Extraordinary Strides
Welcome to Extraordinary Strides, the podcast that celebrates the spirit of running and the inspiring stories of those who lace up their shoes and hit the pavement.
Here, we dive into the heart of what makes running an extraordinary adventure.
Whether you're a seasoned marathoner or just starting out, Extraordinary Strides is your go-to source for expert tips, motivational stories, and the camaraderie of the running community.
Our episodes feature seasoned runners, coaches, and everyday athletes sharing their triumphs, challenges, and the joy they find in every run.
Join us for casual, uplifting conversations that will leave you excited to put on your running shoes and hit the road. We believe that every run, no matter the distance, is a step towards something greater.
So, subscribe now and join our community of runners who are making every stride extraordinary.
At Extraordinary Strides, we're here to inspire, motivate, and celebrate with you every step of the way!
Extraordinary Strides
World Marathon Majors Series 6 of 6: Exploring the London Marathon: History, Heroes, and Highlights
Ever dreamt of running the iconic London Marathon? Join us, Coach Shelby and Coach Christine, as we journey across the pond to explore the rich history, unique character, and unforgettable experiences that make this event a must-do for runners around the globe.
Listen in as we recount the remarkable records set by world-class athletes like Ingrid Christensen, Brigid Kosgei, Paula Radcliffe, Mary Keitany, and Sarah Hall, and how the inaugural event was inundated with a staggering 20,000 applicants!
In the second segment, we take you through the twists and turns of the globally renowned wheelchair race course and reveal the innovative costumes marathoners sport to keep the spirit alive.
From the historic sights you'll witness along the course to the best places to snap memorable photos – we've got it all covered!
We also delve into how the London Marathon has, over the years, raised billions for charity, impacting numerous nonprofit organizations in significant ways.
Before we wrap up, we'll also introduce our listeners to the movies of the week and the impressive cast and stories behind them.
Join us for this exciting exploration, and let's run the world together!
Have questions or want to chat? Send me a text!
Join the newsletter list for updates, special offers, and exclusive behind-the-scenes content.
Join fellow pod and running enthusiasts at The Stride Collective community on Facebook or follow us on Instagram.
Hey friends, coach Shelby and Coach Christine, welcoming you in and letting you know it's time for French Quick Fights Edition, where you can grab your miles with a side of smiles. Take them on the run midday in the afternoon for a late night snack attack, and we are going across the pond checking in with our friend the king and making sure that we get all the fish and chips that we can possibly handle, because this week we are talking about the London Marathon. So, cheerio, would you like a spot of tea? Christine?
Speaker 2:I do love tea, and I don't know, though, if I am a myth or a tiff. I think I'm more of a tiff, which it's tea in first or milk in first. I think this is a big controversy had in the UK, and so I don't know.
Speaker 1:So you're a tiff.
Speaker 2:I think I'm a tiff. I don't think.
Speaker 1:I've ever put milk in first. You are, yes, because you put the milk in first and then you pour the tea and it mixes all up, even though I don't do milk in my tea, but that's a sidebar. But yeah, you do it, so it mixes up and you don't have to dirty a spoon. Less dishes.
Speaker 2:Interesting. I feel like folks that maybe haven't heard this terminology think that we're confusing myth with milk, but I promise it's a different thing.
Speaker 1:Maybe I'm a myth too.
Speaker 2:Let's start a poll. Own that spiciness. Well, let's maybe tamper down a little bit of the heat though, as we discuss the London marathon history. What I love right out of the gate about London is that they said you know what we love, New York City, we're going to bring this back home because we deserve to have it on our side of the pond as well. So they were inspired by the New York City Marathon, which, of course, was established in 1970. And if you guys want to go back and listen to that quick bite, you're welcome too. So Olympic steeple chase medalist Chris Prashere and John Disley were determined that London Marathon would also showcase the very best of the London City and the capital of England. So they also declared the event would help people to quote unquote have more fun, provide some happiness in a sense of achievement in a troubled world. I think that should be our mission statement moving forward.
Speaker 1:I mean, I'm pretty sure there's not any problems just filling it from them, right?
Speaker 2:Yeah right, I can't imagine they were minds. Well, the event captivated people's imagination right from the get go, with more than 20 to 1000 runners applying to take part in the first race, which is mind blowing. Like where do you, I can you imagine like that would be like us dropping our first episode or hosting our first retreat and immediately having 22,000 runners? That means that the UK was starved for this. So good for them, for knowing that they definitely had a great market. However, the original capacity was capped due to safety reasons, so there were only about 7700 runners who crossed the first ever start line in Greenwich Park, and that's just I don't know a small fraction of the 45,000 plus runners that we see in modern versions of this event.
Speaker 1:Just to drop in the bucket.
