Marathon 💥

And then… race day.

21.1k | 1:49:35 (Strava) | 1:50:43 official chip time | PB 🥳

Not only did I get a PB (WHOOP WHOOP), but I got to see Sunny complete — his first ever half marathon — which made it even more special.

The weather showed up for us again, which always helps, and the atmosphere was just brilliant from start to finish.

We set off feeling strong, keeping things controlled and not getting carried away (very unlike me). The pacing felt steady, and I was really conscious of just staying relaxed and enjoying it.

There’s always that moment in a race where it starts to bite a little, but this time I felt like I had another gear when I needed it. The training, the consistency, the long runs — it all came together.

And then seeing the time…

A PB. Sub 1:50 (just about, I’m absolutely claiming it 😅).

I was buzzing.

The Bigger Picture

This race feels like a real marker in my training.

It’s a big confidence boost ahead of Sydney, and proof that the work I’m putting in is paying off. I’m feeling stronger, more consistent, and more in control of my pacing.

Also… I might be getting a little bit faster 👀

What’s Next

Now it’s about recovering well, soaking this one in, and then getting back to building for the next block. I have a couple of races coming up Newbury 10K, Renegade 10K and the Hobbit Half Marathon.

But for now… I’m riding the high of a PB, a brilliant race day, and a very proud wife moment ❤️