I hated running even when I was young and fit.

In late 2021, aged 45, I weighed 110kg (17st 5lb) and drank every night for three months straight. Following an ambulance journey to the Emergency Dept for an overnight stay (luckily it was just a false alarm!), I realised I needed to change my lifestyle.

I ditched the drink and started eating better. Once under 100kg (15st 10lb), I started running. Nothing serious, just trying to run a little further every time. My first run only saw me cover around 150 metres before I tired out! My psychologist challenged me to run every day for a week. I enjoyed the challenge and somehow developed a determination to keep running further, so started dedicating myself to it.

Following training plans helped my discipline and ensured I was getting myself out to run whatever was demanded despite the day's heat or rain in order to have the satisfaction of ticking that box!

In April 2023 I ran my first ever 5k. July 2023, my first 10k. November 2023, my first Half Marathon and then in July 2024 my first and only Marathon weighing 86kg (13st 7lb)!

I was proud I completed it but deep down I knew I could have done so much better than the 6hr 26m it took me.

24 hours later and that disappointment vanished the instant I received an email from the great folk at St John Ambulance inviting me to run for them at the 2025 London Marathon!

I had three days recovery and then started my LM2025 training.

I have just two targets.....

- Run it in under 5 hours

- Raise over £2000 for St John Ambulance

I would really appreciate it if you could help me with that second target by donating whatever you can to raise funds for these first aid heroes!!!

I genuinely appreciate any and every donation!

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Adam

St John Ambulance links:

Website - https://www.sja.org.uk

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/stjohn_ambulance/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/SJA