THE SAPPHIRE RUNNING ZONE RUNNER STORIES

THE MIRACLE OF VENICE AND OVERCOMING ASTHMA. ALI WON'T BE BEATEN!

Ali Jomehri from north London only took up running in his 60s and quickly rattled off four marathons, including three of the World Marathon Majors. A chronic asthmatic he credits running with transforming his health, with his dependance on inhalers a thing of the past. With his 80th birthday coming up next year he is still running regularly, with the local Park Run a weekly fixture in his diary and he is focused on doing one more marathon! Age is just a number. Listen and be inspired.
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, marathons, health, asthma, fundraising, mental strength, personal journey, age, fitness, inspiration
summaryIn this inspiring conversation, Ali shares his remarkable journey of taking up running at the age of 60, overcoming severe asthma, and completing multiple marathons while raising funds for charities. He discusses the transformative impact of running on his health, both physically and mentally, and reflects on the challenges and triumphs he faced along the way. Ali's story serves as a powerful reminder that it's never too late to start a new journey and that perseverance can lead to incredible achievements.
 
Takeaways
Started running at age 60 due to encouragement.
Overcame asthma through consistent running.
Raised £11,000 for charities through marathons.
Running improved physical health and reduced inhaler use.
Mental strength developed through marathon training.
Participated in multiple marathons across different cities.
The importance of community support in fundraising.
Running provides a sense of purpose and energy.
Plans to run another marathon for his 80th birthday.
Running is a unique sport that offers both physical and mental benefits.
Titles
Running Against the Odds: Ali's Inspiring Journey
From Asthma to Marathons: A Life Transformed
Sound Bites
"I started my run when I was at the age of 60."
"I collected 7,000 pounds for our lovely charity."
"Running for me, it removed the condition."
"It taught me so much about mental capacity."
"Running makes you a stronger person."
 
Chapters
 
00:00 Ali's Running Journey Begins
06:01 Overcoming Health Challenges Through Running
11:49 The Venice Marathon Experience
17:51 The Mental and Physical Benefits of Running
23:57 Looking Ahead: Future Marathons and Reflections
 

THE VALENCIA MARATHON AND NOW ONTO LONDON. MELISSA IS ON A MISSION

Melissa Woodfield is taking on marathon number two on April 27th in London, in aid of Scoliosis Support & Research. Listen to her fascinating personal story and how she recovered from scoliosis surgery to take on one of the biggest marathons in the world. Her early approach to fundraising has paid dividends and she has already raised £2000. How much will she raise?
If you'd like to follow in Melissa'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
 
Scoliosis, London Marathon, running, fundraising, marathon training, community support, race day preparation, strength training, nutrition, personal stories
 
Summary
 
In this conversation, Melissa shares her inspiring journey of running the London Marathon for Scoliosis Support and Research. Diagnosed with scoliosis at a young age, she discusses her experiences with the condition, her transition into marathon running, and the lessons learned from her previous race in Valencia. Melissa emphasises the importance of race day preparation, community support, and effective fundraising strategies, while also highlighting her training regimen and the significance of strength training in preventing injuries. Her story is a testament to resilience and the power of running for a cause.
 
Takeaways
Melissa was diagnosed with scoliosis at age 11.
She started running in early 2022 and quickly progressed to marathons.
Valencia Marathon taught her valuable lessons about race day preparation.
Pacing oneself at the start is crucial to avoid burnout.
Community support plays a significant role in motivation during races.
Fundraising for Scoliosis Support has been a rewarding experience for Melissa.
Sharing personal stories helps connect with potential donors.
Training for a marathon requires careful planning and nutrition management.
Strength training is essential for injury prevention, especially for runners.
Melissa feels fortunate to have had a good recovery from her surgery.
 
Titles
Running for a Cause: Melissa's Marathon Journey
From Scoliosis to Strength: Melissa's Story
Sound Bites
"I found Valencia absolutely awful."
"Don't get too sucked into the adrenaline."
"It's just about being on it."
"It's definitely a big motivator."
"I haven't really had any knee problems."
Chapters
 
00:00 Melissa's Journey with Scoliosis
02:57 The Transition to Marathon Running
06:05 Lessons from Valencia Marathon
08:59 Race Day Strategies and Preparation
12:04 Fundraising for a Cause
15:01 The Impact of Community Support
18:06 Training and Nutrition Insights
21:14 Strength Training and Injury Prevention
23:56 Final Preparations for London Marathon
 

THE BARCELONA MARATHON WAS TOUGH, BUT WILL STEPHEN'S LONDON ADVENTURE BE EVEN TOUGHER?

