Mary Keane from Edinburgh first signed up to run the London Marathon for the BackCare charity in 2019. First Covid and then a number of injuries have prevented her from doing so. Now she is back and raring to go in the 2026 event. Follow her progress as she trains and fundraises for this very deserving charity. More episodes to come soon.

You can support Mary by making a donation on here fundraising page

If you'd like to follow in Mary footsteps and run your next event for Backcare, email Denice denice.loganrose@backcare.org.uk. She'd love to hear from you.

To find out more about Backcare head to https://backcare.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

• Mary has been rolling over her charity place for the London Marathon for several years due to injuries.
• She chose Back Care UK as her charity because of her personal experiences with back pain.
• Mary is currently training to run consistently 5k and is signed up for the Great North Run.
• The importance of gradually increasing mileage in training to avoid injuries is emphasized.
• Edinburgh offers a variety of terrains for training, which helps keep running fresh and engaging.
• Mary has participated in international races, which provide motivation and a change of scenery.
• Fundraising can be enhanced through community events like pub quizzes and raffles.
• Early planning for fundraising is crucial to avoid competition with other events later in the year.
• Personal connections to the cause can significantly boost fundraising efforts.
• Mary is optimistic about regaining her enjoyment of running and achieving her marathon goal.

• "It's nice to mix it up"
• "It's about giving back"
• "You will get that runner's high again"

Chris has battled through some serious life challenges, including cancer, but he's come out the other side in the best shape of his life. He attributes this to his new found passion for running, fitness and fundraising. Previously a junior elite runner and with a sub 3 hour marathon to his name, running took a back seat while life took over and the silent assassin, stress, became a real issue. On this podcast he talks about the need to find time for ourselves and the importance of prioritising our own physical and emotional wellbeing. It's an emotional listen.

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

• Running can be a powerful tool for stress relief.
• Chris's early running journey began in school.
• Injuries can be mismanaged, leading to long-term issues.
• A cancer diagnosis can serve as a wake-up call.
• Setting meaningful goals can drive personal change.
• Fundraising can be a motivating factor for challenges.
• Physical activity is essential for mental wellness.
• Self-care is crucial for overall health.
• Rehabilitation is key to recovery from injuries.
• Finding balance in life is important for well-being.

• Running Through Stress: Chris's Journey
• From Cancer Diagnosis to Fundraising Triumph

• "Running can help alleviate stress."
• "I was diagnosed with prostate cancer."
• "I decided to do a three-day challenge."

Chef Joel Mays III has been bitten by the running bug. He only started running in June 2022 and has already completed 3 marathons with Marine Corps Marathon in Washington D.C. coming up next in October. On this podcast he shares his running journey with us, including what it's like to train in the heat and humidity of Dallas, Texas, as he heads to the London Marathon 2026, where he'll run for the Backcare charity.

You can support him by making a donation on his fundraising page here

If you'd like to follow in Chef Joel's footsteps and run your next event for Backcare, email Denice denice.loganrose@backcare.org.uk. She'd love to hear from you.

To find out more about Backcare head to https://backcare.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.

• Joel started running in June 2022 and quickly progressed to marathons.
• The community aspect of running is vital for motivation and support.
• Training involves detailed plans and adaptations to local climate conditions.
• Nutrition plays a crucial role in a runner's performance and recovery.
• Joel has completed 3 of the World Marathon Majors, New York, Berlin and Chicago.
• The Boston Marathon is a personal goal for Joel, seen as a 'unicorn'.
• Fundraising for charity races requires early planning and community support.
• Joel's experiences in different cities enhance his love for running.
• He emphasises the mental discipline required for marathon training.
• Running is a passion that brings joy and fulfilment.

• From Novice to Marathoner: Joel's Journey
• The Heart of Running: Community and Support

• "The people make the race."
• "I want to make this my home."
• "I want to run for fun."

Tapantosh Chakrabarty started running marathons in 2000 at the age of 50. 25 years later and he's still at it. With more than 30 of the Majors under his belt, the seven continents and many of the leading destination marathons ticked off, there is literally no stopping him. Listen to his marathon stories and his words of wisdom, as he prepares for his next events, including the 2026 London Marathon for the UK charity Backcare.

If you'd like to follow in Tapantosh's footsteps and run your next event for Backcare, email Denice denice.loganrose@backcare.org.uk. She'd love to hear from you.

