Epic 26KM Run Through London's Heart | Paris Marathon Training Week 6 - RUN SDJ

Aug 13, 2025

Intro

This is a quick summary of Epic 26KM Run Through London’s Heart | Paris Marathon Training Week 6 from RUN SDJ. It’s a great watch — we’re breaking it down so you can try the workout today. Be sure to check out the full video for all the details.

Key Points

Long‑run focus: 26 km (≈16 mi) long run with no set pace – ideal for building endurance and mental toughness. While this run focuses on building a strong aerobic base, it’s just one part of a complete training plan. Complementing these long, slow distances with targeted speed work is crucial for overall improvement, which you can learn more about in our guide to Mastering Interval Training: Science-Backed Workouts and How a Smart App Can Personalize Them.
Target pace: around 5:50–6:00 min/km (≈9:20–9:40 min/mile) – a comfortable, aerobic effort. This conversational pace is key for long-distance training and is very different from the specific strategies you’d employ for a shorter, faster race. For a closer look at race-specific pacing, check out how to approach Mastering the 10K: Proven Training Plans, Pace Strategies, and How a Smart App Can Elevate Your Performance.
New terrain: running through River Lea, Olympic Park, Victoria Park, Thames Path, Tower Bridge, and the London Eye keeps the run interesting and helps prevent monotony.
Nutrition experiment: 85 g Kendal Mint Cake bar (≈83 g carbs) split into six pieces, taken roughly every 30‑45 minutes, works well for on‑the‑go fueling.
Practical tips: stay relaxed, enjoy landmarks, stay aware of pedestrians/cyclists in central London, and keep hydration/ nutrition steady.

Workout Example

This workout is all about “time on feet” rather than hitting aggressive splits. It’s a foundational session that builds the stamina needed for a marathon, a different beast entirely from the high-intensity sessions required for Mastering 5K Speed: Proven Interval Strategies to Cut Minutes off Your Time. Here’s how to structure it:

26 km (16 mi) Long Run – No Pace Target

- Start at a relaxed 5:50–6:00 min/km (9:20–9:40 min/mile) pace.
- Run through varied routes (river paths, parks, city streets) to keep the mind engaged.
- Every 30–45 min, consume a 1/6 portion of a 85 g Kendal Mint Cake bar (≈13 g carbs per piece).
- Aim to finish in ~2 h 45 min to 3 h (depending on fitness).
- Finish with a cool‑down walk or light stretch for 5‑10 min.

Closing Note

Give this scenic London long run a try—adjust the paces to match your current training using the Pacing app, experiment with your favorite fuel, and enjoy the sights along the way. Happy running