THE SAPPHIRE RUNNING ZONE RUNNER STORIES
All around the world runners are pounding the streets with many different aims and objectives. Some are running to get fit and others are training for an event. Many are fundraising for their favourite charity. Here we chat to some of those runners and share their goals and aspirations. Hopefully you’ll pick up something that will make your running even more fulfilling.
Listen on:
Episodes
Thursday Feb 13, 2025
Thursday Feb 13, 2025
Riley James underwent serious surgery at the age of 14 as a result of his scoliosis condition. Not many years later he is taking on the London Marathon. He tells us how his training is going and his early successes with his fundraising, including chatting to all of his customers! Getting started early is really important and following a plan for both makes the whole process so much earlier.
If you'd like to follow in Riley's footsteps and run your next event for Scoliosis Support & Research, or you're interested in one of the charity's London Marathon entries, email Will fundraising@ssr.org.uk. Thank you.
To find out more about Scoliosis head to https://ssr.org.uk
PODCAST NOTES
Keywords
London Marathon, Scoliosis, charity running, personal journey, fundraising, community support, marathon training, health awareness
Summary
In this conversation, Riley James shares his inspiring journey of preparing for the London Marathon while raising awareness and funds for scoliosis support. He discusses his personal experience with scoliosis, the challenges he faced during surgery and recovery, and how he became motivated to run the marathon. Riley also talks about his training regimen, the importance of community support, and the strategies he employs for fundraising. His story serves as a beacon of hope for others facing similar challenges, emphasising that with determination and support, anything is possible.
Takeaways
Riley's diagnosis of scoliosis at age 14 changed his life.
Running the London Marathon is a personal challenge for Riley.
Surgery for scoliosis was a traumatic experience for him.
Riley aims to inspire others with his marathon journey.
Training for the marathon has been a positive experience so far.
Fundraising for scoliosis support is a key part of his mission.
Community support has been crucial in his training and fundraising efforts.
Riley's job as a barber helps him raise awareness about scoliosis.
He has set a fundraising target of £2000 for the charity.
Riley is determined to prove that obstacles can be overcome.
Sound Bites
"I thought my sporting career was finished."
"There's no wall too big to climb."
"I became obsessed with running."
"I want to beat my dad in the marathon."
"The weather conditions are obviously hard."
Chapters
00:00 Riley's Journey to the London Marathon
02:04 Facing Surgery and Recovery
05:38 Training for the Marathon
12:02 Fundraising Challenges and Strategies
18:41 Community Support and Motivation
25:09 Looking Ahead to the Marathon
Wednesday Feb 12, 2025
Wednesday Feb 12, 2025
In the first of our new podcast series of Runner Stories Sian George from Cornwall talks us through how she is training and fundraising for the 2025 London Marathon. Her fundraising efforts are focused on a social event that she is organising in April, and she has plenty of great tips on how to go about it, including how to approach local businesses. Fundraising and training for a major running event at the same time is never straightforward but if you plan ahead it is so much easier!
For more podcasts head to https://www.sapphirerunningzone.com/podcasts. We have four channels, one on training support, another on fundraising, a third on runner stories and a fourth on events. If you'd to be the focus on one just let us know using the chat function on https://www.sapphirerunningzone.com
PODCAST NOTES
Keywords
running, marathon, charity, Cornwall Hospice Care, fundraising, personal journey, support, training, community, mental health
Summary
In this conversation, Tim Rogers interviews Sian George about her journey as a first-time marathon runner for Cornwall Hospice Care. Sian shares her initial reluctance towards running, her motivations for participating in the London Marathon, and the personal connections that led her to choose this charity. The discussion highlights the importance of support from the charity, the ups and downs of training, the challenges of running in a hilly region, and the efforts involved in fundraising. Sian emphasises the mental aspect of running and the community spirit that comes with participating in a charity event.
Takeaways
Sian started as a non-runner but is now committed to running.
Fundraising is a significant motivation for her marathon participation.
The London Marathon represents a personal challenge for Sian.
Sian's connection to Cornwall Hospice Care is deeply personal.
Support from the charity has been crucial for Sian's training.
Training for a marathon involves both physical and mental preparation.
Running in Cornwall presents unique challenges due to its hills.
Sian is actively engaging her community for fundraising efforts.
The importance of planning and organizing for both training and fundraising.
Building a support network is vital for marathon training.
Titles
From Non-Runner to Marathoner: Sian's Journey
Running for a Cause: Sian's Marathon Story
The Heart Behind the Miles: Sian's Charity Run
Sound Bites
"I am basically a non-runner."
"It's all about the fundraising."
"It's a motivator as well."
"It's such a roller coaster."
"You have to listen to your body."
"Cornwall is very hilly."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Sian's Running Journey
02:34 Choosing a Charity: Personal Connections
04:40 Support from Cornwall Hospice Care
08:15 The Roller Coaster of Training
11:32 Navigating Cornwall's Hilly Terrain
16:24 Fundraising Efforts and Community Engagement
Wednesday Feb 12, 2025
Wednesday Feb 12, 2025
In the first of a 3 episode series Jade Hugo from Cornwall talks us through her journey from running novice to the streets of London. Living in a rural location doesn't make winter running easy, but a great solution for Jade was to join a local running club. She tells us about the benefits and the support that her local club offers. She also discusses her early fundraising successes and her plans for the next two months.
For more podcasts head to https://www.sapphirerunningzone.com/podcasts. We have four channels, one on training support, another on fundraising, a third on runner stories and a fourth on events. If you'd to be the focus on one just let us know using the chat function on https://www.sapphirerunningzone.com
PODCAST NOTES
Keywords
running, marathon, charity, Cornwall Hospice Care, fundraising, community, training, support, bake sales, personal stories
Summary
In this conversation, Tim Rogers interviews Jade, a non-runner who has taken on the challenge of running the London Marathon for Cornwall Hospice Care. Jade shares her journey from casual jogging to training for a marathon, highlighting the personal motivations behind her decision, including the loss of her father. She discusses the challenges of training in a rural area, the importance of community support through a running club, and her strategies for fundraising, including bake sales and a silent disco event. Jade emphasizes the privilege of being able to run and the impact of her charity work on her training motivation.
Takeaways
Jade started running to get fitter, not as a runner.
She found joy in running after returning to it last year.
Running the London Marathon is a personal goal for Jade.
The charity connection drives her training motivation.
Training began in earnest in September for Jade.
Joining a running club provided essential support and community.
Fundraising is a dual responsibility alongside training.
Bake sales have been a successful fundraising strategy.
Planning early for fundraising reduces stress and increases success.
Jade aims to raise at least £3,000 for the charity.
Titles
From Non-Runner to Marathon Hero
Jade's Inspiring Journey to the London Marathon
Running for a Cause: Jade's Story
Sound Bites
"I'm not a runner at all."
"I thought, actually, this is really fun."
"I have really personal reasons for running."
"I set up a Just Giving page straight away."
"Everybody always wants a slice of cake."
"It's a two-way street."
Chapters
00:00 Jade's Running Journey Begins
02:04 From Non-Runner to Marathoner
04:34 The Impact of Charity on Training
07:00 Training Challenges and Strategies
11:24 Joining a Running Club
15:00 Building Community and Support
17:14 Fundraising Goals and Strategies
21:07 The Power of Bake Sales
25:15 Planning for Success