Speaker 2:Yep, it's. What I find interesting about it is that it's also largely flat. It kind of loops around a lot of different neighborhoods but it's located kind of around the River Tames, so it does a little bit of looping through like more modern aspects, also some more historical aspects, absolutely fascinating. But I feel like I've now gotten to that aspect, when I know you are going to dazzle us with all of the elite knowledge that you have in that noggin of yours of some of the records that have been set there.
Speaker 1:Well, I will start off with Nora's Ingrid Christensen dominating the women's race in the mid 1980s, winning not one, not two, not three, but four titles, and she is still the only woman to ever achieve that feat. So I mean yes. And of course we can talk about the elites all day, every day, and how the Kenyans completely dominate the field at a lot of the majors. But at the age of 26, kenya's two time winner, brigid Koske, has time on her side in her bib match and possibly surpass that achievement. So she, you know, she's knocking on history's door.
Speaker 2:Well, I'm sure that if anybody could do it it would be Brigid. But now there has been also quite a few world records and I think that they're like continually being beaten. And so we remember back in during New York City, Great Weights became being a record holder for New York City. Well, she also went on to become a big record holder at the first London Marathon in 1983, or became the first London Marathon world record holder in 1983. With a time of two hours 25 minutes and 29 seconds. Those times still blow my mind because I think of my half marathon finish time and then thinking I would have to double the distance in a similar time is just mind blowing to me.
Speaker 1:Well, I met Ingrid. Better that two years later with 221 of 6.
Speaker 2:And then let's not forget that Paula Radcliffe breaking that world's record twice, bringing it down to 215 seconds in 2003. And then it still holds as a course record to this day, but a 217 for the women's only marathon in 2005. So that 2003 was for the mixed marathon, meaning that that was like the record for both the boys and the girls. All about that girl power.
Speaker 1:again Paula Well, and then Mary Katani got the world record in 2017, which I actually kind of loved that it was 2017 and her time was to 1701, because I'm a numbers door, so I still love, though, for when the pandemic happened and they made the loop course for London Marathon One, sarah Hall. Go YouTube the finish of Sarah Hall. She dug deep, but my all time favorite is after Molly Seidel got done. She probably declared on international television that she needed the bathroom, and I just, if you needed a reason to love Molly more, there you go.
Speaker 2:So I'm curious does she use a portapotty or does she?
Speaker 1:get like her own bathroom. I think they have like an elite portapotty. So maybe the liquid's not just blue, maybe it's, I don't know. I was gonna say gold, but then that didn't track. Well, Anyway, please help me pivot out of this. Let's talk about the men's world record.
Speaker 2:Before we do it, I do have to say that London was the first time I ever experienced a female urinal, so there is a little bit of interesting aspects of the London marathon where they had, I guess, a sponsor supplying everyone with Chigos and you could Chigo before you actually towed up to this start line there.
Speaker 1:I was not prepared.
Speaker 2:Chigos to the blue. Okay, so let's talk about records. Let's keep that going, let's pivot out of it.
Speaker 1:There's no good segue, so we're just going to rip off that bandaid and talk about the world record set, the London marathon, in 2002 by Khalid Knotchi who ran a time of 205.38. The men's course record is 202.37 and that was set in 2019 by four-time winner and, arguably, I would say, the goat of all that is running Mr Elliot Choubey. Yeah, I would say so too, I mean talk about smiling. His race photos are things of legend. I think he might be the goat in that versus you. I hate to say it.
Speaker 2:Why doesn't he have a sponsor for like I don't know, like Invisalign or Toothpaste or something, because he's got the best smile ever. So I'm shocked.
Speaker 1:He doesn't need no help.
Speaker 2:He just is. But seriously, there should be some kind of somebody capitalizing on that world infamous smile. But let's also talk about, maybe what puts a smile on all of our faces is the wheelchair race course record holder, kurt Furnley of Australia, setting the men's wheelchair race course at one hour 28 minutes and 57 seconds in 2009. Can people even keep track of all of these numbers that are rolling around out here, because that's just like, again, mind-blowing in terms of the time and the women's wheelchair course record belonging to Switzerland's Manuela Schar, who finished in a one hour 39 minutes and 57 seconds in 2017. So again, just London, be bringing it, girl.
Speaker 1:I really I think, out of all the majors that are not within the US because I feel like I'm very fortunate that's easier to travel to I think London entices me probably the most. I've always loved England and I feel not just because I can actually semi-talk the language or speak the language, so, yeah, I can't even do English. I just there's something about it. I love the idea of the course, I love the energy and I think that probably would be my number one on the international list.