To find out more about Backcare head to https://backcare.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

• Tapantosh started running at the age of 50.
• He has completed marathons on all seven continents.
• Running significantly improved his mental health and productivity.
• He developed the STAR training method tailored to his health needs.
• Unique marathon experiences include Antarctica and the Big Five.
• He has run 30 World Marathon Majors, including Boston and New York.
• Running has made his knees stronger, contrary to common beliefs.
• He emphasises the importance of listening to one's body while training.
• Tapantosh chose to support the Backcare charity due to personal experiences.
• He balances training between races to maintain fitness and prevent injury.

• From Bangladesh to Calgary: A Runner's Journey
• The First Marathon: Overcoming Challenges

• "I was looking for a challenge."
• "I got into running in 2000 when I was 50."
• "I ran 30 of the World Marathon majors."
• "Running is good for your health."
• "Running made my knees stronger."

Grant only started up running again a couple of months ago but has already signed up for a Tough Mudder and the Loch Ness Marathon. He's a diabetic, so needs to be really aware of his nutrition intake as he increases his long runs. Follow his journey to one of the most famous lakes in the world.

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

• Grant started running to support his sister's weight loss journey.
• He quickly progressed from casual runs to training for a marathon.
• Incorporating gym workouts is essential for balanced training.
• Nutrition is crucial, especially for managing diabetes while running.
• Long runs should gradually increase to avoid injury.
• Hill training is beneficial for building strength and endurance.
• Setting realistic goals for the marathon is important for beginners.
• Fundraising can provide motivation and a sense of purpose.
• Exploring future races can enhance the running experience.
• Rest and recovery are vital to prevent injuries

Titles

• From Casual Runner to Marathoner: Grant's Journey
• Training for the Loch Ness Marathon: Insights and Tips

• "I've gone from zero to full out."
• "Not enough runners do leg work in the gym."
• "I have got an end goal."
• "It's dead easy, you'll be really surprised."

Jon is a chef from the West Midlands and is a man driven by the desire to raise funds for Scoliosis Support & Research. His daughter Poppy suffers from the condition and was diagnosed before she turned one year old. She'll be proud of her dad. He raised over £3000 and battled the London heat in his first ever marathon. An inspiring listen.

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

If you'd like to follow in Jon'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

• John runs the London Marathon for Scoliosis Support and Research.
• His daughter has undergone multiple surgeries for scoliosis.
• John's motivation is to make his daughter proud.
• He started training later than most due to life commitments.
• Community support played a crucial role in his training.
• He balanced training with family responsibilities.
• John's longest training run was 16 miles on a treadmill.
• He experienced both highs and lows during his training journey.
• Race week was hectic but filled with excitement.
• The adrenaline at the start of the marathon was overwhelming.

• "I just had to keep an eye on it."
• "I wanted to do it for the charity."
• "It's just adrenaline rush, think."

How long does it take to train for a marathon? The general consensus is that you need to embark on a 16-20 week training programme, but what about if you've got 20 years of elite swim training under your belt? Adam has exactly that and he did things very differently...

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

• Adam completed the Belfast Marathon with only six weeks of training.
• His background in competitive swimming contributed to his success.
• The ideal marathon training program is typically 16 to 20 weeks.
• Adam's longest run before the marathon was about 30 miles.
• He focused on keeping his heart rate low during the race.
• Mental strength from swimming helped him during the marathon.
• The race environment was surprising with enthusiastic crowds.
• Proper nutrition and training are crucial for marathon success.
• Adam advises future runners to train for at least 20 weeks.
• He plans to attempt another marathon with a proper training schedule.

• Running a Marathon with Minimal Training
• Adam's Unique Approach to Marathon Training

• "I did it with six weeks of training."
• "My longest run was about 13 miles."
• "I wanted to keep my heart rate low."

10 years after losing his son Mark is still running and still fundraising. He's now in training for the 150km West Highland Way, an epic ultra, with breathtaking scenery and he's about to hit £20k of fundraising. Find out what's involved in running an event of this magnitude and the mental and physical commitment that's needed.

If you'd like to support Mark here's his fundraising page

This is the charity that he is supporting sands.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

• Mark started running again after losing his son in 2015.
• He has raised nearly £20,000 for SANDS, a charity for bereaved parents.
• The West Highland Way ultra marathon is 95 miles long with significant elevation gain.
• Training involves high volume and familiarisation with terrain.
• Mark prefers real food over gels during long runs.
• Preparation includes carrying mandatory emergency kits during training runs.
• Aid stations are self-sufficient, and runners prepare drop bags for their needs.
• Mark emphasises the importance of mental resilience during long runs.
• Fundraising strategies include mixing up events to keep interest alive.
• Mark's workplace matches his fundraising efforts, doubling his contributions.

• "It's a 95 mile ultra marathon."
• "You've got to be prepared for the worst."
• "It's about the support crew."