Getting back on the long run

My Story
Although this is not my first rodeo (actually, if it were a rodeo it would be my first rodeo), it has been over 20 years since I completed my one and only full marathon — Milan, 2002, since you ask.

Since then I’ve kept running, and in recent years I’ve completed the Edinburgh Half Marathon in both 2024 and 2025, raising money to support the fantastic work of The Lord’s Taverners. But if I’m being honest, last year’s half marathon left me feeling a bit flat. I finished… but that was about it. No real sense of achievement, and a nagging feeling that I’d given up rather than pushed on.

So this time I wanted a proper challenge.

A full marathon is well outside my comfort zone. I’m not a natural distance runner, it demands a serious commitment of time and effort, and at 58 I’m undeniably older — and slower — than I was back in Milan. Even that wasn't straightforward because I managed to hurt my knee on the way round (those cobbles in Milan are not fun) and spent the second half jog-walking to the finish. So yes, this will be tough. That’s kind of the point.

Most of my training is being done through the winter in Herne Bay, which means dark mornings, cold temperatures, and a lot of wind. Apparantly this is character building but every mile feels easier knowing it’s for a cause that really matters.

I’m running for The Lord’s Taverners because I’ve seen the incredible work they do and I strongly believe in their ethos of giving young people opportunities to experience sport who otherwise might not get the chance.

Sport has played a huge part in my life. It’s given me enjoyment, confidence, resilience, friendships, and memories that I’ll carry forever. The Lord’s Taverners use sport — particularly cricket — to help young people build confidence, develop life skills, and feel included. That’s something I’m very proud to support.

To put it into real terms, your support could help in very practical ways:

• £25 could cover a support coach for one cricket session.
• £50 could provide a disability cricket session in a SEND setting.
• £75 could fund a young person’s entire 2026 cricket season.

If you choose to donate, thank you — genuinely. No donation is too small. If you can give more, that’s fantastic, but every single contribution helps provide access to sport and the confidence it brings.

And if knowing that your donation is helping to get me out the door on cold, dark, windy mornings — and through 26.2 miles on race day — adds a little extra satisfaction, then I’m very happy to play my part.

Thank you so much for your support.

Ste