{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/695d36e8d1ba84fb8ffb49d7/69ba70a0b64f8985fea1b163?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"“A Couple of Pints Won’t Hurt” – How They Prepped in 1981 😳","thumbnail_width":200,"thumbnail_height":200,"thumbnail_url":"https://open-images.acast.com/shows/695d36e8d1ba84fb8ffb49d7/1773826185760-d63f4366-8146-48d8-a286-da78b51a0980.jpeg?height=200","description":"<p>What was the London Marathon like before gels, super shoes, and sports science?</p><p><br></p><p>In this episode of I Can Run a Marathon, Emma B meets Vernon Thomas, a runner from the very first London Marathon in 1981, right at the finish line on The Mall. From running in retro shoes to advice that completely flips modern marathon thinking, Vernon shares what it was really like… and why you might be overcomplicating your own race.</p><p><br></p><p>As we head towards the London Marathon 2026, we think you’ll find this episode reassuring about how to run your own race!</p><p><br></p><p>Every week, we want to hear how your marathon journey is going… the wins or the wobbles. Just WhatsApp us on +44 333 00 333 00.</p><p><br></p><p>This episode is sponsored by the British Heart Foundation. Learn more at bhf.org.uk/events&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p>Watch the full episode on the Virgin Radio YouTube Channel from 6pm on Thursday 19th March 2026.</p>","author_name":"Virgin Radio"}