How I trained for the London Marathon with tips from marathon mums — and you can too

If marathon season has you dreaming of the finish line, a mum who has run 35 marathons shares her tips for how to make it realistically work when you've got kids and no time.

Close-up of a young sportswoman tying her shoelaces before a workout session in a sunny park

Published: April 22, 2026 at 5:33 PM

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It’s the time of year when social media feeds become clogged with a certain kind of content – runners crossing finish lines, embracing their families after several gruelling hours dashing round a course and raising thousands for charity in the process. It is, of course, spring marathon season.

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With every passing Reel, Nike bus advert and conversation about race days with work colleagues, it can seem like everyone in the world is taking part in running. Which can make it all the more tempting to sign up to race ballots, buy the £200 trainers and hit the park.

It’s a trajectory I know all too well – and why the past couple of years of watching inspirational videos took me from a fairweather jogger to the point of running the 2026 London Marathon, this Sunday.

Before then, I’d been the sort of person who’d huff and puff round the park every now and again, but I didn’t exactly enjoy it – nor was I very good at it. It was only when a close friend founded a run club (which I was instructed to attend) that I started to like the activity.

Even just running around the block has the ability to get me out of any funk or bad mood.

Before I knew it, I’d signed up to run my first half-marathon in Lisbon and was undertaking a 12-week training plan. It was during this time that I realised the unmatched feeling of a runner’s high after a 15km run. But even just running around the block has the ability to get me out of any funk, bad mood or help me solve that problem eating away at me.

And since that first half-marathon, I was hooked – I’ve continued to sign up to races that keep me following a regular running schedule, and with that, support my mental health. It’s why I think signing up for races, short distance or long, is a great goal for anyone to have.

But wait – training for various running goals, whether it’s faster-paced 5ks or ultra marathons, is kind of hard. And with a busy life and kids at home… Is it achievable for a busy parent? Marathon runner, running coach and mum, Ania Gabb says the answer is yes.

A marathon runner celebrates the moment she crosses the marathon finish line in Rochester, MN.

Gabb has run a grand total of 35 marathons, including all seven of the ‘World Majors’ (considered the most prestigious in the world – think London, New York, Tokyo and Boston). And despite having a 20-month-old toddler, she isn’t done yet.

But, Gabb admits, running as a busy parent isn’t for the faint-hearted. And so, she shares her key tips for how fellow parents can train up to those big races – including the marathon distance.

1. Plan a long way ahead

Planning is incredibly important to anyone looking to improve their running. A plan helps you structure your workouts and means you aren’t just winging it. I use the app, Runna, for all my races – it’s helped keep me in check as well as boosted my pace with its specific training options. And it’s adjustable to your own goals and how much time you personally have to put in.

Gabb says that as a parent, making a plan ahead of time is especially important – spontaneous workouts aren’t something that can’t be taken for granted anymore.

“Be intentional,” she explains. “Schedule your runs like fixed appointments. Early mornings often work best before your child is awake, since evenings can be draining. Decide your sessions and days in advance, then commit to them in your diary.”

2. Prepare your kit the night before

So, you’ve made your plan, now you need to make sure you don’t go back on it.

“I get my kit ready the night before so I can get up and go without even giving it a second thought,” Gabb says.

This almost gives your brain no other option but to get up and go when your alarm goes off.

3. Treat rest as essential

Of course, rest and relaxation can be easier said than done if you have little ones, but Gabb says rest is a vital part of training – particularly when hitting those longer distances.

“Parenthood naturally cuts into your sleep, and marathon training will add to the fatigue,” she explains. “Take opportunities to nap when your child sleeps, and consider heading to bed earlier before demanding training days. I found it hard to adjust to this at first but it is now my main priority.”

4. Embrace buggy runs

Side view of active young mom jogging with a baby carriage along an empty park on a cold autumn day. Parenting, healthy lifestyle, sports concept

Can’t find a babysitter when it’s time for your long runs? No problem – include your toddler in your training, Gabb says. And this could actually give your running a boost, too.

“Running with a buggy can build both endurance and strength, and it can be enjoyable for your baby too,” she explains. “Just ensure your child is at least six months old before doing this, and always use a proper running buggy rather than a standard one. I actually love buggy running!”

And while it’s hard, she says it makes the solo runs feel so much easier – giving you that extra boost on race day.

Check out our tried and tested jogging buggies here.

5. Stop comparing yourself to other runners (and mothers)

A little, cute girl high-fives a hand of a marathon runner with her hand whilst cheering on the street

Comparison is the thief of joy, right? So why are we still comparing ourselves to others?

“I catch myself comparing my life to other mums, and social media definitely makes that harder,” Gabb notes. This can make getting out the door hard sometimes.

“Sometimes I’m out for three to four hours on a long run, and I can’t help but feel a bit selfish for taking that time for myself and being away from my daughter,” she says.

But remember – taking that time for yourself can allow you to be an even better parent. It allows you to refresh and show your little ones how important looking after your physical and mental health is. Plus, you’re showing them the importance of striving for big goals.

6. Be realistic about what you can achieve

So, you still want to get into running? That’s great. But really consider how much time you can (and want to) commit to it.

“Do what you can,” Gabb says. “Plan how many days you can run per week and be REALISTIC.” For her first postpartum marathon, this meant focusing on endurance and not trying to break records.

It is all about starting simple and building on what you can from there.

So, if you're watching marathon season from the sofa or sidelines this year and thinking "I’d love to do that, but there’s no way with kids" — maybe there is a way after all.

It might not look like elite training plans or hours of free time. It might mean early alarms, buggy runs, shorter sessions and adjusting your time goals for the season of life you’re in. But as Ania Gabb proves, progress doesn’t need perfect conditions.

Whether it’s a first 5K, a half marathon or one day crossing a marathon finish line like I hope to do this weekend, big goals are still allowed after babies. And sometimes, chasing something for yourself can be one of the best things you do for your family too.

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So, what are you waiting for?

About the author

Amber Middleton is a London-based health and fitness journalist. Amber has worked for Stylist, Business Insider and Netmums and now freelances for a range of titles with bylines including Metro, Refinery29 and Glamour. Her writing interests range from running, brain health and nutrition to sex, relationships and psychology. She loves deep dives into complex scientific topics – particularly when it comes to women's health – but also loves a personal essay in the form of a rant. When she's not writing, you can usually find her running laps of North London or at Gatwick Airport boarding a flight.

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Amber Middleton

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