10 things you’ll gain from running a marathon
With marathon season in full swing, Sophie Peckham, our Community and Events Manager, (and marathon runner extraordinaire!), shares 10 things you’ll gain from taking on a marathon.
1. You’ll feel like you can conquer the world
The sense of achievement you’ll get the moment you cross the finishing line is incredible. It’s like being on top of the world. And the moment your finishers’ medal goes around your neck it feels like your very own superhero cape. No matter what happens elsewhere in your life, no one will ever take that moment or feeling away from you.
2. Food has never tasted so good
The more you run, the more your appetite increases. Well that’s my excuse! After a long training run or at the end of 26.2 miles food will taste better than ever. Enjoy it!
3. The Medals!
My marathon medals (I’ve run six full marathons and numerous half marathons) mean the world to me. They’re trinkets that remind me of my achievements. And are my version of a superhero cape. Your medal/s will lift you on the days you don’t feel quite so super.
4. You’ll earn bragging rights
About 5% of the population has actually run a marathon so you’ll join a pretty elite club. And on top of your 26.2 mile feat, you’ll have the hundreds of miles that you covered in training to brag about too!
5. You’ll discover who you really are
Running a marathon has taught me I’m stubborn, tougher than I thought, and that if I put my mind to something, I can do anything. I also discovered that I love dogs, desperately wanted to live by the sea (and now I do!), don’t mind my own company, but need friends around to motivate me. With all the time you spend alone running, you have plenty of time with your thoughts. I found marathon training good for my fitness, and good for my mind.
6. And find places you never knew existed
I’d often get bored of the same running routes and loops. Because of this I explored my local area and beyond. It meant I found beautiful places I didn’t know were on my doorstep. Without running I still wouldn’t know those beautiful places were there.
7. You’ll meet new and inspiring people
This might be at a running club, on a St Catherine’s social gathering or on race day. Running opens up a whole new world of friends. And a world of people you’d never have otherwise met. I met a lady on route at the Edinburgh marathon once. We were both struggling and helped each other to the end. At the start of the race we were complete strangers. At the end we left firm friends. And we’re still friends to this day,
8. You’ll discover that all those people who say running’s bad for your knees are wrong
My arthritic knees are far less painful than before I started running. The fitter I am, the less pain I have in my knees.
9. You can make a difference to a local charity
Last year, St Catherine’s London and Brighton marathon runners raised more than £120,000 for our hospice. And there was even more money raised from various 10ks and half marathons. That’s a huge amount of money. It means we can make a difference to many more terminally ill people and their family and friends in the community around us. Knowing your efforts make such a tangible difference is something to be really proud of.
10. Because life is short
Working somewhere like St Catherine’s reminds you of that. If running a marathon is something you’re able to do, or something you’ve always wanted to do, do it while you get the chance. If you’re gearing up for your first ever marathon, or your hundredth, embrace the challenge. Run for everyone who can’t. Run so you have something to tell the grandchildren, Or simply – just run.
We can only provide care to local people thanks to our amazing supporters. If you would like to take on a challenge for St Catherine’s in the future please click here to find out more about the challenges we have available or to make a donation please click here
