‘Don’t take it too seriously and remember to enjoy yourself’

Having recovered from a major injury, Eva recently completed the London Marathon. Here she looks back on the journey and the lessons she’s learned along the way

Being mindful of the mile she was running helped Eva get her marathon medal (Buxton)

How did you find the marathon?

I really enjoyed it. The first half went really well. But I was actually sick at mile 15 so after that it was very much get your head down and grind through to the end. That’s the nature of the marathon really: you can have a good day or a not so good day but you can never really underestimate the day itself.

How do you feel today?

Okay! A bit stiff but generally alright. My toes are the main issue – when it rains for a large portion of the day like that your feet get very soggy and don’t fare well.

How did you manage your mental well-being in the lead up to the marathon?

I think the same as normal. Stay calm and remember why you’re doing it. You’ve put in all the hard work already.

What challenged you most mentally?

I think you always know the first half is just about ticking it off. I think until about mile 16 it’s just about getting it done. You can’t think too much at that point. And once you get to mile 20 it’s just about plodding through to the end.

Seeing people at various points on the course helped Eva to keep going (Photo credit: Buxton)

Who or what were you thinking about as you ran?

I tend not to think much. I zone into just getting it done. When I knew I was seeing people at various points it definitely spurred me to keep running and keep form. But then there are definitely parts where you’re not thinking at all. Landmarks like the Cutty Sark and Tower Bridge are  always incredible to go round so that spurs you on. Then there are the tough times when you’re just thinking about getting through each mile.

What made you the most emotional?

I was very happy to see my friends. It’s always nice to see loving faces after three hours!

How did you manage your hydration?

Buxton teams were there every two miles on the course so for me it was about having water little and often. I’d stop at every other water station and have a few sips to keep consistent throughout. Every time I needed a bit of water, I knew they weren’t far away.

What advice would you give to someone who is worried about struggling mid race?

Break it down into small chunks. If things are getting tough, don’t be afraid of walking. Walk for one minute and run for seven or eight minutes. Think about the one mile that you’re on at that time. Don’t get intimidated by other people. There’s always going to be people who are faster and slower.

Have you learnt any lessons from this challenge?

Physically, I definitely need to do strength training. It’s so important for running well and healthily. It’ll stop you getting injured and it’ll mean you recover quicker afterwards. You don’t always want to do it because it’s not as exciting but it’s definitely the thing that improved me the most physically.

Mentally, you just have to balance things and try not to get overwhelmed. Training plans often want you to run five times a week, but break it down into what’s realistic for you given everything else you have in your life. The majority of us have jobs and social lives and you’ve got to have a good balance to enjoy it.

And, don’t take it too seriously. Remember to enjoy it instead of getting too focused on a certain time or mileage.

How will you look after yourself this week?

I’ll let myself rest but with a bit of easy movement so the muscles don’t seize up. I’ll see some friends and socialise and just enjoy the post-marathon celebration and downtime. It’s all a bit of a blur at the moment.

Could you sum up the experience in one word?

Unique! London is very different from other marathons and I think that’s because of the amazing crowds everywhere! Everyone’s just willing you to get to the end.

Find out more about the Sweat and Tears campaign and how it aims to promote better physical and mental well-being across the nation, through exercise and hydration.