Marathon Goals After COVID: How Andrew Marmion is Adjusting His Goals
When we last spoke with Andrew Marmion, he was deep into his marathon training, feeling strong and confident. However, life had other plans, and a recent bout with COVID-19 threw a wrench into his preparations. How has he adjusted his marathon goals after COVID? In this latest edition of Enjoying The Journey, Andrew opened up about his health, training progress, and evolving expectations for his upcoming races, including a mile run, a 10k, and the Berlin Marathon.
“I’m alive. That’s the main thing, isn’t it?” Andrew began with a chuckle, trying to maintain a positive outlook despite the setbacks. He described how his training was going exceptionally well before a trip, where he faced high temperatures that pushed his limits. “I was getting up like at five in the morning to go run and… it was tough, but it was good.” Yet, just days after returning home, he tested positive for COVID-19.
The Impact of COVID on Training
The timing couldn’t have been worse for Andrew. With just six weeks until the Berlin Marathon, he was forced to halt his training for eight days, a significant chunk of time in the world of marathon preparation. “It was a big chunk of training that I lost,” he said, reflecting on the period of inactivity. During this time, Andrew focused on recovery, using turmeric shots, which he believed helped reduce his recovery time compared to his wife, who took nearly three weeks to feel better.
Despite his efforts to bounce back quickly, Andrew admits he’s still not back to his pre-COVID form. “I still have some issues with it. Not back to where I was. It’s not debilitating. It’s not stopping me,” he shared, emphasizing that while he’s able to train, he’s uncertain about his current performance levels.
The Struggle to Regain Form
Andrew’s first run after recovering was a cautious one. “I told my coach I was gonna run half an hour. I ran an hour,”he said, laughing at his own eagerness. But even though he managed to run for an hour, he noticed a significant drop in his pace and endurance. “I have no idea where I’m running at, as in pace-wise. I’ve just… it’s completely gone.”
This uncertainty has weighed heavily on Andrew’s mind as he prepares for his upcoming races. With a mile run and a 10k just weeks away, he’s grappling with the pressure of past performances and the fear of not meeting his own expectations.
Evolving Expectations: The Berlin Marathon
The Berlin Marathon looms large in Andrew’s mind, and he’s candid about his feelings of unpreparedness. “I feel so unprepared for this one. I feel like I’m not ready and need another six weeks,” he confessed. This sense of urgency is compounded by the high standards he’s set for himself, particularly after his experience at the London Marathon, where he finished with a time many would envy, but it wasn’t the result he had hoped for.
“Finishing it is the win. Finishing it well is the win as in, I don’t want to be hobbling across the line like I did at London,” Andrew explained. His goal for Berlin is not just to finish, but to do so in a way that reflects his true potential, despite the setbacks he’s faced.
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Mental Struggles: Imposter Syndrome and Pressure
One of the most challenging aspects of Andrew’s journey has been managing the mental side of running. The pressures of past performances, combined with the uncertainty brought on by his recent illness, have led to bouts of imposter syndrome. “I feel like I’m chasing ghosts,” he said, describing the internal struggle of comparing himself to his past achievements.
This pressure is further amplified by the goal of completing all six World Marathon Majors, a dream that Andrew has been working towards for years. “The times are a means to an end because the time gets me in,” he stated, acknowledging that while the times are important, they don’t define his overall accomplishment.
Shifting Focus: Enjoying the Journey
In light of these challenges, Andrew is re-evaluating his approach to the Berlin Marathon. Rather than fixating on a specific time or pace, he’s focusing on the bigger picture: the joy of running and the satisfaction of completing the race, regardless of the outcome. His marathon goals after COVID have changed but the larger picture has not.
“I don’t know. I honestly don’t know what I’m going to do at it, and my expectation is to finish it,” Andrew said, with a tone that mixed determination and resignation. He’s come to terms with the fact that this marathon might not go as planned. Despite that he’s committed to enjoying the journey, no matter the result.
Preparing for the Future
As Andrew continues to train leading up to the Berlin Marathon, he’s adopting a more flexible and forgiving mindset. He’s focusing on what he can control—his attitude, his effort, and his enjoyment of the process. “I want to keep my head screwed on, have a plan, and know what I’m doing, but I also know that I cannot control everything” he stated. That thinking underscores the importance of a strategic and level-headed approach.
While the road to Berlin has been anything but smooth, Andrew’s resilience shines through in his ability to adapt and persevere. “Finishing it is the win,” he reiterated. This is a mantra that will carry him through the final stages of his training and into race day.
Looking Ahead
Beyond Berlin, Andrew is already thinking about his future goals, including his pursuit of the remaining World Marathon Majors. Despite the setbacks, he’s not letting go of his dreams.
For Andrew, the journey is just as important as the destination. While the Berlin Marathon may not unfold exactly as he imagined, it’s just one step in a much larger journey. This journey is one that he intends to enjoy, every step of the way. Adjusting his marathon goals after COVID isn’t a setback. It’s an opportunity to learn to adapt and progress forward.
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