Today's episode is all about some calculated tweaks I'm making to my training week to try to optimise this training cycle for Manchester marathon.

It can be easy to change too much at once and opt for things that aren't sustainable in the long run. I have also found it difficult to move away from things that have served me well in the past.

So these tweaks hopefully will blend the best of both. Retaining the general philosophy and structure to my week but with a few new ideas and ways to keep me on track with some of the work I find more difficult.

As always, any cycle should begin with keeping what has worked well whilst being open to adding in something new that can help, or sometimes even eliminating things that didn't work.

I have a few slots still available for one to one coaching which takes the guesswork out of your training and racing. Find out more here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.therunningrules.com/coaching

Happy new year! In the first episode of 2026 I go through the reason marathons are a big step up from half marathons. It doesn't mean you should be scared of them but it's certainly important to respect the distance.

There are some things you can get away with a bit more over shorter distances but over the marathon you can get found out. I go through how to make sure you are prepared for the marathon.

This episode is perfect for anyone stepping up to the marathon for the first time or even for anyone who doesn't feel they've got it quite right yet in their previous marathons.

I have a few slots still available for one to one coaching which takes the guesswork out of your training and racing. Find out more here: ⁠⁠⁠www.therunningrules.com/coaching

In the final episode of 2025, I go back through the year and pull out the highs and lows with the lessons I learnt and will take forward to 2026.

I reveal my race plans for next year and also that I will be joining the NI running show as a speaker in February.

I hope to see a lot of you at the show - to get £3 off your tickets use the code RunningRules at checkout or use the link below: www.eventbrite.com/e/1347804041169/?discount=RunningRules

You can get help with your spring races with the master the marathon course or a one to one coaching at ⁠⁠www.therunningrules.com/services