Running Your First Marathon: Training, Motivation and Charity Fundraising: With Charlotte Patrick

1 day ago
3 min read

Running often starts with a simple goal: get fitter, clear your mind, or try something new. But for many people, it becomes much more; a journey of resilience, community, and purpose. That’s exactly what happened to Charlotte Patrick, Events Team Leader at Naomi House & Jacksplace hospices for children and young adults, whose running journey took her from the Couch to 5K programme in 2019 all the way to completing the London Marathon and even tackling an international relay run to Paris. Her story offers powerful lessons for runners, charity fundraisers, and anyone looking to set and achieve meaningful goals.

Charlotte Patrick crosses Tower Bridge in the London Marathon, smiling and focused. Bib numbers visible. Grey sky, historic stone bridge, race banners in background.

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How Charlotte Started Running (And Fell in Love With It)

Charlotte’s running journey began in a very relatable way: she wanted to understand what her colleagues were talking about. She started with the Couch to 5K programme and quickly realised running suited her personality.

“I love it because I'm not a coordinated person… but running is one foot in front of the other. It's just moving forward.”

That simplicity became the foundation of her long-term success. Within months, she progressed from beginner runs to major events like the Vitality 10K and The Big Half, building confidence and momentum along the way.

From 5K to running her first marathon: the London Marathon

Charlotte’s biggest breakthrough came when she secured a coveted London Marathon ballot place in 2023, something many runners dream of.

Her preparation focused on:

Structured training plans
Strength and conditioning
Injury prevention through yoga
Fitting runs around daily life

One key factor in her success was accountability. Having someone review her training feedback after each run helped her stay consistent, something she says was critical to finishing strong.

The Emotional Power of Race Day

Race day delivered everything she hoped for: excitement, nerves, and unforgettable moments. Charlotte emphasises that runners should focus less on performance and more on enjoying the experience.

“You’ve done the hard work in your training… so race day is your lap of honour — enjoy it.”

At mile 21, she hit a tough mental patch — something many marathoners experience, but seeing her cheer squad helped her push through. That moment reinforced an important lesson: marathon running is as much about mindset as fitness.

Running for Purpose: Fundraising Motivation

Beyond personal achievement, Charlotte has always linked running with fundraising for charity. Her experience shows that successful fundraising requires planning and emotional connection. She advises runners to treat fundraising like a training plan: starting early and setting clear goals.

“People aren’t just going to give you the money — you have to plan it and work for it.”

Some of the most effective fundraising strategies she’s seen at her charity include:

Quiz nights and bingo events
Handmade items like pottery or bracelets
Selling goods online
Early personal donations to set the tone

Most importantly, she stresses that fundraisers perform best when they truly believe in the cause.

The Next Challenge: Running Beyond the Marathon

After London, Charlotte didn’t stop. She joined a multi-day Run to Paris relay challenge, covering roughly half a marathon per day with a team. This experience reinforced her biggest running philosophy: It’s not about speed, it’s about the journey, teamwork, and enjoying the process.

Key Lessons From Charlotte’s Story

If you’re considering running or fundraising, her journey offers valuable insights:

1. Start Small, Dream Big

A simple Couch to 5K programme can lead to life-changing achievements.

2. Accountability Drives Consistency

Having support or coaching increases your chances of success.

3. Plan Fundraising Like Training

Structure, preparation, and purpose make all the difference.

4. Focus on the Experience

Running events aren’t just races — they’re emotional milestones.

Final Thoughts

Charlotte’s story proves that anyone can become a runner and use that journey to make a real impact. Whether your goal is to run your first 5K, complete a marathon, or raise money for charity, her advice is simple: Start where you are, stay consistent, and remember why you began.