NCT member, Katherine Sahota, tells us about running the London Marathon this year with her husband, shares her training tips and encourages other members to think about running next year.
In November, I read in NCT matters that there were places to run the marathon for NCT. I knew my husband wanted to do it so I emailed to say he was keen and, as I was about to press send, I decided to add my own name as well.
I thought why not, it could be a once in a lifetime opportunity! I also didn’t expect to be selected.
I was on maternity leave at the time so I needed to do my runs when my husband got home in the evening.
I actually found it was a great way to de-stress at the end of the day and feel the fresh air on my face. I did some early morning runs too and it was amazing to see the early light hitting Tower Bridge.
We both ran four times a week and arranged our training plan together. My husband would do his long run on Saturday and I would do mine on Sunday.
Even though we ran the race separately – my husband is much faster than me – it was great to prepare for it together.
I used a runtastic marathon plan which helped me keep track of how far I’d run and when.
I realised I needed time to prepare my body for the run but also mentally prepare for it. I used to spend a lot of time visualising how I excited I would feel to run over the finishing line.
We raised £2,500 between us. It was a combination of asking work colleagues, friends and selling second-hand baby items we no longer needed.
Lows were definitely the third part! I remember feeling elated and so excited to run over Tower Bridge and hit half way. The atmosphere was brilliant.
I was less excited when I saw other runners coming from another direction to me; knowing I still had a fair way to go.
It was amazing to see all the great costumes along the way and see the crowd really cheering us on along the road.
I ran next to a guy in what looked like a heavy rhino costume (pictured). I kept thinking I need to run faster than the rhino!
It was an amazing experience; one I will never forget. I learnt a lot about myself as a person and now I know if I set my mind to something I can achieve anything.
We have a few places left for the London Marathon on 23 April 2017. If you feel up to the challenge and want to help raise money for our vital work in perinatal mental health support, get in touch today by emailing fundraising@nct.org.uk.
