IT is now just a week until the London Marathon.

Due to Covid, there are people who originally intended to run in April 2020. So, they have effectively been preparing/waiting/worrying since September 2010!

One such person is Church Langley-based personal trainer Caroline Collins.

With a week to go, we asked Caroline how it was going?

“Its been a very up and down journey! Its definitely had some highs and a lot of lows! This is probably one of the hardest things I’ve done, especially as it’s the third time I’ve trained for the London Marathon.

“I first trained in 2020 and got to 18 miles then Covid hit. I then started training again as the organisers said it would happen in October 2020. I got to 15 miles again and it obviously didn’t happen. 

I decided to defer 2021 as my mind and body were in no state to do the training again.

Then after spending over a year weight training, starting running again was a massive shock. Four miles killed me!

The last 6-7 weeks have been the hardest as obviously the mileage goes up. It is all about how to fuel and hydrate yourself whilst running. What works and what doesn’t.

The heatwave was hard as it was so hot and I also trained on my two week holiday in Turkey. I would go out at 6am to avoid the heat but a 5.15am alarm on holiday wasn’t fun!

I’ve had some good runs but the last few have been hard. I suffer with anxiety and that has been building. I’ve had dizzy spells on runs and then its the mental battle in your head. The demons saying you can’t do it!

But with a week left, I’ve done all I can do. Time doesn’t matter. I just want to finish it safely and enjoy the experience.

My target for my charity-The Brain and Spine Foundation was £2K which I hit back in 2020 but I’m nearly at £4K and would love to hit so any pennies are gratefully appreciated!

I am running this in memory of my brother in law Daniel who got taken from us at the age of 31 in 2007 with his third brain tumour, and it really is the thought of all the people that have sponsored me and encouraged me through the tough times that keep me going.

Click below, if you would like to sponsor Caroline.

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/caroline-collins14