With a marathon as part of her training programme, back in December, Melissa had a different approach to traditional training and it really worked. With £3000 already raised her approach to fundraising also really worked, so it was no wonder her London Marathon adventure was so special.

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

If you'd like to follow in Melissa'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 [email protected]. Thank you.

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

PODCAST NOTES

Keywords London Marathon, running, training, fundraising, race day, nutrition, support, community, advice, experience Summary In this episode of Runner Stories, Tim Rogers interviews Melissa, a dedicated runner who recently completed the London Marathon. Melissa shares her experiences, from the emotional highs and lows of race day to her training journey and the importance of community support in her fundraising efforts. She emphasises the significance of preparation, nutrition, and the overwhelming atmosphere of the marathon, while also offering valuable advice for future runners. The conversation highlights the joy of running and the impact of collective support in achieving personal goals. Takeaways

• The London Marathon is an unforgettable experience filled with emotion.
• Training consistency is key, but don't be too hard on yourself.
• The atmosphere and crowd support can significantly boost morale during the race.
• Using technology, like headphones, can help stay connected with supporters during the marathon.
• Nutrition strategies should be tailored to individual needs and preferences.
• Fundraising requires early planning and effective communication with supporters.
• Emails can be more effective than social media for fundraising in a work context.
• It's important to focus on finishing rather than achieving a personal best in challenging conditions.
• Community support plays a crucial role in achieving fundraising goals.
• Future races should be approached with a balance of excitement and respect for the challenge.

Sound Bites

• "Worlds apart from Valencia!"
• "The crowds were just so loud!"
• "It felt really smooth and good."
• "The last little boost I needed!"
• "The goal should be to finish!"
• "Everything was textbook!"

Chapters 00:00 The London Marathon Experience 03:03 Training Journey and Preparation 06:09 Race Day Emotions and Atmosphere 09:01 Navigating the Course and Support 12:04 Nutrition and Hydration Strategies 15:06 Fundraising Journey and Community Support 17:59 Advice for Future Runners 20:59 Looking Ahead: Future Races and Goals