Marathon running tips: How to keep fit and healthy abroad
Living abroad as a student or professional brings a unique blend of excitement and challenges. There’s the thrill of exploring a new city, the pressure of adapting to a different culture, and the temptation to let a busy schedule push fitness to the sidelines. But staying active isn’t just about health; it’s about grounding yourself, boosting your mental clarity, and creating a personal rhythm in an unfamiliar place.
For many, running is the perfect solution. It’s affordable, flexible, and doubles as both exercise and exploration. Each run becomes a moving tour, taking you through parks, neighbourhoods, and hidden corners you might otherwise never see.
One person who knows this better than most is Sasha Chen, our Booking Specialist and a seasoned marathon runner whose passion for the sport began the moment she set foot in London. Her journey is full of valuable marathon running tips for anyone looking to improve their fitness while adapting to a new environment.
A London arrival and an Olympic spark
Sasha arrived in London in 2011 as an international student. She was immediately struck by how “running-friendly” the city felt – with lush parks, riverside paths, and open spaces inviting her to get outdoors.
The timing was serendipitous: London was buzzing with anticipation for the 2012 Olympics. Inspired by the city’s energy, Sasha started small – 5k and 10k runs in local parks, usually running alone. “I’ve always preferred running as a private activity,” she says, “it’s my time to clear my head and focus.”
From park runs to marathons
Encouraged by her early success, Sasha signed up for the Brighton Marathon in 2012. “I loved it more than I thought I would,” she recalls. “I didn’t struggle at all, and it gave me a real sense of achievement.” That first marathon became the springboard for a decade of running adventures and a foundation for many of her personal marathon running tips.
Running as meditation
For Sasha, marathon running was never just about the stopwatch – it was about the mindset. “Exercise is mind over matter – it’s meditation,” she says. “Running gives me quiet time to have important conversations with myself.”
It’s this meditative quality that helped her navigate life’s transitions, from adjusting to a new city to handling professional challenges – insights that form some of her most valuable marathon running tips.
The training behind the miles
When preparing for a race, Sasha’s schedule was demanding:
Two 10-mile runs daily – one in the morning, one in the afternoon.
Strength training, boot camp sessions, and spin classes for conditioning.
This variety has kept both her body and mind sharp, and is a big part of her approach when sharing marathon running tips with others.
Marathons across continents
Sasha’s race portfolio is a passport of experiences:
Brighton Marathon – her first taste of 26.2 miles.
Paris Marathon – a run through history and culture.
Taiwan Marathon – her personal best at 3 hours 27 minutes, despite sleeping only two hours beforehand and battling oppressive heat and humidity. The emotional reward? Her family waiting at the finish line, including her then young nephew.
Salisbury Ultra Marathon – a step beyond a traditional marathon, testing her endurance like never before.
Life lessons from the road
Every marathon Sasha’s completed reflects a chapter of her life, each with its own lessons:
Running is meditation – it clears the head and restores focus.
It’s your own quiet space – time to think, reflect, and reset.
Explore where you live – running helps you get to know a new city, building confidence to go beyond the tourist trails.
A new chapter in movement
While Sasha has stepped back from marathon training for now, she hasn’t left movement behind. These days, her focus is on gentler, more meditative forms of exercise – walking and yoga – to maintain both physical health and mental clarity. “It’s about listening to what your body needs in the moment,” she says.
Living well: Fitness as a luxury amenity
At Student Luxe, we believe your home should be more than just a place to stay – it should be a space that supports both your physical and mental wellbeing. Many of our luxury apartments offer on-site gyms, among other hotel-style amenities, giving residents the convenience of working out without leaving the building.
One property that stands out in this regard is Albany Residences in Marylebone – one of Sasha’s personal favourites.
About Albany Residences
Albany Residences offers many pluses – a 24-hour reception, study areas, air conditioning, and fully equipped kitchens. What really stands out, though, is the fitness offering.
“The property has a big fitness suite with an on-site yoga studio,” says Sasha. “And because it’s right next to Regent’s Park, you have the luxury of running indoors or outdoors, depending on the weather or your mood.”
For those balancing a busy international lifestyle, Albany Residences proves that staying active can be both effortless and luxurious.
A little about us
At Student Luxe, we believe that where you live should make every aspect of city life feel effortless.
Whether you’re in London for study or work, our properties are designed to remove the everyday stresses of urban living so you can focus on what really matters – your goals, your wellbeing, and enjoying your time abroad.
And if staying active is part of your lifestyle, you’ll find plenty of options – from on-site fitness facilities to easy access to parks, riverside paths, and cultural hotspots worth exploring on foot.
