3 interest-free instalments with Klarna. 
A marathon is never just a finish line photo or a time on the clock. For Adam, Run4It Inverness Duty Manager, it was the result of a demanding 20-week training block built around a clear goal. Like many runners, his approach centred on consistency, structure, and a willingness to trust the process from start to finish.
All of it played out in the capital of the Highlands, with miles logged around Inverness - mountains in the background and the castle watching over it all. Winter didn’t make things easy, with tough conditions throughout the block, but it also brought a reminder that Scotland offers some of the most rewarding training views going - something worth appreciating, even on the harder days.
Building the Block
Coached by Ross Gollan, Adam’s training combined a wide mix of sessions designed to prepare him for the demands of the marathon. Easy and recovery runs formed the backbone of the week, typically lasting between 45 and 60 minutes. These runs weren’t just filler - they played a key role in keeping the legs moving after harder efforts and maintaining consistency throughout the block.
Shoe of choice
For these days, Adam rotated between the HOKA Clifton 10, Bondi 9, and Gaviota 6. The focus was simple: comfort, cushioning, and support. Shoes that allowed him to absorb the workload and stay fresh for the key sessions ahead.
As the weeks progressed, the intensity built early. Tempo efforts and marathon pace running were introduced sooner rather than later, helping Adam adapt to sustained efforts at race pace. This approach meant that by the time race day approached, running hard for long periods felt familiar.
Speed sessions were a staple too, often taking place on the flat 1K loop at Inverness UHI. From fartlek sessions to structured 800m repeats and longer efforts, the variety kept things engaging while targeting different aspects of performance. Distances and recoveries evolved throughout the block, ensuring continuous progression.
Sunday long runs became the cornerstone of preparation. These weren’t just about time on feet - they regularly included blocks of marathon pace and tempo running, simulating race-day demands while also dialling in fuelling strategies.
Shoe of choice
For these harder efforts, Adam leaned on more responsive options like the HOKA Cielo, Mach X, and, closer to race day, the Salomon S/LAB Phantasm 3. These shoes helped bring a sharper feel to sessions while still offering enough cushioning for longer work.
Race Day: London Delivers
Race day brought warmer conditions than we’ve been used to in Scotland.
'A really warm day with a slight breeze - roughly 20 degrees or so. The crowds were absolutely mental, shouting, screaming and cheering the whole way around the course'.
From the early miles, the energy was relentless. Noise lined the streets from start to finish, but some moments stood above the rest.
'Especially Tower Bridge - it was about seven bodies deep on both sides. I feel Tower Bridge was by far the loudest part of the course'.
There was also a sense of history unfolding alongside the mass race.
'To be in the same race when two elite athletes smashed the two-hour marathon barrier was truly incredible.'
'It generated a buzz and excitement in the crowds which passed on to the mass runners.'
By the time Adam crossed the finish line, the verdict was clear.
'After participating in London, I can easily say that it was the best race I’ve ever been a part of - it was truly special. Nobody does it like London on marathon day.'
Performance & Payoff
Adam crossed the line in 2:45:13 - a personal best by three and a half minutes. A result that reflected not just race-day execution, but months of disciplined training.
On his feet for the big day: the HOKA Cielo X1 3.0
They were amazing to run in - snappy, cushioned, and really stable. For the marathon distance, they’re a great option. I’m already looking forward to racing in them again.
The Gear That Made It Happen
Throughout the block, Adam’s shoe rotation played a key role in balancing recovery, training load, and performance.
- Easy & recovery runs: Clifton 10, Bondi 9, Gaviota 6 - dependable cushioning for day-to-day mileage
- Workouts & long runs: Cielo X, Mach X, Salomon Phantasm 3 - responsive, versatile, and built for effort
- Race day: Cielo X1 3.0 - lightweight, cushioned, and race-ready
Beyond footwear, a few essentials became non-negotiable:
- Garmin Forerunner 165 Music - for tracking performance and keeping motivation high with music on the go
- Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 - a constant companion on most training run
- FlipBelt Zipper Edition - practical, comfortable storage for long runs and sessions
In terms of clothing, Adam kept things simple and effective, rotating trusted pieces from Ronhill, Nike, and adidas - ultimately opting for half tights on race day for comfort and performance.
