Stephen had his fair share of injury challenges during his training, including a fall in a warm up event that led to badly bruised ribs and a bad knee that needed a cortisone injection a few days before the London Marathon...and there was the heat on race day. No worries, he still battled through to a great time and smashed his fundraising target!

Here's Stephen's Just Giving page if you'd like to make a donation.

If you'd like to follow in Stephen's footsteps and run your next event for Scoliosis Support & Research, or you're interested in one of the charity's London Marathon entries, email Will fundraising@ssr.org.uk. Thank you.

To find out more about scoliosis head to https://ssr.org.uk

PODCAST NOTES

• The atmosphere of running a marathon is unparalleled.
• Training can be unpredictable with injuries and illnesses.
• Planning is crucial for race day success.
• Nutrition strategy is essential during the marathon.
• Fundraising requires early and targeted efforts.
• Personalized communication can enhance fundraising success.
• Mental preparation is as important as physical training.
• Long runs are vital for building confidence and endurance.
• Adapting to race day conditions is key to performance.
• Future races may require innovative fundraising strategies.

• Running Through Challenges: Stephen's Marathon Journey
• From Training to Triumph: A Marathon Story

• "It was a fun day."
• "It's just about planning."
• "You need to get in early."
• "People are very receptive."
• "We live to fight another day."

Riley is a fundraising superstar who developed a raffle that has helped him raise £4400 so far for Scoliosis Support & Research. Combine that with the day of his life in London on April 27 and watching his football team, Crystal Palace win an FA Cup Semi-Final the day before and this was a time in his life he will never forget.

Here's Riley's Just Giving page if you'd like to make a donation.

If you'd like to follow in Riley's footsteps and run your next event for Scoliosis Support & Research, or you're interested in one of the charity's London Marathon entries, email Will fundraising@ssr.org.uk. Thank you.

To find out more about scoliosis head to https://ssr.org.uk

For more podcasts head to https://www.sapphirerunningzone.com/podcasts. We have four channels, one on training support, another on fundraising, a third on runner stories and a fourth on events. If you'd to be the focus on one just let us know using the chat function on the homepage.

PODCAST NOTES

• The London Marathon is a dream-like experience.
• Training can be mentally challenging, especially with injuries.
• Race day conditions can differ significantly from training.
• Adrenaline plays a huge role in marathon running.
• Nutrition and hydration are crucial for performance.
• Fundraising can be creatively approached through raffles.
• Personal connections to causes can enhance motivation.
• Running can be a transformative experience.
• It's important to enjoy the journey, not just focus on time.
• Future running opportunities are abundant and exciting.

• Running for a Cause: Riley's Marathon Journey
• From Training to Triumph: The London Marathon Experience

• "It feels like you're living a dream."
• "I think I got nutrition spot on really."
• "The crowd will carry you through it."
• "Don't rule anything out."

Lucy is one of the lucky few to get a ballot entry in the London Marathon 2025 and she made the most of it. Having undergone scoliosis surgery twice she wanted to raise funds for Scoliosis Support & Research and started with a target of £500. A few weeks later she has raised nearly five times that figure and had the day of her life on April 27. Listen to her marathon experiences.

Here's Lucy's Just Giving page if you'd like to make a donation.

If you'd like to follow in Lucy's footsteps and run your next event for Scoliosis Support & Research, or you're interested in one of the charity's London Marathon entries, email Will fundraising@ssr.org.uk. Thank you.

To find out more about scoliosis head to https://ssr.org.uk

PODCAST NOTES

• Lucy was diagnosed with scoliosis at 14 and had two surgeries.
• She was inspired to run the marathon after watching her dad.
• Training for the marathon was both challenging and enjoyable.
• Running with friends and family made the training process special.
• The race day atmosphere was electric, with immense crowd support.
• Hydration and nutrition were key to her race strategy.
• Lucy raised over £2,300 for Scoliosis Support and Research.
• Sharing her personal story helped her connect with donors.
• Being part of a charity team added to her marathon experience.
• Lucy plans to continue running but will take a break from marathons.

• "I have scoliosis."
• "It was overwhelming."
• "I felt very much part of the team."

Jade's London Marathon 2025 training and fundraising has all gone to plan and even a bit of 'Runner's Knee' didn't hold her back. With £3400 already raised can she combine an unforgettable day with £4000 for Cornwall Hospice Care? If you missed Jade's early training and fundraising stories you can hear them on Episode 1.

Here's Jade's Just Giving page if you'd like to make a donation.

If you'd like to follow in Jade's footsteps and run your next event for Cornwall Hospice Care, or you're interested in one of the charity's London Marathon entries, email Jade - jhugo@cornwallhospice.co.uk

To find out more about Cornwall Hospice Care head to https://www.cornwallhospicecare.co.uk

PODCAST NOTES

• Training for a marathon requires a gradual build-up of mileage.
• Injury management is crucial; listen to your body.
• Joining a running club can provide support and motivation.
• Incorporate strength training and flexibility exercises into your routine.
• Practice with electrolytes early in your training.
• Mental preparation is as important as physical training.
• Fundraising can be approached through multiple channels.
• Personalising your fundraising page can increase donations.
• Community support plays a significant role in fundraising success.
• Post-marathon, it's important to maintain fitness and continue running.

• Running for a Cause: Jade's Marathon Journey
• From Novice to Marathoner: Jade's Story

• "It's my very first proper race."
• "I do like wearing headphones."
• "I reached £1,500 really quickly."

Sian's training had been going so well. She followed her training plan to the letter, run the hilly Run Falmouth Half Marathon in Cornwall, got to 16 miles on her long run and then it struck - a knee twinge developed into the dreaded IT Band problem; 'Runner's Knee' as it's known. Will she able to get on to the start line in London?

