It’s still sinking in that I am supposedly doing a full Ironman in 2017. Of course that means at least vaguely trying to run something like a Marathon at some point. Luckily I did a few half marathons this year and half irons. So hopefully I’m there or thereabouts already on the fitness front if I just go a ‘bit slower’ (technical sports science term).
In my training I run A LOT on the banks of the Thames and Wey and cycle on the banks of a few other rivers regularly too. I just like to get away from cars I guess (yes I do own one). It’s a great way to run. Historically I’d been very aware of the Kingston Breakfast Run and the Cabbage Patch 10 mile (Twickenham/Richmond), the latter of which I’ve run a few times – both being flat and close to the Thames
They’re just great experiences.
So on to 2017: “Why not venture further upstream or downstream?” I thought to myself.
I was in Windsor in the middle of November for a day’s shopping – very nice place/shops; rubbish car parking. HMQ wasn’t at home so I couldn’t pop round for a coffee. So I had a wander along the Thames.
It was very pretty and that stuck in my mind and then jumped out of my mind and into full consciousness when I saw the Thames Trail Half Marathon from F3 Events: 21st May 2017 £35. Long story short. I’m doing that. It’s going to be flat but will the ‘trail’ nature of it signify a PB opportunity? Hard, dry trail beats hills for I fast time I hope.
I was also going to do September’s Kew Marathon for similar beautiful scenery and general flatness. But that will probably/certainly interfere with my annual pilgrimage to Hever Castle for the Half Iron distance race there.
Last Updated on 16 January 2026 by the5krunner
My favourite kit and nutrition
- Maurten — the race nutrition trusted by elite athletes. Gels and drink mix engineered to be easy on the stomach.
- Garmin 90-degree charging adapter — the small adapter that keeps your charging cable tidy at the stem. Essential for race day.
- Garmin charging puck — the fastest and most reliable way to top up your Garmin before a session.
- Ravemen FR300 — front light that mounts directly under your Garmin or Wahoo head unit. Keeps your bars clean and your beam pointed where it matters.
- Garmin Varia RTL515 — radar rear light that alerts you to vehicles approaching from behind. Pairs with your Edge or Garmin watch.
- Stryd — the footpod that brings running power to your Garmin. The single most useful running upgrade I have made.
- Favero Assioma Pro RS2 — the power meter pedals most serious cyclists end up choosing. Accurate, easy to move between bikes.
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tfk is the founder and author of the5krunner, an independent endurance sports technology publication. With 20 years of hands-on testing of GPS watches and wearables, and competing in triathlons at an international age-group level, tfk provides in-depth expert analysis of fitness technology for serious athletes and endurance sport competitors. ID
