Why did you decide to take on a marathon?

Sarah: We were very lucky (though on the longer and rainier training runs I’m not sure we feel QUITE as fortunate!) to get places to run through our cousin, who works for the London Marathon. I had never thought of doing a marathon until the opportunity presented itself, but I think that when things like this come your way, you have to go for it. Until this point I’d only ever managed 10k (and that felt like an absolute mission!), but mostly my running was confined to park runs followed by a flat white and a sausage sandwich.

Nikki: Yes, we were “lucky” to be able to get our places via our lovely cousin! I was initially very unsure if I would be able to take on the challenge of a marathon, but Sarah spurred me on and I was quickly on board. As Sarah said, sometimes you have to accept an opportunity when it comes your way, and I felt that this was a good example of that!

Why did you choose to support St Wilfrid’s with your run?

Both: As soon as we knew we were running there was no doubt in our minds as to who we’d raise money for. Our stepfather was cared for by St Wilfrid’s at the end of his life and we’ll be forever grateful for the kindness and support that he, our mum and the rest of the family were given at that awful time. We were shocked at how little government funding hospices receive and the extent to which they rely on donations. Since Robert’s death, we’ve taken part in several Moonlight Walks, but this is definitely our biggest challenge to date by a long way.

How has your training been going?

Sarah: I’ve enjoyed training more than I thought I would have but sometimes wish that we lived in a less hilly and muddy part of the world! It has definitely been challenging to fit in all the training around work and busy family responsibilities, but we’ve both been pretty good at making ourselves be disciplined. The idea of how painful it would be to run without being fully prepared is definitely spurring me on!

Nikki: The hardest part of the training is getting out the door, but once I’m off it all seems ok.  There have been various aches and pains cropping up, but all outweighed by the joy of getting another run in the bag!

What has been good/bad about your training?

Sarah: I love the space running gives you, and the feeling of a hot shower post-run is pure luxury. We visited the South of France at the beginning of March, and running 20k through sunny olive groves, vineyards and chateaux was something I won’t forget in a hurry. On the other end of the spectrum, heading out in the freezing February darkness at 10pm to run 11k around Chichester was a low point.

Nikki: My favourite thing about the training has been eating whatever I want and the worst thing is getting out the door when it’s cold and dark – but it’s always worth it.

How have you pushed through the tough parts?

Sarah: We’ve both had a huge amount of support and encouragement from family and friends, and having Nikki there on many of the long runs has helped incredibly. We can support each other when it’s tough and have also found ourselves laughing so much, especially at difficult moments.

Nikki: Knowing that I am doing this with Sarah has really helped to keep me motivated.  I just remember why I’m taking part and try to think of how amazed I will be if I actually finish it!

How are you feeling about the Marathon now it’s so close?

Sarah: I go between feeling excited and daunted. I ran 25k last weekend and felt overwhelmed at the thought that that was only just over half the distance we’re going to have to run. It’s been such hard work and I can’t wait to get that sense of achievement when we cross the line. I think I’m going to wear the medal everywhere I go for at least a month!

Nikki: I also have quite mixed feelings. I’ve been to watch the marathon a couple of times and I know the atmosphere is incredible, so I am really excited to be part of that. But there are definitely moments when I just can’t imagine running that far! But I know we have worked hard at our training and followed our plan so I am trying to just trust the process!

Why did you decide to take on a marathon?

A marathon has always been on the bucket list so the opportunity to run London for a charity like St Wilfrid’s was too good an opportunity to pass up.

Why did you choose to support St Wilfrid’s with your run?

Sadly in December 2023, I lost my Mum to cancer. St Wilfrid’s provided her and my family with outstanding care and support throughout this period. I saw first hand the amazing work the Hospice does and felt a responsibility to give something back, so the care can continue for the next people who need it.

How has your training been going?

Apart from one tiny injury early on, the training has been going very well (I think!). I’ve managed to complete almost all of my training runs and am starting to feel strong, but I think I’ll only really know once it’s marathon day.

What has been good/bad about your training?

I’ve enjoyed learning a new sport and training techniques and seeing the improvements in my running, although some of the cold and dark training runs in winter have not been so enjoyable.

How have you pushed through the tough parts?

The support from friends and family and their very generous donations has kept me going through the tough parts of training.

How are you feeling about the Marathon now it’s so close?

Excited, nervous, all the emotions I think but can’t wait to get running on the day!