For more podcasts head to https://www.sapphirerunningzone.com/podcasts. We have four channels, one on training support, another on fundraising, a third on runner stories and a fourth on events. If you'd to be the focus on one just let us know using the chat function on the homepage.

PODCAST NOTES

• Sian's training has been a roller coaster experience.
• The Falmouth half marathon was a significant milestone.
• Injuries are common and can be frustrating for runners.
• Sian's injury may be linked to her training intensity.
• Physiotherapy has provided positive feedback about her marathon prospects.
• Fundraising efforts have exceeded expectations, raising over £2,500.
• Planning and early bookings are crucial for successful events.
• Flexibility in race day strategy is essential due to injury.
• Emotional support from friends and family is vital on race day.
• The ultimate goal is to complete the marathon and raise money for charity.

• Running Through Challenges: Sian's Marathon Journey
• Injury and Resilience: A Runner's Story

• "I ran 16 miles today!"
• "I plan to walk at the worst."
• "Book as early as you can."

The taper is always a strange experience. After weeks of intense training, suddenly it all slows down. In Episode 2 Matt talks us through the challenges of dealing with the last 3 weeks of marathon training and also gives some great fundraising tips that could make a real difference to your fundraising efforts. He has had a great build up to the London Marathon 2025 and is ready for action! If you missed it here is a link to Episode 1.

Here's Matt's Just Giving page if you'd like to make a donation.

If you'd like to follow in Matt's footsteps and run your next event for Scoliosis Support & Research, or you're interested in one of the charity's London Marathon entries, email Will fundraising@ssr.org.uk. Thank you.

To find out more about Scoliosis head to https://ssr.org.uk

PODCAST NOTES

• The taper period can feel strange and challenging for runners.
• Long runs can be mentally taxing, especially in warmer weather.
• Nutrition and hydration are crucial for race day performance.
• Fundraising can be enhanced through community engagement and creative strategies.
• It's important to enjoy the running journey and not stress too much about fundraising.
• Listening to your body is key; don't push through injuries.
• Building a supportive network can help with both training and fundraising.
• Using social media to share progress can motivate donors and supporters.
• The atmosphere on race day is invaluable; consider whether to use headphones.
• Setting realistic goals and celebrating small victories can boost confidence.

• Navigating the Taper: Insights from a Marathon Runner
• Long Runs: The Mental and Physical Challenge

• "It's hard, really, yeah."
• "It's all about the running now."
• "It's a strange sensation."

Frank White set himself a challenge, to run 3 half marathons in a month for the Young Lives vs Cancer charity. He started with his local half in Bideford, then took on Bath and finished off with London Landmarks, one of the UK's biggest. How did he get on and how did his fundraising go?

You can listen to Episode 1 here

To help Frank raise a little bit more head to his fundraising page here

For more podcasts head to https://www.sapphirerunningzone.com/podcasts. We have four channels, one on training support, another on fundraising, a third on runner stories and a fourth on events. If you'd to be the focus on one just let us know using the chat function on the homepage.

PODCAST NOTES

• Frank ran three half marathons in a month for charity.
• He achieved a personal best of 1 hour 54 minutes.
• The atmosphere at the London Landmarks was unmatched.
• Pacing strategies were crucial for his success.
• Proper fuelling made a significant difference in performance.
• Frank's fundraising efforts exceeded his initial target.
• He plans to continue participating in half marathons.
• The support from friends and family was invaluable.
• Experiencing iconic landmarks while running was surreal.
• Frank is considering training for a full marathon next.

• From Half Marathons to Personal Bests: Frank's Journey
• Running for a Cause: Frank's Fundraising Challenge

• "I was aiming to try and get to 15"
• "I got a PB hour 54 seven seconds"
• "I upped my target again and upped it to 750"

Mattie and his best mate Chris are running the length of Hadrian's Wall (that's 74 miles!) on June 14th to support Playskill, a charity that has given him and his family so much help over the last 18 months. Mattie's son Arthur and his twin were born on 5th September 2023 and so far he has had over 43 admissions to multiple different hospitals, undergone multiple surgeries, more testing, hospital and doctors appointments then you can imagine but he shows more strength then most.

So far he has been diagnosed with multiple genetic conditions and has very limited eyesight. He has been fed via an NG tube since he was 3 weeks old through his nose and in February he had a feeding PEG inserted into his stomach and hopefully he can move onto a blended diet soon, we are unsure if he will ever independently walk, feed himself or even sit up without support.

Mattie and Chris have a target of £20,000 and they have already raised £10,000 in 3 weeks. You can help by donating on their fundraising page here

For more podcasts head to https://www.sapphirerunningzone.com/podcasts. We have four channels, one on training support, another on fundraising, a third on runner stories and a fourth on events. If you'd to be the focus on one just let us know using the chat function on https://www.sapphirerunningzone.com

PODCAST NOTES

• Matthew's son has faced numerous health challenges since birth.
• The family has been supported by a local charity, Playskill.
• Matthew is fundraising by running a challenging distance to help others.
• He aims to raise £20,000 for the charity.
• Community support has been crucial in their journey.
• Social media has played a key role in their fundraising efforts.
• Matthew's background in sports has prepared him for the challenge.
• The importance of resilience and positivity in tough times.
• Matthew emphasises the need for awareness about children's health issues.
• The journey has strengthened family bonds and community ties.

• Running for a Cause: Matthew's Inspiring Journey
• Facing Challenges: A Father's Story of Resilience

• "Incredible story to tell us."
• "He's had multiple surgeries."
• "I want to try and get to 20,000."
• "They're doing an amazing job."