Running with Heart: The Triumphs and Tears of Marathon Training for a Cause

Far 2 Fabulous

Episode 15
Imagine tying your shoelaces knowing each step will help honor a loved one's memory. That's exactly the story I share with you as I recount the emotional and physical roller coaster of preparing for and running the Brighton Marathon. Surrounded by an amazing troop of women, including my sister Clare and friends Jenny, Sarah, Nicola, Maria, and Emma, we transformed from a group with a shared loss into a resilient marathon team. Our narrative is more than just about the miles; it's about the laughter, tears, and training mishaps that bonded us as we ran for my niece Mia and the fight against Meningitis Now.
Physical challenges are part of any marathon journey, and mine was no exception. You'll hear how I navigated the discomforts of an overactive pelvic floor and the annoyance of plantar fasciitis—and how a switch to cushioned sneakers felt like running on clouds. Discover the life-changing comforts of elastic laces and the therapeutic chill of ice baths, and why a sports massage can be your best friend during the grueling marathon training. These are the behind-the-scenes details that sculpt the marathon experience, the ones rarely spoken about but crucial to any runner's success.
And then there's race day—where every pre-race meal matters, and even getting to the starting line can be an epic tale. Join me as I recount the uproar of a pasta dinner gone hilariously wrong and the unexpected challenges of just reaching the marathon start. I’ll take you through every costume-clad runner that sped past me and the hip pain that made every step a test of will. Crossing the finish line was an accomplishment that trumped even the most challenging life experiences, and it’s a story of endurance, community, and heart that I'm thrilled to bring to you.

Thank you for listening.
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Click HERE to learn more about Catherine's Marathon story and thank you in advance for your support.
See you in the next episode.