Lots of quality long runs had Stephen on course for a sub 3.30 London Marathon, but then a bad fall in a warm up event put his running on ice. Will he recover and storm the field at the end of the month and will he build on the £2000 already raised for Scoliosis Support & Research? If you missed it here is a link to Episode 1.

Here's Stephen's Just Giving page if you'd like to support him.

If you'd like to follow in Stephen'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

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 https://www.sapphirerunningzone.com

PODCAST NOTES Keywords marathon, training, injuries, fundraising, running, Scoliosis Support, race goals, nutrition, mental health, sustainability Summary In this episode, Tim Rogers speaks with Stephen, who is preparing for a marathon while raising funds for Scoliosis Support and Research. Stephen shares his journey, including training challenges, a significant fall during a race, and the mental hurdles of self-doubt. They discuss race goals, the new green start initiative aimed at sustainability, and the importance of fundraising. As the marathon approaches, Stephen reflects on his preparation, nutrition strategies, and the emotional aspects of running. The conversation highlights the camaraderie among runners and the shared purpose of supporting a cause. Takeaways

• Training is a journey filled with ups and downs.
• Injuries can create self-doubt before a race.
• The importance of focusing on the goal of fundraising.
• Sustainability initiatives are becoming part of major events.
• Personalised fundraising approaches yield better results.
• Mental preparation is as crucial as physical training.
• Nutrition strategy is key for marathon success.
• Community support among runners enhances the experience.
• The marathon is a test of endurance and mental strength.
• Future races may depend on the outcome of this marathon.

Titles

• Running for a Cause: Stephen's Marathon Journey
• Overcoming Setbacks: The Road to the Marathon

Sound Bites

• "Self-doubt starts creeping in."
• "I took a really big fall."
• "You might get an 80% hit rate."
• "You just want to get out there and do it now."
• "There's a bit of unfinished business there."

Chapters 00:00 The Journey Begins: Training and Injuries 03:41 The Fall: A Dramatic Setback 08:46 Race Goals: Balancing Ambition and Reality 12:38 The Green Start: A Sustainable Approach 13:06 Fundraising Efforts: The Challenge of Support 17:10 The Final Countdown: Nerves and Preparation 20:58 Nutrition and Strategy: Gels and Hydration 23:50 Looking Ahead: Future of Marathon Running