We sat down with Christian, one of our Commercial Account Handlers, as he prepares to run the London Marathon for Shelter.
Why did you decide to run the London marathon?
I’ve been running on and off for the last few years, typically just short 3-4 mile runs locally around Sheffield. However, when the opportunity came to run the London Marathon, I couldn’t pass it up!
Which charity are your running for?
My goal is to raise £2,000 for the homeless charity Shelter. Shelter believe a home is a fundamental right and help millions of people every year who are struggling with housing and homelessness. Raising money for such an important cause, makes running the marathon all the more worthwhile.
Have you run a marathon before?
I’ve not run at an organised event before, however, back in April 2020 when we lived in Derbyshire, I plotted my own 26 mile course and finished in 3 hours 42 minutes. It was a tough route with around 2,500 feet elevation and took me several weeks to recover!
What is the most challenging aspect of training?
We’re spoilt for hills around Sheffield and it is almost impossible to find a flat route. We also live on a hill so it’s either start off running up hill or face the hill at the end of the run! Although running up hills is hard work, I’m hoping that it will stand me in good stead considering that London is mostly flat.
Injuries are also incredibly frustrating. I recently completed an 18 mile training run from Sheffield to Hathersage and back again. The first half was almost completely uphill and by mile 10 I’d really had enough, but I had no option but to continue going. I ended up injuring my Achilles tendon, only mildly thankfully, but the only way to recover from an injury is rest… with the race date only 7 weeks away, having to rest for one or two weeks is less than ideal!
How have you found the fundraising process?
I’ve been bowled over by the generosity of my friends, family, colleagues and clients and have so far raised £1,179 out of the £2,000 target. Race day is 21st April 2024 so there are around 7 weeks remaining, it would be great to have reached target by then!
What are your biggest hopes for the day?
I’m not as fit as I used to be, so at this stage, I’ll just be happy if manage to complete the course! Though, if all goes well on the day, I’d be very pleased if I beat my previous time from 2020!
From everyone here at IFM, we wish Christian all the best on the day! His dedicated training and fundraising will make a remarkable difference to the millions of people that are being devastated by the housing emergency.
If you would like to donate, please visit Christian’s Just Giving page here
