Marathon Training, Ramadan, and the Art of Listening to Your Body

Our marathon runner Ayesha gives an update on how her training is going- especially with Ramadan round the corner.

Injuries? (The Question Everyone Asks)

Let’s start with the question I’ve been getting a lot of recently: any injuries yet?

Surprisingly… no. And honestly, that feels like an achievement in itself. That said, my body is definitely making itself known. On my long runs, I’m discovering little weak spots, which have been helpful because it’s nudging me to be more intentional with my strength days and focus on specific areas to keep injury free.

Training has been going well overall, but one thing marathon prep has taught me very quickly is that not every week looks the same. Some weeks I feel strong, motivated, and on top of my plan. Other weeks? I’m tired by the first km. But I’m learning that sometimes adjusting a run or taking it easier isn’t failure, it’s actually part of the process. Giving 100% doesn’t look the same each time, sometimes just showing up is enough.

Also, full honesty, I am pretty much always sore and tired 😂

Training, Reflection & Ramadan

As my training continues and Ramadan approaches, things have naturally shifted, not in a dramatic way, but in a more intentional one.
I planned my training so my longest runs were completed before Ramadan, meaning this month will be about maintaining rather than pushing. Ramadan for me is a time for reflection, grounding, and reconnecting with purpose, and I wanted my training to support that rather than compete with it. So instead of chasing mileage or intensity, I’m focusing on consistency and listening to my body.

This training period has probably been the hardest mentally. Getting myself out the door, especially with the weather being what it is, hasn’t always been easy. There are definitely days where motivation is low and my bed looks far more appealing. But once I’m actually moving, it’s rarely as bad as I imagine it’ll be. Most of the time, the hardest part is just starting.

Training hasn’t been perfect, and I’ve learned that it doesn’t need to be. There have been weeks where I’ve felt really fatigued and mentally pushed myself to “just get through it.” I’m realising that adjusting a session or taking things easier doesn’t mean I’m falling behind. Sometimes showing up is enough, and that’s part of the process too.

This season has reminded me that progress doesn’t always mean doing more. Sometimes it’s about sustaining what you’ve already built, physically, mentally, and spiritually. Training has helped me appreciate my body in ways I hadn’t before, not for how it looks, but for the amazing things it’s capable of.

I’ve learned that our bodies are incredibly adaptable when we meet them with patience and care, and that’s something I’ve learnt not to take lightly.

What Getting Into a Run Actually Feels Like

If you don’t run, the best way I can describe it is like coming back to work after a holiday. You haven’t forgotten how to do your job, but everything feels a bit off. Your brain’s still in holiday mode, your body’s resisting the routine, and you spend the first part thinking, why does this feel harder than I remember?

The first few kilometres of a run are exactly like that for me. My legs feel heavy, my breathing’s all over the place, and it takes some time to properly find my rhythm. It’s not a battle with my body though, more of a quiet negotiation. I give it a bit of time and eventually things start to click.

Not every run brings a runner’s high, and some runs are clunky from start to finish. But I almost always finish with a sense of accomplishment. Marathon training has become a part of my routine and dare I say almost feels… normal, which is funny, because running 40+ kilometres a week isn’t exactly an everyday activity.

Fuel, Snacks & Podcasts

When it comes to fuelling, I’ve mostly kept things simple and consistent. On longer runs, gels are still part of the plan, even though I’ll be honest, I do get bored of them. To keep things manageable, I’ve started mixing it up a little. Sometimes that means sweets, sometimes a flapjack, and sometimes realising that eating while running is a skill I’m still very much learning. It’s not elegant, but it works. Also, I won’t pretend it’s all gels and discipline either – I’m never opposed to a post-run coffee and something sweet. Balance, right?

Mental fuel is just as important as physical fuel, especially on long runs. Those miles can feel long if you’re left alone with your thoughts, so podcasts have become a bit of a lifeline. They give me something to focus on, help the time pass, and sometimes just offer a bit of distraction when my legs are tired. At the moment, I’m really enjoying The Mel Robbins Podcast, Diary of a CEO, and Two Hot Takes, a good mix depending on the mood of the run.