Devon based runner, Jimmy Joy, took on his first marathon in 36 years to raise vital funds to support disadvantaged people to learn to learn.
Having already run 3 half marathons for Shannon Trust, Jimmy wanted to challenge himself even further by running the Manchester Marathon on Sunday 3 April 2022.
We caught up with Jimmy a week before the marathon to hear how he was getting on and why he’s fundraising for Shannon Trust:
"Every year, I run in a half marathon raising money for the Shannon Trust. It is a charity close to my heart. I first heard about the trust from a radio appeal and after looking into it and hearing some personal stories, it felt really worthwhile to support the valuable work they do. I was drawn to hearing about work transforming lives and making a difference, in the way the charity helps people to help themselves - giving them the tools to get on with their lives and be able to better interact with the world.
"This year, from the comfort of my sofa and watching the London Marathon on television, I decided to ‘up the ante’ from my regular yearly half marathon to the full monte of 26.2 miles. I decided to enter the Manchester Marathon, giving myself 4 months to train.
"Now with just a week to go, I can reflect on how the training has gone with 3 big lessons:
"The first lesson for me has been the commitment and effort that was needed. My training pattern has been to run 3 or 4 times per week, with one of those runs being a long distance run to build stamina. I found this aspect the most challenging and in particular getting beyond the 19 or 20 mile mark on these runs. Not feeling the best at that stage, at least has taught me to appreciate the mythical wall barrier and to make sure I bring some water and food along with me; I was amazed how the body begins to use up its own energy stores when you get beyond a certain point in the run.
"The second big lesson has been around plans of a personal time for the marathon which has evolved as time has gone on. Initially my target was around 4 hours and was based on the fact that I normally run a half marathon in just under 2 hours. Now I realise just how challenging the distance is and I will be more happy to complete the race in one piece, enjoy the day and still feel good at the end! I am hopeful that I will cross the finish line under 4 hours 30 minutes.
"Lastly, it has been 36 years since my one and only other marathon and it feels good to be trying to have another go at one - almost connecting to myself 36 years ago.
"On a final note, I would like to say a thank everyone for the generosity of those sponsoring me and Shannon Trust. I am very grateful for your support. Since I started to fundraise for Shannon Trust, I have come across some great people who have worked in prisons and with the trust, and they all speak highly of the great work it does. Always nice to get personal confirmation of the valuable work the charity does."
Thank you, Jimmy, for your continued support. And congratulations on beating your time by completing the marathon in 4 hours and 25 minutes.
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