An interview with a 2:23 marathoner about how he prepares for races over 26.2 miles, his mindset, and the impact of shoe technology.
Rose Harvey is no stranger to overcoming adversity.
From crashing a car in training for the 2022 London Marathon to finishing the Paris Olympic Marathon with a stress fracture, the British distance runner has consistently shown mental toughness.
Harvey, who is sixth on Britain’s all-time marathon record in 2:23:21 in Chicago two years ago, now faces another test as he recovers from a stress reaction to his patella.
Since his injury in September, Harvey has focused mainly on cross training, with the first part being in the pool before getting on the bike.
After running 2:25:01 at this year’s London Marathon, the second fastest British athlete behind Elish McColgan, Harvey wants to get back on the road in 2026 and go even faster.
We spoke to Harvey at the opening of Puma’s largest European flagship store on London’s Oxford Street.
How is the recovery going from the knee injury in September?
It’s going well, thanks. I’m coming back to it. These things always feel like slow progress at first, but I feel like in the last month I’ve really turned around with it. I’m back running now and the focus is on doing well.
The injury itself is a classic running injury. It’s frustrating because for a while all I could do was swim; I couldn’t even ride a bike because of the knee injury. I had two solid months of not participating in the pool, but when I got back on the bike I took it all in. That kind of thing just makes you mentally stronger.
It’s really hard when running is your job and you love it. I run every day so you can get rid of the endorphins and purpose of your work as well as aspects of your social life. You know you’re going to be out for a while, so it’s just making the most of it. I’ve worked on other projects that have excited me, so it’s all about reframing your mind.
Back in London you ran 2:25:01 and are now sixth on the UK all-time list with 2:23:21. How was London and how much faster do you think you can go?
London is always great. It’s the best race and my favorite marathon. Running it in my hometown when all my friends and family were so special there. I actually felt like I was in better shape than 2:25. My training was great but it was hot so I was really happy with that score.
I hope 2:23 can be improved. I know I still have room to improve and there are still many things to work on. Each block of the marathon is about learning, getting stronger and getting a little bit faster. I hope a lot more can be done.
What was your marathon training block like for London and are you developing, learning and adapting from one to the next?
You definitely learn a little each time, and there are adjustments you choose in each block. Before London I was in America with the Puma team which was great. I had an amazing block and it helped push me to the next level. I hope I can do it again.
In the build up to London I do between 100-110 miles most weeks. Some vary slightly, but that was average. I love really hard marathon training. It’s not a comfort zone because they’re terrible, but this is where I feel like I’m excelling. They are also workouts that I look back on with confidence because they replicate that marathon effort.
My coach is amazing at keeping me focused on the last leg of the marathon. In London I was on my own for the last 20km and you have to be mentally prepared to really hurt.
How to mentally crack a marathon?
It always goes by so fast for me. A lot of people ask me what I think about during a marathon, and I honestly don’t know. I just make sure my mind doesn’t wander and I’m focused on the race. Every time race day comes, you’ve put in so much work, so it’s just about enjoying yourself and soaking in the atmosphere.
At the starting line, I always remind myself that when things start to hurt, just look around and soak up the atmosphere.
How influential has being a Puma athlete been for you, especially with the evolution of their footwear?
It was absolutely insane. I ran my personal best in Chicago in the Fast-R Nitro Elite 2 and also tested when the Deviate Nitro Elite 3 came out. I immediately noticed the difference in performance. Then I raced the Fast-R Nitro Elite 3 in London and they were next level. I woke up the next day and my legs felt really good. Which was crazy.
When we think about what we were running with 10 years ago, it’s not surprising. When I look back, I think, “how did my calves survive?” Technology has evolved tremendously and is still evolving. I’ve already seen what Puma’s innovation team is working on and it’s special.
How important is the opening of Puma’s biggest European flagship store to London?
It’s awesome and the store is just so cool. It showcases the best Puma has to offer and what it’s all about. There are foot scanners to help choose the ideal running shoes. And there’s an F1 car in the shop. It simply offers a great experience to find Puma shoes, running gear or whatever you are interested in.
