London Marathon in support of LMF
We are very excited to have two ambitious athletes running the London Marathon in support of the London Music Fund on Sunday 3 October. We are so grateful to Liam and Eric for undertaking this incredible feat in support of our work. You can read more about their preparations in the Q&A below.
Liam and Eric are training really hard and would appreciate any support you can give, as of course would we!
We asked our runners a few questions to give you an idea of how preparations are going for the big run…
Q: What motivated you to get into running?
Liam: I am actually not a long distance runner by any means! I sprinted as a teenager but my main sport has always been swimming. I do work with a lot of people who want to improve their distance running so I know how to train. When I was asked to run the marathon my brain told me yes, but my body did shudder a bit... but was too good an opportunity to say no.
Eric: I have always enjoyed running, but run mostly to keep the weight off. If I’m travelling for business, which I used to do a lot, it was a nice way to see a city.
Q: How is training for the London Marathon going?
Liam: Training has been extremely difficult. It's been disruptive training over summer with some (rare) warmer days, holidays and social commitments. But that challenge is part of the fun. It's forcing me to learn new ways to train to maintain balance with life, and greatly improved my relationship with the foam roller and my massage therapist!
Eric: Now, I’m more of a triathlete (or as my youngest son says ‘I try to be an athlete’) so just focusing on running 5 days a week is tougher than I thought but I will be ready!
Q: What made you want to run for the London Music Fund?
Liam: Growing up I had the privilege of learning various musical instruments and also did dance and drama. The arts were such a big part of my life growing up and of who I am today, so to be able to give back is a wonderful feeling. The arts have suffered so much over the past year and I want to be an advocate for supporting them in general. If me going for a run can change a child's life for the better then it will have been worth it.
Eric: A trustee of LMF who is also a good friend approached me with the opportunity as he knows I love a challenge. I hope this is the beginning of a longer relationship with LMF, because the more I learn the more I’m impressed with the charity and the children it supports.
Q: How do you plan on celebrating when you cross the line?
Liam: Whether I run, walk or crawl over the finish line I will no doubt have a small cry. It is easily the hardest fitness challenge I've put myself through so the relief and sense of pride will likely cause at least one tear. My boyfriend will deserve a giant thanks for putting up with my whinging during training and then I'll probably make my friends carry me home (pub) to celebrate with some hydration...
Eric: Same as every event…..beer, beer and more beer!