Meet our marathon runners
We’re really excited to be a part of this year’s London Marathon. Not only is it our first time, but it’s also a first for our two incredible runners, Adam and Sam, who are taking on the challenge of the finish line and raising funds for a cause that truly matters.
While they’re limbering up for the big day, we thought we’d check in with them and see how it’s all going…
Hi both, we hope you’re feeling fresh and excited for the London Marathon.
But firstly, how has your training been going?
Sam: Training has been a bit of a rollercoaster… I’ve had some good weeks where I’ve felt strong and really on track, and then others have been a complete write-off, especially when juggling work, travel and life with a newborn at home! But overall, I’m in a good place. I’m focusing on staying consistent and keeping things moving in the right direction.
What’s been the hardest part of your training so far?
Sam: Trying to fit everything in! Early mornings, late evenings, and balancing training with family life have been a little difficult. Oh, and my calf has been acting up, which has made things challenging at times.
Adam: The hardest thing I’ve discovered during training is getting muscle fatigue after 25 or 30km, but I’ve found that running at a slow steady pace helps.
What about your favourite thing?
Sam: My favourite part has been the longer runs when everything just… clicks. There’s something really satisfying about finding a natural rhythm, where it feels like I can just keep going for ages.
And has there been anything that’s surprised you about training?
Adam: That even the tiniest details, like wearing the wrong pair of socks, make such a massive difference.
Sam: I think what’s surprised me the most is the mental side. I expected the physical challenge, but the emotional ups and downs have been bigger than I anticipated.
When it comes to running, are you a total novice or pretty much a pro?
Adam: I’m a total novice in terms of actually training for an event or running more than 12km. I usually run 2 to 3 times a week, just much shorter distances, so training for the marathon has been a totally different experience.
Sam: I wouldn’t call myself a complete novice, but I’m not a seasoned runner either. I’ve always tried to stay fit and enjoy activities like CrossFit, but this is my first time following a proper running plan.
This is also my first marathon, so the whole experience has been completely new – although I will say it’s been quite addictive so it probably won’t be my last!
Looking ahead to this marathon, we’re honoured that you’re running on behalf of Brandon Centre. Can we ask why you’ve chosen to support us?
Adam: I discovered Brandon Centre when I was training to be a Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist a few years ago. I had a very good experience and know first-hand (from attending the weekly clinical meetings) all the great work and care that goes into the support and help offered by Brandon Centre.
Sam: Brandon Centre’s commitment to providing mental health support for young people really stood out to me as it’s such an important cause, but I feel like it doesn’t receive the attention or funding it deserves.
On a personal level, good mental wellbeing is really valuable to me, so supporting a charity that’s making a real, tangible difference to young people’s lives felt like the right thing to do.
Thank you for sharing. How are you feeling now that you’re only a few weeks away from the big day?
Sam: A blend of both excitement and nerves. I know I’ve done the work, but there’s a bit of doubt when stepping into something new. I’m particularly worried about how my body will hold up over the full distance and those last miles feel like they could be really tough.
But having said that, I am genuinely looking forward to it as it’s been such a big focus in my life for a long time, so it’s exciting to be getting close! I think the atmosphere, running through London, seeing the crowds and being a part of something so iconic is going to be incredible.
And of course, crossing the finish line will be a pretty special moment.
Adam: I’m feeling pretty good. I’ve done my longest run and now tapering off before the race as advised, although getting into a routine right before the big day can be a bit tricky navigating… not eating too heavy, not running out of energy, not needing the loo mid race!
I’m just hoping that I’ll get into a bit of a groove and find my rhythm. I’m also really looking forward to the atmosphere on the day, which, I’m told, is a big help when you’re tired.
And finally, do you have any plans post-marathon?
Adam: I’ll definitely be hopping into a warm magnesium salt bath, and then maybe get a pizza.
Sam: I’ll be hugging my newborn baby as soon as I cross the finish line and enjoying a well-earned beer afterwards.
If you’d like to support Adam or Sam, please visit their JustGiving pages below and consider donating to Brandon Centre. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps us to deliver the highest quality of mental health and wellbeing support to young people. Thank you.