Yesterday, I proudly completed my 4th marathon, a milestone that never gets easier, but always feels just as rewarding.
This time was a little different: I participated in the TCS London Marathon MyWay an amazing alternative to the iconic London Marathon that allows you to complete the full 26.2 miles from anywhere in the world within a 24-hour window (versus the traditional 7-hour cutoff in central London).
Our route was beautifully (and strategically!) designed by a trusted colleague: four scenic, but hilly laps around the stunning Gothamsbury Estate in St Albans. Nature’s beauty more than made up for the rough terrain!
However, when it comes to recording performance, technology and fitness didn’t quite align.
I used the official TCS app to track my run, but unfortunately, it under-recorded my distance by about 2 miles, meaning I had to continue running well beyond the marathon mark for the app to recognise completion.
Lesson learned: always have your own trusted source of data — Strava worked perfectly and is accepted as proof of completion by TCS.
Thankfully, my finish was officially registered, and my hard-earned medal and t-shirt are on the way!
One final thought: when it comes to marathon finish times, they truly only matter in three scenarios:
• You’re breaking a world record
• You win the race
• You’re chasing a personal best
For the rest of us, the real victory is just showing up, enduring, and finishing. Only 0.01% of the global population completes a marathon annually, an accomplishment in itself.
A huge well done to everyone who completed London, Manchester, or any virtual marathon this weekend!
If you’re considering a unique challenge, check out the TCS London Marathon MyWay here:
https://www.londonmarathonevents.co.uk/london-marathon/tcs-london-marathon-myway
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