LIFE: RUNNING THE BRIGHTON MARATHON

I wanted to run a marathon this year. I’ve run the London marathon twice before (in 2013 and 2016) but wanted something different. I was too late for Paris and wanted a spring marathon, so it ruled Edinburgh out. It was a choice between Brighton and Manchester and a friend at work said he’d run London and enjoyed it, so I signed up along with my mum.

I always knew training would be tough – I work full time and have a massive commute so finding time to run during the week was difficult. I would usually run twice during the week and then do a long run on Saturday morning, followed by a yoga class. I would then run again on Sunday just to build mileage/use as a recovery run.

I had an IT band injury in early February and managed to rest for a couple of weeks, hoping I would recover quickly and be able to resume my training. I found it so difficult not to run – for the past 10 years I have run five times a week – but luckily my plan worked and as I built up my mileage, the pain thankfully went away.

I had managed to run 20 miles twice before the big day and I felt really prepared.

Lots of people praise Brighton and say it’s a flat course, but there are some serious hills within the first few miles. Compared to London, it’s more hilly.

The crowds along the seafront were wonderful, as were those from miles 16-20. Residents had set up party stations with music, fruit and sweets and the atmosphere was electric. Miles 21-24 saw you run out and back to a power station which was a long, hard slog with headwinds to boot. I hit the wall at mile 24 and if it wasn’t for the amazing crowds and my wonderful mum, I would have walked to the finish.

 One of my favourite things about the Brighton marathon is their care and consideration for the environment. No plastic bottles were given out on the course, instead we used paper cups which were recyclable. I’ve finished races before where you’re given a goodie bag full of flyers and samples which go straight in the bin, but at Brighton you used your kit bag as a goodie bag and you take the treats you want/need. They also give water to finishers in a reusable bottle which I can use at the gym or at work. It’s little things like this which collectively make a big difference – imagine if all races adopted these ideas.

I raised more than £600 for Samaritans and mum raised more than £1,000 so we’re thrilled to have helped an excellent charity.

I’m so pleased to have completed it and, truth be told, I am relieved it’s all over. I am looking forward to getting my weekends back and running for the sheer joy of it rather than having to hit a certain mileage or goal. Saying that, I’m already eyeing up the Royal Parks Half and the London Landmarks…