This marathon season, Shokz & Let’s Do This launched its Tune In. Go Long. campaign - a celebration of the mental strength, focus, and resilience it takes to go the distance. Fronted by Olympian Eilish McColgan and London community runner, Lucy Ellis, the campaign spotlighted the moments where performance becomes about more than just miles - when tuning in mentally helps you go longer, stronger, and more connected than ever.
At its core, Tune In. Go Long. is about presence. It's about staying aware, not just of your body and surroundings, but of what truly fuels your forward motion - whether that’s a beat in your headphones, a mantra in your head, or a reminder of why you started in the first place. The series encouraged runners to look inward, trust their training, and focus on the controllables - the mindset shifts that make all the difference when things get tough.
Watch : Eilish Tune In. Go Long.
Watch： Lucy Tune In. Go Long.
To bring that message to life ahead of race weekend, Shokz & Let’s Do This hosted the Mindful Shakeout - an evening that combined expert mindset coaching with movement, designed to help runners mentally and physically prepare for the marathon. Led by Dr. Josephine Perry, a chartered sport psychologist and author working with elite athletes and high performers, the event gave runners practical tools to stay calm, confident, and present when it matters most.
Drawing from over a decade of experience of helping endurance athletes thrive under pressure, Josie broke race-day psychology into clear, usable strategies and three key takeaways stood out:
- Smile every mile
It might feel a little silly mid-race, but smiling - even when it’s forced - has been shown to reduce your perceived effort. Trick your brain into thinking you're enjoying yourself, and your body may just follow. - Find strategic distractions
When your legs start to tire, your mind can be your best ally or your worst enemy. Josie suggested lining up useful distractions: a motivating playlist in your Shokz, mentally mapping out drink stations, or making it your mission to thank every marshal along the way. - Control the controllables
Worrying about the weather or obsessing over pacing splits won’t help. Instead, focus on what’s in your hands: your kit, your breakfast, your mindset. The rest? Let it go.
With heads a little clearer and nerves a little calmer, the group set off on a gentle shakeout run through London’s golden hour. More than just movement, it was a chance to connect - swapping stories, easing nerves, and soaking up the shared energy of marathon weekend.
Many took the chance to trial Shokz headphones mid-run. The open-ear design let runners stay aware, stay social, and still tune into the sounds that kept them focused - music, mantras, or just their own breath.
The evening wrapped with relaxed post-run chats and a light spread of refreshments. Runners stuck around to swap race-day tips, share goals, and soak up the calm before the storm. More than a few left feeling not just physically prepped, but mentally ready to take on the 26.2 miles ahead.
