Alex Yee is no stranger to running. A British 10,000m champion, he’s represented his country at international level and counts Kenyan great Eliud Kipchoge among his inspirations.
But the 27-year-old, who left the sport behind years ago to carve a stellar career in triathlon instead, is stepping out of his comfort zone to fulfil a lifelong dream and run the London Marathon on April 27.
And he admits his one big concern ahead of the race is nutrition – and taking on water safely at the many drinks stations along the world-famous course.
“That is one of my biggest fears”
In a new YouTube video on his official channel called The London Detour Part 2, the World and Olympic triathlon champ said: “That is one of my big fears at the moment. That experience is something I haven’t experienced. But then it seems unique to every race.”
Yee seeks advice in the video from fellow New Balance athlete Jonny Mellor, who is also running London and helping him to train, because he fears the drinks stations could be congested as runners surge in. Mellor’s advice? Pack some gel in your shorts too just in case.
Yee said: “With London, my biggest competitor is myself. Just trying to achieve what I’d like to achieve. What I’m training to achieve. It’s an unknown. For me, that’s exciting. I’m going into it like 45,000 other people and that’s really cool.
“It really excites me that I can go into the unknown and feel like a complete novice again. People take on the challenge of doing it for amazing charities and causes.
“But it’s also for self growth and to be a better person once you step across that finish line. Hopefully I can do that, and win, lose, or draw I can cross that line with a smile on my face and experience that amazing experience that everyone raves about.”
Yee is hoping his triathlon training will help him get through the race – but he admits he has no expectations.
He said: “My plan is to go through halfway with a nice group, stay calm and do the best I can to enjoy and see what I can achieve. It’s an honest sport, marathon. You can’t come in here without having done the work.
“I’d like to think a bit of my triathlon training will convert to that. But I know it won’t have the same bearing that hard long miles will have on the legs.”
