Eilish McColgan says she is simply looking to complete her marathon debut in London with “no mishaps” but then quickly admits to having a couple of “loose goals”, which turn out to be significant targets.
One would be setting a new Scottish record and, if she does that, it will take care of number two – beating her mother’s personal best.
However, she is certainly not expected to emulate Liz McColgan’s 1996 victory. Mum and coach also came second in 1997 and 1998, running a career best of two hours 26 minutes and 52 seconds in 1997.
Steph Twell took 12 seconds off that time in 2019 to establish a Scottish record.
Commonwealth champion at 10,000m in 2022, Eilish had planned to run her first London Marathon the year after but had to withdraw because of injury.
Now, with Sunday’s race in sight, she hopes it can be the springboard to the next phase of her career.
“It’s a complete unknown, the furthest I’ve ever run,” said the 34-year-old.
“There’s an overriding feeling of nerves but I’m also super excited to be part of it.
“To be on the start line with some of the fastest women in history is pretty special.
“I want a smooth experience in my first marathon – no mishaps. Enjoy it, take in the atmosphere, then this can be a platform for me to push on and really look towards performances on a world level.”
Not many first-time runners in London will benefit from such an experienced coach.
“I don’t think there’s anyone better to get advice from,” said Eilish of the family connection.
“We are very different athletes, coming at it from very different ways. I’m very low mileage, my mum was very high mileage, so it’s completely different training paths to the start line.
“She’s said it’s important to keep a lid on it in the first half. There’s a lot of buzz, a lot of excitement and a lot of adrenalin.
“She always says the real race starts from 30-40k onwards.
“I obviously have my mum’s PB in the back of my mind. There’s part of me that would love to break that.
“It’s the last of her records that I haven’t broken. Then there’s the Scottish record.
“I’ve got nothing set in stone. They are loose goals and, if I have a good day, it will happen.”
