The Soho House guide to the London Marathon

Grinding out 26.2 miles on the tarmac may sound punishing – unthinkable, even – but for London-based businesswomen and marathon runner, Allegra Haines, it’s nothing she can’t handle. 

Founder of influencer management and talent agency The Booking Project, Haines boasts a go-getting spirit that will no doubt serve her well when she joins an estimated 50,000 people on Sunday 2 October to take part in the 41st London Marathon. 

Beyond being a human machine, Haines has a few survival tips and tricks up her sleeve. As such, we asked the Shoreditch House member to reveal how she’ll be preparing, recovering, and celebrating at the Houses.

From those crucial pre-race rituals and her motivational soundtrack (basically, anything by Sia), to the post-race recovery treatments and a plentiful supply of Champagne and cake at 180 House, here’s how to enjoy London – and our Houses – according to Haines (whether you’re running the marathon or not).

My shake-out run route
‘I tend not to run for a couple of days before the marathon. Instead, I pamper myself with long baths, early nights and good nutritious food. However, I will give you my favourite route I do on the regular. I start at Walthamstow, head down to Hackney Marshes, lap Victoria Park, and then make my way back. On the way, I stop twice – once for coffee from Eat17 and next for my second at Pavilion in Victoria Park.’

Where to carb-load
‘For me, the perfect pre-run meal at Soho House would have to be the five-seed porridge (with extra honey) and two poached eggs on gluten-free toast with a side of avocado; plus, a couple of black Americanos (it’s an early start).’
 
Pre-race sleep tips 
‘A hot bath with magnesium salts, two litres of water, a light dinner, and stay off the phone. A good John Grisham book also sends me off perfectly.’

Songs that will be on my marathon playlist
‘Anything by Sia.’

Time I’m aiming for 
‘I’m running with one of my dearest friends, so we’ve agreed to just enjoy it, spur each other on, and get each other through it. That said, I definitely want to complete it under four hours.’

Charity you’re running for? 
‘The RSPCA. Soho Works Shoreditch kindly ran a fundraiser event on 22 September, too.’

Favourite part of the marathon course
‘It has to be the Isle of Dogs. Proper East End boozers, all open with locals drinking from early doors. It’s the best support crowd. But in terms of vista, you can’t beat running along Embankment and taking in all the sights of the River Thames.’

Where to celebrate afterwards
‘As I’ll be finishing in central London, I’m going to hire a space at 180 House and invite friends and family to toast hitting the target, and crossing that line. Cakes and Champagne will be aplenty. There’s also some great events happening throughout 180, hosted by On Running, such as a warm-down with Parisian running store Distance, followed by a bar and live DJ.

Best way to recover post marathon
‘It doesn’t get much better than a massage/ physio session with personal trainer, Foz, at the Shoreditch House gym. I may also check into the spa for a couple of treatments. Paul is an incredible masseuse, and a 90-minute deep tissue always does the trick. Then, to lift my 41-year-old post-marathon face back into position, I’ll be booking a FaceGym treatment.’

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