Why I'm running the London Marathon for the World Cancer Research Fund
Plus our usual podcast and newsletter round-up
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At the weekend, I took a massive step towards my London Marathon goal by completing what was a very hilly and challenging course at the Stamford 30k.
London has long been a big target for me, but ten years of ballot failure had left me thinking I’d never get there.
I had thought about a charity place before, but with the pandemic giving way to a cost-of-living crisis I was always nervous about asking people for what amounts to a lot of money to reach the target amounts charities set.
Last year, I took the plunge, deciding to run for a fantastic charity in the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) - and I was absolutely amazed by the support I have received by friends and family.
My JustGiving page stands at almost £3,000 now, but if anyone has any spare money they can contribute then myself and the charity would be most grateful.
As this article in the Northampton Chronicle & Echo, published yesterday (Tuesday, February 14), says I am running for WCRF in memory of two good friends, who both sadly died from cancer.
Debs Rimmer, who I met in Australia and became great friends with, died from a rare form of bowel cancer, while Wah Wang sadly passed away just months after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
WCRF supports life-changing research into the prevention and survival of cancer through diet, nutrition, body weight and physical activity - so their work is really important.
Also on Running Tales:
New Year’s Resolutions? Throw them in the bin and start thinking running goals
Super Mario - The Ironman who always finishes with a smile on his face
It’s great that I can hit another personal ambition and also raise money in this way through running. The sport has made a massive difference to my life, from being a run director at Northampton parkrun to coaching other people to get into runnning.
For anyone who wants to try running, I‘d definitely advise them to give parkrun a go or try a running club, such as Northampton Road Runners or my own Step Forward With Lewis group locally.
You may never love the activity, but you’ll love the feeling it gives you after and what it does for your body and mind.
Even though this isn’t my first marathon, I am finding this one mentally challenging – which is why Craig, has been running alongside me, for extra support.
For the marathon, I want to be there for other people who may be struggling and make sure they feel supported too.
Michelle x
Are you taking part in London or any other marathon this year? Do you have a major event on the calendar and why are you doing it? We’d love to hear your stories in the comments below.
This week on…
The podcast:
Running coach, personal trainer, podcaster and ultra runner Michael Nielsen was this week’s podcast guest.
As a coach and through his Runner's Resource podcast, Michael is eager to share his knowledge of the sport.
On his podcast, Michael has talked to a succession of runners with fascinating stories, as well sharing his own knowledge. His hints and tips cover a wide variety of subjects, from the benefits of pilates to the different energy systems used to fuel your muscles.
We also spoke to Michael about his own running, including taking on 50km trail races and conquering the 50 mile distance.
You can find Running Tales at www.runningtales.podbean.com and wherever you listen to your podcasts.
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Substack:
“A lot of the reactions to women who have been harassed or killed outside is that they shouldn’t go out in the dark.
“That it is the dark that is the problem. And I think that obfuscates the issue, which is the problem is men who want to attack women.”
Our long-form feature with Dr Ashley Morgan covered a range of subjects, from her views - as outlined above - on women’s safety to her love of the Running Punks group.
This week we also took a look at parkrun’s ill-conceived appointment of ex-Sun editor David Dinsmore, as a trustee and asked whether it was also going to lead to his resignation.
You can read that article here:
Thanks as ever for reading and listening to Running Tales. We couldn’t do this without your support.