Speaker 2:I would say that if you have control of what order you do the world marathon majors, if that's something that you're pursuing and you don't just go with what most of us do, which is you get them in whatever order you can get into them, I would say that London, being the final plume in your cap, would be the best way to celebrate it. The energy there is true. I know I say that about every race, but London's energy was so much so that the spectator that I had along with me With me for the race couldn't find me with the throngs of humans that like toe ups, like nothing else. It like trumps, absolutely. New York City's crowds, chicago's crowds it is huge.
Speaker 2:However, let's talk about what makes this race really unique and things to look for on the course. First and foremost, let's learn from Coach Christine's not to do list and let's not traverse the entire city before the race on foot, because that's what I did. I think I clocked maybe about 28, maybe 30 miles before the race. Oh, that sounds like a great plan. Yeah, because I was so excited to see London. So let's not do that, while you can use the tube to get to a few choice destinations. I was again going back to that river cruise. It's a great way to see the city without spending too much time on your feet.
Speaker 2:Now, what I was talking about, that energy, ooh, during the race. This is the energy that will keep you going for all 26 miles. You're gonna see historical sites but, like Buckingham Palace, house of Parliament, tower Bridge getting to Crossover Tower Bridge, they always have the photographers there heads up. Make sure that you have a big smile on your face, like Kipchogi at that area, because that's some of the best photos you'll get of the entire race. Greenwich Park All of this is incredible, but it's the costumes. Like the costumes make run Disney look like run Disney light, like costuming light, because people go all out for costumes in London.
Speaker 1:I mean we heard about the Big Ben but what other? Costumes are there.
Speaker 2:I think I saw someone wearing a full hoop skirt. What sticks in mind, though, is for Save the Rhinos a charity in London, or it has. All of their runners wear rhino suits. Nothing will quite hit your ego like getting passed by somebody wearing a 60 pound rhino suit for the record in a race that hurts a little bit. Is that a requirement?
Speaker 1:Like is that a requirement of the charity? I don't know.
Speaker 2:I was very curious as well, but everyone that I saw, and it seems to be an annual, yearly thing, like that's what they're known for, so I think that it may be part of that requirement.
Speaker 1:Do they say God? Do they say God save the queen. Oh well, it's not queen anymore. God save the rhinos. I think so.
Speaker 2:At least you do if you're running for that charity. And I think that's also what lends itself to this specific race more so than all the others. While we talk about charity bibs for every single race, they're all possible this one is truly the record holder of bringing in billions of dollars for charities and nonprofits. So what you have energy wise, and the support crowds for those charities and those nonprofits, other folks that just kind of feel that kinship of being in the trenches of raising money for a cause that they're very, very passionate about Absolutely phenomenal. So I will say that's probably the best feeling of being there. And you know, I don't, I did not take place of Stranger Danger aid station but I kept losing all of the water stations because of the amount of crowds. So after I think I wasn't able to find maybe three water stations in a row, I did go off the course, went into a convenience store and did get a beer, because when in London I find it hilarious the only time you drink beer.
Speaker 2:I know when you're running yeah absolutely so, again, a lot of fun. I would not take that race as, while there are world records to be had there and it is a flat and fast course, I personally would not recommend that as a PR course because there's just so much to take in.
Speaker 1:But I think the general consensus is like don't go to any of the world majors trying to PR. Yeah, for real.
Speaker 2:There's just so much. I mean, unless it's your backyard, you're paying so much to be there. It took so much to get there and I do know a lot of folks like to Boston qualify at Boston, so that maybe has a different, but maybe not for your first one, I'd say. If you're there for a second or a third one, that might be a bigger, bigger endeavor to do.
Speaker 1:I just want to go stand in front of Buckingham Palace. Is that what you want to do? Is that what you're doing with your medal? Probably OK. I'm probably going to stand in front of the guards and just like look super stoic and chill.
Speaker 2:I could see that I mean again great photo opportunities with your medal after the marathon. I'm personally saying, hey, if you came from the States, you already have a rather expensive flight to get out to England. I'd say, go ahead and jump on either the train or take an inexpensive flight to another destination that's on your list. I traveled to see Stonehenge and then did a couple of other trips and tours while I was there, so did you bring your medal to Stonehenge?
Speaker 2:Yes, did I take my picture with my medal in every single location afterwards? Absolutely Like. That's absolutely too to be had. I'm sure I have it. I should probably get out somewhere.
Speaker 1:It's probably on your little picture frame. Now let's talk about food. Oh OK, I don't know how vegetarian friendly other than fish and chips.
Speaker 2:I feel kind of similar to Berlin. This one may be a little challenging for you as well. It's a very heavy meat, base meat and potatoes. So from those fish and chips it goes on to some really heavy dishes, except that they do have some of the most amazing Indian food there. So I will say you could probably find a lot of vegetarian Indian dishes that you would love, but again they have a bit of that black pudding that I can't see you getting down with.
