By Isabelle Crighton
Hello! I’m Izzy a teacher from Surrey who is completing the London marathon to raise money for the Down’s syndrome association.
This is my first ever marathon and it’s fair to say I’m feeling pretty nervous ahead of the race this October. I’ve never competed in an organised race before and only started running over lockdown.
It all started last November, I’d just finished my first half marathon and was feeling pretty elated from the run itself and my time. I immediately had my sights set on a marathon, if I could run a half I could easily run a full one, right? I Googled some marathon runs but with it being world famous and right on my doorstep, I knew the London Marathon was the one I wanted to complete. Unfortunately, the individual ballot for 2022 had been and gone so my mind moved towards which charities I’d love to represent.
So why the Down’s syndrome association?
To run my first marathon, I knew I needed to represent a charity I felt really passionate about. I’d need inspiration to get me through those gruelling 20-mile training runs.
Not only does my wonderful older brother have Down’s syndrome but so do many students I’ve taught over the years. I’ve been fortunate enough to have the best job in the world and worked with many students who have additional needs. It’s this passion and drive which has got me through many 30+ mile training weeks and long Sunday runs!
I remember the exact day and time I got the call from the charity to say my application was successful.
There were many emotions racing through my head at that point. It took a few days for it to properly sink in but once the ultra competitive sportswoman in me kicked in a picked a time I wanted to achieve and got those trainers on!
My first few weeks of training went well, I managed to fit in 4 runs a week and to increase my total running distance. About 16 weeks before the marathon, a time where you need to find a suitable plan to follow, I felt like I needed more accountability and structure. I decided to use an app called Coopah running which then planned all my runs, yoga, strength training and supported with my nutrition and injury prevention throughout the process. There is now just a few days to go and I feel confident that I can complete the 26.2 miles and (hopefully) get my target time of under 4 hours.
I am so happy that I was picked for this race, not only has it been amazing to raise awareness and money for the charity but it’s also created a passion for running which I will definitely continue after race day.
I truly believe running is medicine for the mind and urge anyone to give it a try!