The streets of Paris aren’t unfamiliar territory for Leanne: this will be her second marathon and her second in Paris. But this one feels different. Stronger. More assured. Not because it’s easier - but because she knows what’s coming, and more importantly, she knows she can handle it.
'I did Paris last year and this training block definitely felt a lot better than last year, I think having that mileage already in the legs made a difference (and knowing I was mentally capable, too).'
Leanne's training approach for the Paris Marathon
This 12-week training block has been about more than just logging miles. Last year was about proving she could do it. This year has been about doing it better.
'This training block has been different because it focused much more on improving pace (as opposed to just getting mileage in the legs).'
Running three to four times a week, alongside two consistent strength sessions, Leanne built her routine around sustainability. One upper body session, one focused on single-leg strength:
'Having my strength sessions as a non-negotiable was important to help prevent injuries'
Not an afterthought, but a foundation. Because staying injury-free isn’t luck; it’s preparation.
Her weeks found a rhythm: an easy run to reset, interval sessions to sharpen pace, and long runs that pushed into the high 20–30km range, often with sections at race pace. And when it fit, a fourth “bonus” run with the Run4It RunClub.
But as the mileage climbed, so did the awareness to pull back when needed.
'I dropped down to three runs when the mileage started to pick up to high 20-30kms for the long runs, to avoid overtraining'.
Leanne's running shoe rotation
Underfoot, it’s been a rotation that matches the work.
'I’ve rotated between the Nike Vomero Premium, which I have loved for daily miles and increasing my mileage, and the Brooks Hyperion Max 3 which have been great for the interval sessions.'
Cushioned support for the long efforts, responsive speed for the sharper sessions. The kind of consistency that lets you focus on the run itself, not what’s on your feet.
The winter months didn’t make it easy. Long runs in poor weather, early starts in the dark - the kind of miles that rarely get seen but always count.
'The weather has been pretty miserable but I tried to avoid the treadmill as much as possible this year. I find it difficult to maintain accuracy, but I also feel like it doesn't accurately represent the peaks and troughs of a run, including pace dips.'
Getting to the start line fresh and ready
And then there’s recovery - not overcomplicated, just intentional.
'I prioritised recovery as much as possible without overcomplicating it: fuelling well, hydrating with electrolytes (1000mg), sleeping, taking additional supplements (magnesium) and stretching."'
The quiet habits that keep everything moving forward.
Leanne's race-day fuelling strategy
Tested and trusted. Three gels an hour, just like last year. No surprises. Just consistency.
One change, though - a hydration bladder for race day. With no single-use bottles or cups on the Paris course, it’s a decision built around flow. Minimising disruption. Keeping momentum. Because when you know stop-start doesn’t suit you, you plan ahead.
The miles have been logged. The sessions completed. The early alarms were answered.
This is what Every Mile Before the Medal looks like.
Not just the big runs, but the structure behind them. The choices. The adjustments. The commitment to showing up, again and again, long before the medal is even in sight.
And through it all - the right gear has been there, supporting every step.
Race Day: Paris Delivers
Race day brought a strong result for Leanne, with everything coming together after a consistent block of training.
“The race went pretty well - I got a 14-minute PB, which I’m really happy with.”
Conditions, however, added an extra challenge.
“The weather was warmer than expected (or what I was used to after a Scottish winter training block), which definitely had an impact.”
And with bigger crowds than the year before, finding rhythm wasn’t always easy.
“It was so busy compared to last year, making it hard to get into a natural steady rhythm — I spent a lot of the race getting elbowed, dodging people or getting stuck behind them.”
But as ever in Paris, the support on the streets stood out.
“The crowds were amazing.”
