Seven Weeks. One Marathon. One cause

Seven Weeks, One Marathon, One Cause is a conversational podcast episode hosted by Tim Rogers, sitting down with runner David Morris to unpack an incredible challenge: training for the London Marathon with just seven weeks to prepare — all while working as Head of Fundraising for St Raphael's Hospice and aiming to raise £2000 for them.

Have a listen here

Introduction:

In the latest episode of the Don't Forget Your Gels podcast, host Tim Rogers chats with David Morris, the head of fundraising at St. Raphael's Hospice. David shares his inspiring journey as a runner and fundraiser, detailing his experience with the iconic London Marathon and his upcoming participation in the London Landmarks Half Marathon.

• David's Background in Charity and Running

David, who has spent over 15 years in the charity fundraising sector, is currently leading fundraising efforts at St. Raphael's Hospice. Although his running experience spans just five years, he has already taken on significant challenges, including the London Marathon. His passion for running is intrinsically linked to his work, as he emphasizes the importance of fundraising in the charity sector. With a commitment to his upcoming London Landmarks Half Marathon, David is ramping up his training and drawing on his previous experiences.

• The London Marathon Experience

David describes the London Marathon as one of the most impactful experiences of his life. After being given the opportunity to run for St. Raphael's due to a teammate's injury, David felt a surge of motivation. Despite having only six to seven weeks to train, he decided to seize the moment, highlighting a crucial aspect of marathon running: the mental commitment. He shares how the initial excitement transformed into a serious commitment as he established his fundraising page and informed friends about his participation.

• Training for the Marathon

Training for the marathon with such a limited timeframe was challenging. David typically ran 10 to 12 kilometers but had to quickly ramp up his distance. He describes his training journey, which involved significant increases in his long runs over consecutive weeks. For instance, he started with a 15K, followed by 20K, then 25K, and eventually 32K. A memorable moment was when he ran a beautiful and scenic route in Durham, which boosted his confidence leading up to the race.

• Race Day and Lessons Learned

On race day, David felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. He vividly recalls the moment he crossed Tower Bridge, feeling invigorated by the atmosphere and the support from fellow runners and spectators. However, he also learned a valuable lesson about pacing. Despite feeling good early in the race, he pushed his pace too soon, which made the last stretch more challenging than necessary. This experience reinforced the importance of sticking to a predetermined strategy, a lesson he plans to carry into future races.

• Looking Ahead: The London Landmarks Half Marathon

As David prepares for the London Landmarks Half Marathon, he reflects on the lessons learned from his marathon training. With a focus on consistency and strategy, he hopes to achieve a personal best while enjoying the race. David emphasizes that the journey is just as important as the destination, and he aims to run in a way that feels fulfilling and rewarding.

• Conclusion

David's journey from a charity fundraiser to a marathon runner exemplifies the power of pursuing one's passions and embracing challenges. His experiences serve as an inspiration to others considering similar journeys, reminding us that with determination, mental commitment, and a well-thought-out training strategy, we can achieve our goals. Whether it's running a marathon or supporting a worthy cause, every step taken is a step towards personal growth and community impact.

• Key Takeaways:

- Embrace opportunities as they arise, even if they come with challenges.

- Stick to your training strategy and pace during races to maximise performance.

- Enjoy the journey and focus on personal fulfilment rather than just finishing times.

Have a listen here

If you'd like to run for St Raphael's you can find out more here.

Tags: London Marathon, Charity Fundraising, Running, Marathon Training, Half Marathon, Personal Growth, David's Journey, Don't Forget Your Gels Podcast, St. Raphael's Hospice.