Eilish McColgan says she is just trying to full her marathon debut in London with “no mishaps” however then shortly admits to having a few “free targets”, which develop into vital targets.
One can be setting a brand new Scottish report and, if she does that, it’s going to maintain quantity two – beating her mom’s private greatest.
Nevertheless, she is definitely not anticipated to emulate Liz McColgan’s 1996 victory. Mum and coach additionally got here second in 1997 and 1998, operating a profession better of two hours 26 minutes and 52 seconds in 1997.
Steph Twell took 12 seconds off that point in 2019 to determine a Scottish report.
Commonwealth champion at 10,000m in 2022, Eilish had deliberate to run her first London Marathon the yr after however needed to withdraw due to damage.
Now, with Sunday’s race in sight, she hopes it may be the springboard to the subsequent section of her profession.
“It is a full unknown, the furthest I’ve ever run,” stated the 34-year-old.
“There’s an overriding feeling of nerves however I am additionally tremendous excited to be a part of it.
“To be on the beginning line with a number of the quickest girls in historical past is fairly particular.
“I need a easy expertise in my first marathon – no mishaps. Get pleasure from it, take within the environment, then this generally is a platform for me to push on and actually look in direction of performances on a world stage.”
Not many first-time runners in London will profit from such an skilled coach.
“I do not assume there’s anybody higher to get recommendation from,” stated Eilish of the household connection.
“We’re very totally different athletes, coming at it from very alternative ways. I am very low mileage, my mum was very excessive mileage, so it is fully totally different coaching paths to the beginning line.
“She’s stated it is necessary to maintain a lid on it within the first half. There’s lots of buzz, lots of pleasure and lots of adrenalin.
“She at all times says the actual race begins from 30-40k onwards.
“I clearly have my mum’s PB at the back of my thoughts. There’s a part of me that might love to interrupt that.
“It is the final of her data that I have not damaged. Then there’s the Scottish report.
“I’ve obtained nothing set in stone. They’re free targets and, if I’ve an excellent day, it’s going to occur.”
