Pat Ainsworth - Marie Curie marathon extraordinaire
Marathon extraordinaire and incredible Marie Curie supporter Pat Ainsworth will be joining you all at the starting line to take on her 19th London Marathon. She has kindly offered to share her story and tell why she has decided to take on this incredible challenge for Marie Curie for the 5th time in a row and how her marathon journey is going!
Q. What was your motivation behind taking on the Virgin Money London Marathon for Marie Curie?
I know the valuable work the Marie Curie nurses do and running the Virgin Money London Marathon on behalf of the charity is an excellent way of raising funds to enable this vital service to continue. Whilst I haven’t had any direct experience of anyone close to me receiving care from Marie Curie, I was able to see their amazing work first hand when I was invited to the Marie Curie hospice in Bradford. It was truly incredible to see what wonderful care the patients were receiving from all members of staff.
Q. What would you say were your top tips when it came to raising that all important sponsorship?
Don’t be afraid to tell people what you are doing, get in touch with the local press and the local radio. Set up a Just Giving fundraising page: it’s a quick and simple way to get people to sponsor you. Remember it’s an amazing thing you are doing, it will be a fantastic achievement running 26 miles and 385 yards and collecting your well-earned medal.
Q. How are you finding the training and what are you most looking forward to about race day?
The training is going well, and I am just at the right mileage of around 18 miles in my long runs. With another three long runs to go I will be building up to two of my longest runs yet which will be around the 20 mile mark. I am mainly just looking forward to a really amazing day and finally being able to say I’ve completed my 19th London marathon, hopefully without injuries or blisters (let’s hope I can escape them). I also can’t wait to be part of Team Marie Curie once again, wearing the famous yellow vest!
Q. What would be the one tip you would pass on to the rest of your London Marathon team?
One of the main tips I would pass on to the Marie Curie team is please, please run your own race at your own pace. Don’t be tempted to run with anyone faster than you or anyone slower than you, stick to what you’ve done in training. If at around 18 miles (the dreaded wall) your spirits drop, think of all the good people who have made it possible for you to run this fantastic event. Concentrate on the good cause your sponsorship is supporting, and the difference you’re making to families impacted by terminal illness. This will motivate you to dig deep and get to that finishing line with incredible pride.