For Eleanor Grubb, Sunday’s Wymondham 20 wasn’t just about finishing first — it was about executing a perfectly planned long run as marathon training intensifies.
The City of Norwich AC athlete claimed her first victory of the 2025 Sportlink Grand Prix Series, following two impressive runner-up finishes at the Reedham Ten and Valentine’s 10K.
“It was a really enjoyable race,” said Eleanor. “We’re not quite sure what marathon pace is going to be yet but the plan yesterday was to go out a minute slower than that and then cut it down by five seconds each mile before finishing at marathon pace, which we think will end up being about 6:10–6:15.”
The strategy paid off, even if it meant resisting the urge to chase others early on.
“It took a bit of discipline because everyone steams off at the start, but it was a fun way to run the race. I managed to get down to roughly what I want marathon pace to be — although the hills were a bit tricky at points.”
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Eleanor, who trains with the Norwich Distance Squad, is preparing for next month’s London Marathon and is embracing the process of high-mileage training.
“Marathon training is a bit different for me but I think I’ve been quite good at just looking at what the next session is going to be and just concentrating on that. I’ve not let myself get overwhelmed by the volume or the intensity. I’ve really tried to stay in the moment.”
Balancing training with life’s demands has been key.
“I always do one strength session a week and I’d like to do more mobility as I know it would help,” she said. “I settle for just doing half an hour in front of the TV. You kind of have to take what you can get when you’re working four days a week and a mum to two children as well!”
Eleanor, who has recently gained sponsorship with Larking Gowen and Dempsey Heating Ltd, credits regular recovery habits, like ice baths and Epsom salt soaks, for keeping her legs fresh. And she’s also found a reliable training partner — in the form of her shoes.
“I really think the Superblast 2s (purchased from Sportlink) have helped keep my legs feeling pretty fresh despite the volume. They’re a great training shoe. I still need to get myself my carbon shoes for race day, but the Superblasts do really give you something on those long training runs.”
With the London Marathon now just weeks away, the excitement is building.
“I’ve been listening to the Paula Radcliffe podcast and that’s been getting me really excited. It’s not the first time I’ve done London but it was years ago — and I think I probably did about a quarter of the training I’ve done this time!”
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I’m so pleased Ellie, has got on well with the Superblast 2 as a training shoe. It’s great to see the progress some of our top runners in the county are making this year.