The Olympic silver medallist athlete Katarina Johnson-Thompson shares where she does her fitness training and her top tip for anyone running the London Marathon.
Home is …
I live in Liverpool with my two dogs. I’ve been there my whole life and no matter where I am, that is always “home” to me.
I guess the 2012 Olympics was technically my first work in London?
Where do you stay in London?
The Standard hotel in King’s Cross. I can get off the train and go straight in. I love its view and vibe — it feels old-school and ship-like.
What was your first job here?
I’ve never had a formal job per se, but I guess the 2012 Olympics was technically my first work in London, if that counts?
Where would you recommend for a first date?
There is a restaurant called Nina in Marylebone and it’s perfect for a first date because it’s dark, has great cocktails and amazing sharing food.
Which shops do you rely on?
I get my sunglasses and reading glasses from Cutler & Gross in Shoreditch. My eyesight is so bad but they get my frames exactly right. Goodhood, Spitalfields is nearby and has great homeware and clothes. Lastly, Daunt Books in Marylebone because I’m always looking for good books and the tote bags are cute.
I would make the Lime bikes free
What’s the best meal you’ve had?
North Audley Cantine (NAC) in Mayfair. Everything on the menu is 10/10 and I take everyone I can when I’m in town.
What would you do if you were Mayor for the day?
I would make the Lime bikes free. If we’re supposed to be using alternative transport options, why are all the bikes so expensive?
Where do you go to have fun?
When meeting friends for a drink, I like to go to the Twenty Two hotel bar. It always has really nice cocktails.
What’s the best thing a cabbie has ever said to you?
I can tell you the worst. I was once speaking to a cab driver and they were surprised when I said I was from Liverpool — I definitely haven’t lost my accent! I was quite offended…
London is at its most beautiful in the early morning. It makes me feel strangely smug when I get up before everyone else
Where do you exercise?
I usually run up the Ally Pally hill — it’s pretty steep so it’s good for my fitness training.
What’s your London secret?
I like to get up super early when I’m here, before the rest of the city wakes up. I always think London is at its most beautiful in the early morning. It makes me feel strangely smug when I get up before everyone else.
What are you up to for work?
I’m preparing for the Commonwealth Games and the European Championships this summer and I’m also working with Radox, a partner of the TCS London Marathon, so I’ll be cheering runners on with them at the sidelines.
Who is your hero?
Dame Denise Lewis — she was my hero long before I started, which is pretty cool. She has helped me throughout and is always at the other end of the phone, for which I’m so grateful. She’s an Olympic gold medallist, so hopefully her wisdom rubs off on me.
What’s your favourite work of art in London?
Anything from Unit London gallery in Mayfair — I love art and try to go to Unit every time I’m in town. I always want to buy everything.
What do you collect?
Dogs. And little body lotions from hotels.
Where do you go when you need headspace?
I love a walk and yap with a friend around Hampstead Heath. I like how big it is. I’ve been so many times and I still haven’t covered it all.
What is your top tip for anyone running the TCS London Marathon?
Mental and physical self-care practices are hugely important to keep your mind and body at peak performance under pressure, whether that’s breathwork or even singing a song. I have rituals I do before big events to keep me calm.
And your top recovery tip?
Make sure you hydrate and eat lots of protein after the race. I know it’s tempting to drink and celebrate — you deserve it — but remember to have lots of water to help your body after putting it through such a big challenge.
Where would you go for your ultimate post-marathon meal?
It would have to be Berners Tavern at the London EDITION hotel. I would order the mac and cheese with braised beef for a hearty, carby meal — it’s so good and if I ran that far I think I would deserve it.
Katarina Johnson-Thompson is an ambassador for Radox, the official bath and shower gel partner of the TCS London Marathon
