Ed Takes on London Marathon

There's going against the grain of the traditional marathoner, and then there's Ed Goddard.

The rockstar with his jacket (and Oakley shades) on, and off, will take to the streets of London in the biggest challenge of his career thus far this Sunday, in his first World Major marathon after two valiant 42.195km attempts earlier this year.

Currently Ed's PB stands at 2:13:45 - his debut in Manchester - where he sat at the front of the field and at 2:10-pace for much of the race despite a less-than-ideal week prior with sickness, lingering effects of jetlag and food poisoning before taking to the start line, and with so much left to ponder.

With as close-to-perfect preparation this time around, including winning the Sydney Half (incorporating the NSW Half Marathon Championships) in a race record of 63:26, and at the time of writing no health concerns, Ed is poised to possibly go from under-the-radar to the #1 ranked current Australian Marathoner, if everything goes to plan. 

Before lacing up for one of his final pre-race shakeouts, with his favourite Spotify playlist featuring the likes of Aerosmith, The Rolling Stones and David Bowie blaring from his phone in hand, Ed was good enough to chat with us before possibly one of most highly international majors from an Australian point of view.

James Constantine (JC): Race plan for London. Your PB of 2:13 - is it going down? Is sub 2:10 on the cards? And are you racing the clock, [fellow Australian Marathoner] Brett Robinson, or others in a certain pace bus?

Ed Goddard (EG): Race plan is pretty simple really, London is well set up with pace groups and there is a plan for one at/around 64:30 halfway and so that’s going to be the plan. I’ve got good confidence in the training I’ve put down and freshened up well with a taper so I’m hoping to bury myself and have fun doing so.

JC: There’s currently some commentary around Australia Marathon records (Rob De Castella - 2:07:51). Is this within reaching distance for any Australian, and if so, how long away is that? Who do you think will get it?

EG: It’ll go down sometime like everything does, I think the main thing is athletes applying themselves to proper marathon builds and once that happens I’m sure Australians will firstly run under 2:10 again, then the record will fall.

JC: What does a successful London Marathon look like for Ed Goddard? And what are you looking forward to most?

EG: I’m looking forward to racing a marathon with a proper preparation for the first time, I had a lot of issues post vaccine with my heart last year and I had to do a lot of work on the alter G for both my previous preparations which was fine fitness wise but I lacked the structure and leg strength to run a good marathon. I think I’ve covered both of those things well over the last few months so I’m confident over the 42k.



Above: Ed Goddard en route to winning the Sydney Half in 63:26 four weeks ago (photo: Natalie Wong / @beyond_theroad_)


JC: What does the pre-race look like for you (nutrition, getting to the start line, sharing an elite bus with the best marathoners in the world, etc.)

EG: I’m just going to enjoy it, being at the race hotel will be cool I guess but I’m sure everyone racing has their own agenda and I’m the same. Go in, have fun, get my work done and then hopefully I get on base!

JC: What are some of the key training that’s led you to this race? How is that going to separate London from your previous marathons this year?

EG: I’ve focused on good quality workouts and recovery. I think the high mileage comes naturally when you’re running long multiple times a week but I’ve focused a lot on the little things and turning them into habits, then when I’m working out I’m going to the track to run fast or threshold to run long and then hopefully I’ve covered all the needed factors.

JC: What was it like meeting Gerry [at the pre-race expo, see below]

It was super cool, to see someone so energetic at his age is inspiring, just goes to show what a great sport running is and that there’s a lot of good stories out there.



Above: Ed meeting Gerry Miller, incredibly the only runner to complete all six (6) World Major Marathons, all after turning 80 years old
 

JC: Race kit & race shoes - what can we expect? How "elite" will it be?

EG: Not as elite as less formal races that’s for sure but I’m sure it’ll be cool enough! I’m going back to the original version of the ASICS METASPEED too which is lighter and lower profile than the version 2! 

Written by James Constantine, with thanks to Ed Goddard for his time
Follow Ed on Instagram - @edgoddard3k
Cover Image - Natalie Wong / @beyond_theroad_