Running from the Heart

It’s a cause close to her heart as her father weatherman Michael Fish was diagnosed with the condition a few years ago.

“I started running in January 2018 using the Couch to 5k app. With a new job, new baby and a shift-working partner, there was no way I could re-join the regular gym classes I used to attend. I needed some form of fitness that I could do on my own during any free time I had. 

Luckily running delivered both a brand-new challenge and some vital headspace. Once I’d cracked 5k (eventually…. It took me a couple of months) I started to think about longer distances and did the London Winter Run 10k almost exactly a year after my first outing. 

Throughout lockdown, running was an amazing weapon to have in my armoury against the strange, unknown world we existed in. And I managed to bookend lockdown with two more 10k races in Kew Gardens. 

In September 2021, I ran a half marathon. My aim for the race was stolen from Jeff Galloway (US Olympian and coach) - to finish upright, with a smile and wanting to do it again. I succeeded albeit at a snail’s pace. 

And so, I decided I wanted to run the London Marathon. I got a place this year with Parkinson’s UK, which it’s an honour to be raising money for. Dad was diagnosed with Parkinson’s about six years ago and is doing well at the moment, but it’s a disease that really makes its impact felt. So, money for support, research, treatments - even a cure - is money very well spent. 

This is my first and very likely my only marathon. I have a 17-week training plan starting in June - the greatest challenge of which will be ring-fencing the time alongside work and family. And while I’d love to come in under five hours, ultimately, I just want to stay true to my previous ambition - finish upright, with a smile (and maybe wanting to do it again). 

Any running tips on how to achieve this are very, very welcome.” 

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