Stephen Johnson from southwest London is a keen runner and is taking on the London Marathon for Scoliosis Support & Research. His first marathon was in Barcelona, an experience that gave him plenty to think about. Losing seven toenails taught him so much about looking after his feet during a marathon and he shares this and many other stories on the first of three podcast episodes on his way to the finish in April.
If you'd like to follow in Stephen'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, running, charity, training, fundraising, personal stories, marathon preparation
 
Summary
 
In this conversation, Tim Rogers interviews Stephen, who is preparing to run the London Marathon for scoliosis support. Stephen shares his personal journey as a runner, his motivations for choosing this charity, and the lessons he learned from previous marathon experiences. He discusses his training strategies, the importance of proper gear, and his approach to fundraising. Stephen also reflects on the impact of scoliosis on his family and the advancements in treatment over the years. The conversation highlights the mental and physical preparations necessary for marathon running, especially when running for a cause.
 
Takeaways
Stephen has been running for over 12 years, starting with park runs.
He chose the London Marathon to support scoliosis, a condition affecting his family.
Preparation is key; Stephen learned from mistakes made in previous marathons.
Training for the London Marathon includes long runs and proper fueling.
Choosing the right shoes and socks is crucial to avoid injuries.
Fundraising can be daunting, but starting early helps alleviate stress.
Personalising fundraising messages can lead to better support.
Stephen's sister's experiences with scoliosis highlight the importance of research and support.
Mental preparation is as important as physical training for marathon success.
The marathon experience is unique; each run teaches valuable lessons.
 
Titles
Running for a Cause: Stephen's Marathon Journey
Lessons Learned from the London Marathon
Scoliosis Support Through Running
Sound Bites
"I ended up in the medical centre Barcelona."
"It's important to get the right footwear."
"The marathon only really starts at 30k, doesn't it?"
"You just got to get out there and get to people."
"People generally do want to help."
"You have to force yourself not to go out too fast."
Chapters
 
00:00 Introduction to Stephen's Journey
01:52 Running Background and Motivation
05:15 Lessons from Previous Marathons
08:00 Training Strategies for London Marathon
11:20 Choosing the Right Gear
13:45 Fundraising for Scoliosis Support
22:06 Personal Stories and Impact of Scoliosis
25:40 Final Preparations and Mental Strategies

MATT SHOWS SHIFT WORKING IS NO MATCH FOR DRIVE AND DETERMINATION

Matt Bown from Derbyshire is running the London Marathon 2025 for Scoliosis Support & Research. His sister suffers from the condition and underwent surgery last year. Working shifts can always be challenging and with marathon training and fundraising to fit in as well Matt talks us through how he is finding a way to make it all happen. Training is going well and he is well on the way to hitting his £2000 target, thanks to great use of his fundraising page and social media. 
If you'd like to follow in Matt'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
 
marathon, training, fundraising, scoliosis, personal story, running, charity, motivation, mental health, fitness
 
Summary
 
In this conversation, Tim Rogers interviews Matt, who is training for the 2025 London Marathon while raising funds for Scoliosis Support and Research. Matt shares his personal motivation for running, which stems from his sister's battle with scoliosis and her recent surgery. He discusses his training regimen, the challenges he faces as a shift worker, and the importance of mental resilience in both training and fundraising. The conversation also touches on the emotional impact of his sister's condition and how it drives him to succeed in his marathon journey.
 
Takeaways
Matt is running the marathon for his sister who has scoliosis.
The atmosphere of marathons can be incredibly motivating.
Training has become something Matt looks forward to.
Strava can create pressure to perform during runs.
Listening to your body is crucial in training.
Fundraising can be challenging but rewarding.
Social media is a key tool for fundraising.
Honesty about struggles is important in sharing experiences.
Long runs should simulate marathon conditions.
Planning is essential for both training and fundraising.
 
Titles
Running for a Cause: Matt's Marathon Journey
From Scoliosis to Strength: A Runner's Story
Sound Bites
"The atmosphere is unreal."
"I do look forward to them now."
"I was always getting a PB."
"If she can do that, I can do this."
"I'm excited."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Matt's Journey
02:31 Motivation Behind the Marathon
05:08 Training Regimen and Challenges
10:14 Fundraising Efforts and Strategies
16:26 Personal Impact of Scoliosis
20:05 Long Run Experiences and Preparations
26:20 Looking Ahead to the Marathon

FROM HIS BARBER'S CHAIR TO THE STREETS OF LONDON RILEY STRIKES RAFFLE GOLD

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

SIAN IS RUNNING THE LONDON MARATHON FOR CORNWALL HOSPICE CARE

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

JADE RUNS THE LONDON MARATHON FOR CORNWALL HOSPICE CARE

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