From Melbourne to Milan to Miami: Laura Robson's Grueling London Marathon Prep

Laura Robson, a renowned Sky Sports Tennis presenter, has been training tirelessly for the London Marathon, splitting her time between Melbourne, Milan Cortina, and Miami. As the former British No 1 prepares to tackle the 26.2-mile course, she reflects on the challenges she has faced, from scorching heat in Melbourne during the Australian Open to freezing temperatures at the Winter Olympics and unpredictable weather at the Miami Open. Now back in the UK, Robson is gearing up for the big event, which will take her through iconic landmarks like the Cutty Sark, Tower Bridge, and Canary Wharf, before finishing at Buckingham Palace. 'I'm finding the training brutal, and I often wonder why people put themselves through this,' Robson admitted after returning from the Winter Olympics. Despite her concerns, Robson remains determined, aiming for a sub-3:40 finish. To achieve this, she has been relying on her Garmin and Strava, which suggest she has the potential for a sub-3:30 time. Robson has managed to stay on track with her training, even when it meant using a treadmill in the snow while in Milan Cortina. However, she confesses that since returning home, she has struggled to maintain her motivation, finding it too easy to skip training sessions. As the marathon approaches, Robson is focusing on her diet, increasing her carb intake, particularly rice, and ensuring she stays hydrated with plenty of electrolytes. She has also been seeking advice from friends who are experienced runners, including those she plays Padel with, who have advised her not to stress about hitting specific targets and instead focus on consistency. Robson wishes she could have had more company during her training runs, but her work schedule has made it difficult. She is looking forward to the electric atmosphere of the marathon, having experienced it firsthand when she watched the event last year to support a friend. The final kilometer is what she is most eager to reach, knowing that it will soon be over, and she can stop training. Robson is running in support of the charity Give It Your Max, which provides free tennis lessons, breakfast, and after-school clubs for kids. With her biggest week of training ahead, Robson is ready to push through and give it her all.