Have you heard? London Marathon is on! For the pros at least. And that means Lily Partridge is toeing the line on October 4th!

The London Marathon will look different of course. Elites only will race Sunday October 4th on a closed course of 19 loops of St James Park. TThere will be no spectators on course and every precaution is being taken to ensure the athletes are COVID free and remain COVID free, including daily tests. 

Lily is coming off a solid block of training and a 1:11 half marathon tune up. We are so excited to cheer her on! The race will be broadcast live in the UK on BBC1 and elsewhere including Flotrack, which will be streaming the event.  

Lily is focusing ahead, with her last workout and tune up half marathon in her rearview, and we were able to chat with her just days out from her big return to the marathon. Read the full interview below.

This season has been filled with uncertainty, how did you stay focused knowing the London Marathon may or may not reschedule?

I switched off from the uncertainty of races being on or off and just tried to focus, be happy in the moment we were in and stay fit and healthy rather than focusing on races especially in the early days of lockdowns. 

How did you use yoga to focus and refocus when needed. 

I used A4Y more during lockdown as an alternative training method but also to help me stay healthy. I lowered my running volume a fair bit so tried to use the time to really work on areas of improvement.

When did you as an elite get the official London was on?

We found out officially when everyone else found out, we heard rumours and ideas about what was going to be announced but confirmation was when the public announcement happened. 

How was this ramp up different?

It hasn't been overly different other than I used altitude at the beginning of my prep and although I struggle with altitude I do feel really strong now so we will see with that and I have been able to run faster/more consistent specific long runs than in any other build up so that's good but less track type workouts because I haven't been able to access a track so pretty much all my work has been on road/trail

How have you used A4Y in this ramp up? 

I have tried to keep some consistency/routine around me at a time when everything is different and changing. So I have used the same A4Y videos such as hip work etc but just been able to do it more often but recently (since my move!) I have incorporated more upper body and core mobility videos.

Goals on October 4?

To execute the best race I believe I am capable of on the day and to enjoy being back racing albeit slightly differently to a normal London Marathon.

Mantra?

Be grateful, enjoy it & get what you want from it.