Speaker 2:You know all their puddings. None of them are in Team Sweet, by the way. They're all Team Savory because they're all meat based or potato based. They're all definitely Talk about stranger danger pudding, yeah. However, there are a few must have Team Sweet's sticky toffee pudding, ok. So there is one fruit crumble and vanaphy pie, which I'm not really familiar with, and now I want to try it. A little bit of a Team Sweet and Savory to have is we could always have. Ashman tea has assorted sandwiches, maybe like a little cucumber or a scone for both of us. So Savory's going for you, a sweet's going for me, what do you?
Speaker 1:think I have to ask them. I'm about to spill some tea. Ok, they are big tea drinkers. As coffee lovers, are we welcomed or are we looked at strangely if we don't partake in tea?
Speaker 2:That you are welcomed. You're likely I don't know that you would like most of the coffee that I consumed over there. I did not like so much so that I switched to tea the entire trip, but their black tea is as caffeinated as our tea, so I actually think their black tea is so strong and flavorful that it's almost like coffee really.
Speaker 1:See, but I'm not a good tea drinker. All I do is I do basically the entire lemon in my tea.
Speaker 2:I think that if you were to have a traditional black tea from England, you may change your mind and have it with milk, milk in first, and I think you would enjoy it. I really do. It's very, very similar to our coffee.
Speaker 2:I'll take my milk go get my tea, I guess. Yeah, you'll have to give it a try. I again didn't particularly love the coffee there, but did partake in tea every single place, and I think my hotel room actually had like a whole big fancy tea set up, so I went ahead and experienced that.
Speaker 1:So what are we watching while we're sipping Cherry?
Speaker 2:it's a fire Like it is the one movie that everybody says, as you first come to running, you must watch Cherry. It's a fire. Have I done it yet?
Speaker 1:No, I'm not saying I'm like I'd be honest. I've never.
Speaker 2:It ranks number one on lists after lists after lists, of much watched running movies. It's based on a true story, talks about the 1981 British historical drama film. It's all about two British track athletes One is Jewish and one is Christian faith, and they're competing as both countrymen, but also to medal in the 1924 Olympics. So I think that this is going to also go to my must watch list. I think I'm going to like bump this up to the top of my list Now.
Speaker 2:The next one feels to me like it's almost like Britney runs a marathon Guy addition, because it's like. I think, like we have Britney runs a marathon as girls, I think dudes would totally feel more akin to honorable mention going to run fat boy run. It's a 2007 British American comedy film directed by David Schwimmer, and it's the story of Dennis, who is middle-aged guy, who sets out to run a marathon in an attempt to win back his ex fiance, libby, because he left her at the altar. Does he win her back? I don't know, my friends, you're going to have to watch the movie and see.
Speaker 1:But even as a runner, though, I'm like oh, I'm like, that guy ran a marathon, yeah, I'm going to marry him. No, that's not how it works, I'm sorry.
Speaker 2:She was quite impressed from what I saw. Did you actually watch this movie? I love the actor, simon Pegg, so I did. I actually thought it was really interesting and I also found it interesting that was directed by David Schwimmer of Friends, so, and it's got really great actors like. Hank Azaria is another one of my favorites.
Speaker 1:It's a really good one. He's a prolific voice actor.
Speaker 2:So I mean especially for us Disney fans. So I think I think, friends you may want to add it isn't the best movie ever. It's why it got honorable mention.
Speaker 1:So I don't know. I feel like I have to watch this without such a critical because again I'm sitting there like when I think about trying to win somebody back. I don't automatically go to let me run a marathon and smell and have no time to do anything but run a mile run, and I'm sorry if my husband ever wants to know a way to impress me. I don't know if running a marathon is even as a running coach is getting the flag up the pole.
Speaker 2:Well, ultimately we'll have to find out if Libby decides that it does it for her. She seems quite impressed early on. You'll have to friends. You'll have to report back to us, if you decide to watch this movie, what you thought of it. But with that said, we have officially concluded our world marathon majors fight.
Speaker 2:Again, head over to the blog. It's a little different over there. I feel like we made it more of kind of like a mullet party in the front with the podcast business in the back, or is it back? It's vice versa party in the back, okay, party in the back, parties in the back. Here with the podcast, it's a little bit more serious around the blog, where you're getting some practical knowledge of training a very race specific workout. So I think you guys will enjoy some of that information if you're heading there and, of course, some logistics of where to stay and just how to gain, gain entry into some of these world marathon majors. It could be quite challenging, but we'd love for you to join us again with time for a bunch of long run addition. Drop in this Friday, come back for more of our mid week quick fights, of course dropping on Wednesday and regardless of when or where we will keep serving up more miles with a side of major smiles.
