London Marathon: 'A marathon requires a certain toughness'
Every year over 37,000 professional and amateur runners tackle the 26 mile and 385 yard course that makes up the London Marathon.
Most people taking part are raising money for a huge variety of good causes, and on Sunday morning 25 runners will be lining up to fundraise for the English Federation of Disability Sport (EFDS).
This week, EFDS tells the story of just some of those pulling on the Federation’s branded vests to run through London, raising money to support more disabled people to be active.
Today, Kaz Ashton discusses multiple marathons, running alongside friend Rachel Orton, and the bonus of a cheering crowd.
Kaz’s Marathon story:
The atmosphere on the start line is buzzing – everyone is enthusiastic and excited. There is no feeling like it.
I know the London Marathon route takes you past all sorts of famous sights, but to be honest last year I didn’t see any of them!
I finished last year and one of my mates asked him if I’d seen Big Ben. No, I told him! So we walked back round and I saw that it’s there right in front of you on the finishing strait, but I just didn’t see it! By that stage, all you see is that finish line. That’s what you’re totally focused on. So this year I might take a bit more notice.
I run several marathons in the past – this will be my seventh. But this will be the first time I have run for the English Federation Disability Sport.
When it comes to marathon running, it really is all about that physical and mental challenge. Near enough anyone able can train up to complete a 10k, but a marathon requires a certain toughness. It’s an extra dimension.
I did London for the first time last year, and you are totally taken along by the crowds. It was so busy I didn’t even see any of my supporters. The crowd give you a real boost.
Our vests have our names on them, and people then shout your name as you’re going along. Hearing your own name shouted in encouragement is a great boost.
If you find yourself struggling, just slow down, walk it out and talk to the crowds. They will all be there, offering you Jelly Babies and Haribo and they will carry you through those extra miles, without you even thinking about it.
I may be super fit now, but this wasn’t always the case. I only got into fitness about 10 years ago. I started going to the gym but was still smoking and was grossly overweight. But I suddenly started to enjoy running – I really enjoyed it, and this all progressed from there.
I’m running London with my friend Rachel. I organise a beginners running club in Preston, and last year I completed the Edinburgh Marathon and I took eight of the club to Scotland to run it with me. Then Rachel also completed Chester Marathon with me at the end of last year.
It is harder to run slower than your natural pace, just to be able to run alongside my partner. But we talk on the way round. We chat, we pick each other up, we laugh, have a giggle and even sing! We sing whatever’s in our head at the time – it really is comical to see! It’s often prompted by something someone from the crowd might shout. We’re a bit funny, really.
Another way Rachel and I distract ourselves from the pain is to have a competition between ourselves to see how many high fives from the crowd we can get in a minute. She does one side, I do the other. Soon, another mile will be done.
Fundraise for EFDS because you can. There are many disabled people who can't access the amount of sporting opportunities that non-disabled people can. We can help change this. There’s no better reason.
