Serpie Exclusives – March 2025
This month’s newsletter is a little later than usual – I’m sure you’ve all been eagerly refreshing your emails – but it’s been the annual Serpie trip to Club La Santa in Lanzarote over the past couple of weeks (March 13-23) and we wanted to wait and include a few pictures.
If you don’t know what I’m talking about, check out this link for more details.
It sounds like everyone had an amazing time in the sun, taking in a whole range of fun activities. And here are those aforementioned photos…
Quiz winners
Bike pit stop
Pools at sunset
Cycling in the lava fields
Cycling group
COMING UP
The club’s full training diary can be found on this link, but here’s a selection of events coming up over the next few weeks…
Friday March 28
It’s the last Friday of the month, which can only mean a 5k running race in Hyde Park. Find out more here
Saturday March 29
Calling all long run fans. Those who prefer to run on the road can join us for the London Marathon reconnaissance. The group will run along the start of the Marathon route. Find out more about the run by joining the Saturday Long Run WhatsApp group.
The trail run group will also be active along the North Downs Way. This month we will be running from Guildford to Dorking. It is a point to point run of around 22km with about 240m of ascent. The route crosses the Surrey Hills, with gentle climbs, rolling vineyards and sweeping views. For details check out this page.
Saturday April 5
It’s the first Saturday of the month, which can only mean the Club Handicap race in Hyde Park. Find out more here
Saturday April 12
One for the cyclists. This will be the start of regular ‘Introduction to Group riding’ sessions. These will be held on the second Saturday of the month. Timings will be around 11-11.30am to allow people to do parkrun beforehand. Depending on the group leader that day, sessions will either be in Regent’s Park or Richmond Park (this session will be in Richmond Park)
Date TBC…
Last month saw the inaugural ‘Serpie Talks’ (where prominent speakers talk about aspects of sports that interest Serpies and the wider running and triathlon community). It was named ‘Surviving & Thriving’, with Jim Ashworth-Beaumont. And it went so well, there’ll be another! The next one, with a new guest speaker, is likely to be around the time of the London Marathon (end of April). Watch this space..
GETTING TO KNOW YOU
Meet Mary Marshall, who coaches the club’s Thursday Primrose Hill sessions
How long have you been part of the club and what made you choose Serpentine?
Since 2022. I chose Serpentine because I was introduced through another coach, Lan. For me, Serpentine offers the opportunity to find and build your community, it has a vast array of training options and there is always someone ready to welcome you.
So, you coach the Thursday Primrose Hill sessions – can you tell us why hill training is so effective?
Hill training is a powerful tool for runners at all levels, offering unique benefits that improve form, strength, and performance. Here are a few reasons why they are so effective:
1. Improve running form and economy
2. Help injury recovery
3. Help you recruit more muscle fibers
4. Boost aerobic and anaerobic thresholds
Do you attend any other Serpentine events and do you have a favourite?
One of the best trips I’ve been on was taking part in the annual training camp to Club La Santa. It’s such a fun, exciting and supportive environment, and it’s always well organised. I’ll remember it for a long time. Other great sessions are the trail runs organised by Lindsey. They’re a great way to introduce any newbies to the trails, as there are long and short options available.
Are you training for anything in particular?
I’ve been training for a half marathon, which I did on Sunday (March 23) and got a pb! 1hr 26mins. I’ve got a packed summer season with a mix of sky races, ultra marathons, and the incredible opportunity to represent Team GB at the European Off-Road Championships (EORC). My main goals for the year are the EORC, the Monte Rosa 90km, and the CCC 90km at UTMB. Later in the year, my focus will shift as I lead a 16-day hiking adventure through the Annapurna Circuit in Nepal this October. This trip is part of my business, Trails and Fitness, where I offer bespoke training plans, coaching, and adventure holidays in partnership with Intrepid Travel. You can find all the details at www.trailsandfitness.co.uk/adventure-retreats
Do you have a favourite event/race – something that you’re most proud of – outside of the club?
One of my proudest achievements was covering the length of the Danube River – from its source in Donaueschingen to Vienna – in 2023. That’s 900km in total, which I completed in 17 days. I documented the entire journey and shared it on YouTube if you’re curious to watch (@mary.marshall). Another milestone I’m proud of was running my first 100-mile race – actually, I completed two 100-milers that year. I had no idea how my body would respond, especially with some less-than-perfect fuelling, but I finished under 24 hours and placed 5th.
All that said, the achievement I’m proudest of is much simpler. When I began my fitness journey in 2020, I distinctly remember running my first 5k and needing a whole week off to recover. It seems funny to look back on now, but at the time I was incredibly proud that I’d stuck to a plan, committed to myself, and trusted the process. That moment taught me that consistency, perseverance and self-belief are the real keys to progress.
What advice would you give to people who are new to the club and training?
First of all, welcome! If you’re new to the club or starting a more structured training plan – congratulations on taking the first step. You’ve got this. The key is finding what works for you. I don’t believe in the idea of a perfect work/life/training balance – it’s unrealistic. Instead, I see it as recognising that at different points in your life, month, or even day, certain priorities will take centre stage. Getting involved in club sessions is a great way to settle in quickly. You’ll find your rhythm and start to build a routine that’s sustainable and enjoyable. Most importantly – don’t be afraid to reach out! If you’re unsure where to start, need help navigating training, or have specific concerns (like returning after injury, pregnancy/postpartum, or menopause), I’m always here to support and guide you.
TRAINING DIARY – PART TWO (part one can be found in February’s newsletter)
Reading Half Marathon ten-week block, by Ron Wood
FEB 10-FEB 16; six weeks out: Total distance: 70.24km
Nothing out of the ordinary; just a case of getting the distance in
FEB 17-FEB 23; five weeks out: Total distance: 71.6km
On Tuesday – making up for the lack of intensity the previous week – covered the race distance, getting to sub goal pace for a bit in the middle (around Battersea Park); otherwise just easy/steady
FEB 24-MAR 2; four weeks out: Total distance: 72.73km
Long run (28k) through Richmond on Tuesday. On Wednesday, I did the RunThrough Battersea Park 10k. My Strava clocked only 9.96km! But I’m claiming the pb (35.59). Aim was to go round at sub half marathon goal pace, but got in a group towards the end that carried me along for a quicker-than-expected time. Some hills on Sunday to round off the week
MAR 3-MAR 9; three weeks out: Total distance: 71.56km
The only real workout this week was a long-ish run (18k) taking in some hills (Reading Half is a little hilly)
MAR 10-MAR 16; two weeks out: Total distance: 67.02km
Last real race workout was on Wednesday; 6x mile sub goal pace (4min jog recoveries), with 2 mile warm up/cool down
MAR 17-MAR 22; one week out: Total distance: 29.5km
6x 800 metres (90sec jog recovers) on Wednesday to keep the legs moving; took Thursday and Friday off completely, before an easy 5k on the eve of the…
THE RACE (Mar 23): met a couple of fellow Serpies – Jack Robinson (69.51) and Victor Lio (74.13) – at the start line and couldn’t keep up with those guys, but I was happy to go round in 77.00 for a new pb. Alexandre David (78.52) was also in action. And a shout out to the Serpie who cycled to various points on the course to cheer on his club mates. I’m sorry I didn’t get your name but your support was much appreciated!
GET IN TOUCH
Please get in touch with feedback on ronwood1919@gmail.com
THANK YOU FOR READING – YOU CAN FOLLOW US ON…
MAILING LISTS