I took the plunge and entered my first marathon, choosing Amsterdam for its flat course. Confident in my endurance, I thought of it as simply running two half marathons back-to-back. I WAS WRONG.

Without a structured plan, I started off too fast, nearly setting a personal best for the half marathon. By mile 18, I was completely spent. Dehydrated and running beyond my capabilities, I struggled to keep going. The final miles were a gruelling mix of walking and jogging.

Crossing the finish line, I was absolutely broken. But instead of feeling defeated, I promised myself I would learn from this experience. Determined to do better, I immediately entered my next marathon, this time committing to a proper training plan.

This journey taught me the importance of preparation and resilience. With determination and the right approach, I was ready to conquer new challenges and continue my transformation from a struggling runner to a passionate marathoner. Remember, every setback is a setup for an even greater comeback. Keep pushing, and you’ll achieve more than you ever thought possible.

My Journey

As a chef, fitness was never a priority. However, that all changed when I decided to pursue a career in law enforcement. The transition required passing a fitness test, including a 1 ½ mile run. Despite my lack of preparation, I managed to finish with 11 seconds to spare. Exhausted and throwing up at the end, I realised I needed to drastically improve my fitness.

Determined to transform myself, I signed up for a 10k race and began training. Although I completed the 10k in under an hour, it was a grueling experience. But I didn't let that deter me. I continued entering 10k races and eventually attempted a half marathon. Each race was a struggle, but I kept pushing forward.
Seeking to break through my plateau, I found a mentor who provided invaluable guidance on nutrition and training. With a structured plan that included core and strength work, I started to see significant progress. My next half marathon was a game-changer—I shaved 24 minutes off my previous time. This incredible improvement sparked a passion for running I never knew I had.

As my training refined, running transformed from a challenge into a joy. I eagerly anticipated each race, embracing the journey and the progress I was making. After conquering several 5k’s, 10k’s, and half marathons, I took the plunge and entered a marathon. This was a whole new level of challenge and accomplishment, marking a significant milestone in my running adventure.

My journey from a struggling chef to a passionate runner proves that with determination, guidance, and hard work, you can achieve incredible transformations. Keep pushing your limits, seek support, and never give up—your breakthrough is just around the corner.

What can be achieved

I did my 15th marathon in Manchester and absolutely hated it. I dragged myself round managing to stay under 4 hours just.

After that I decided enough was enough and I took the decision to work with a personal trainer. Alex changed how I trained, what I ate and my mindset.

I added weight training to my plan and focused on my core strength.

I arrived in Cologne with a good race plan in my head and hoped I could carry this out.

I started at my planned pace and managed to stay with that for 21 miles. At 21 miles I started to fell fatigue however a check of my Garmin showed I was still running at my race pace. Due to the strength work I had done my core, glutes and legs were strong and working well. It almost felt like my lower part of my body was working independently from the rest.
I managed to finish under 3 hours 40 minutes, knocking over 10 minutes off my personal best.

Build a base

Once one have started to build your strength and endurance you can run anywhere. My running has taken me all over the world running, from a lovely 5k trail race in Nashville, I was first in my age group, marathons in Chicago, Toronto, Florence, Berlin, Paris, London, Madrid. I always pack my running stuff and head out, most recently a lovely 5k around Tokyo.

Granted running in different climates can affect you as I discovered in Abu Dhabi doing a 10k.  I did not learn, I returned the following year and ran the half marathon. I certainly drank more on that run.