Marathon Runner Spotlight: James in London
James after crushing the Paris Marathon.
By Marnie Kunz
We’re shining a spotlight on marathon runner James in London, who is running for mental health and crushing his time goals in the process. Running a marathon is one of the most inspiring acts and James’ journey ties in with mental health. James came to Runstreet for a marathon training plan to meet his time goal for the Paris Marathon. And not only did he shatter his goal but he also raised money for a suicide crisis center.
James running the Paris Marathon.
First-Time Marathon Runner Crushes His Time Goal
Here is James’ story:
RS: How long have you been running?
Good question, I’ve started and stopped a few times over the past few years, and started cross-training at home during the pandemic, but I’d say I really started taking it seriously in May ‘22. I’d signed up for the Hackney Half in East London and then done no training. With four weeks to go, I thought to myself, ‘James, you should really get out for a run’. So, I did and finished it in 2 hours and 20 minutes, but I was so annoyed with myself that I’d lost my previous form and fitness that I’d worked really hard to build.
“ I’ve learned that to be my best self for everyone, I need to carve out ’me’ time, and running gives me it.”
RS: What got you into running? / How does running relate to your mental health?
I’ve long had low self-esteem, and never been comfortable in my body. It comes from being bullied at school and it’s stayed with me into adulthood. I work for the UK equivalent of Best Buy and if you know retail, you know it’s fast-paced and competitive. I love it but it takes its toll. Add to that having a 6-month-old and 4-year-old, and it makes for a pretty full-on and chaotic lifestyle, with very little time for me. All of this has impacted my mental health but I’ve found that running really helps. I’ve learned that to be my best self for everyone, I need to carve out ’me’ time, and running gives me it.
RS: I saw that you raised money for a charity when you ran the Paris Marathon. What made you choose the organization and can you tell us a little bit about it?
Samaritans is an amazing charity. Contrary to what the name suggests, it has no religious affiliation. They’re the only 24/7 free listening helpline in the UK, which aims to reduce deaths by suicide. It’s completely confidential and isn’t there to give advice, but to help people work through whatever it is they’re dealing with. What I learned through volunteering is that loneliness can be devastating. Some people literally have no one, or just cannot bear talking about how they’re feeling.
It also completely changed my views on suicide and removed the stigma. Of course, I don’t want anyone to feel like it’s their only choice, and to be able to help someone find an alternative path for themselves is amazing, but for some, it really is the only thing that will give them peace. And to be there for them in their final moments, you’re at least making sure they’re not alone.
Since I stopped volunteering (I just had too much going on) I’ve continued to support my local branch and was proud to raise £1,600 ($2,000) through my fundraising efforts for this year’s Paris Marathon. My marathon runner fundraiser page is still up.
RS: What was your goal for the Paris Marathon and how did it go?
Well, this was my first one so I wasn’t sure. I’d done plenty of halves with a PB of 1:41, so I figured I’d aim for 3:30 but be happy with 3:45.
I followed my RunStreet training plan to the day and was very consistent but found my training relatively easy to fit in around my work day and family life, often at the crack of dawn, during our work ‘golden hour’ when meetings are banned, or late at night. There were definitely more than a handful of 4 am Saturday long runs. Marnie adjusted the plan a few times as my performance improved which was helpful too.
I got up to 38km in my training runs and didn’t find the distance too tough. I wasn’t getting a lot faster but my stamina and consistency seemed strong. I’d get in the zone and stay there and this followed through into D-day. I finished in 3:23 and felt good the whole way. There was no wall and my split times only varied by 2 to 3 seconds.
It’s a day I’ll remember for a long, long time. It was just AMAZING, and if you’re considering a full, do it!
RS: What keeps you motivated to run?
I’m 38 and to run the time I did on my first go I was super proud of myself, but I’d put the hard work into it and have now definitely got the bug. I have three more halves booked this year and a 50km ultra trail in 10 weeks time. I want to keep challenging myself and see what I can achieve. A sub-three-hour marathon next year maybe?
RS: What is your go-to speed workout to get faster?
I’d say Yasso 800s (which were a core part of my RunStreet plan) are great. Oh, and I also love hill repeats and strides, which might make me a bit weird.
RS: Do you have a favorite song or running playlist? If so, what?
I’m not sure I’m prepared to admit this but Beyoncé got me round the first half in Paris, and stopped me from going out too fast. Then 90/00s Britpop helped me to the end. Think Oasis, Blur, etc.
RS: Where is your favorite running route?
I’m lucky to live in London, just a mile from Greenwich. There’s a foot tunnel under the Thames so an easy half marathon is up one side of the river to the Tower of London and Tower Bridge then down the other side. If you go beyond the Tower you’re into tourist town so I tend to avoid that.
For extra long runs I take in the hip streets of Peckham and Camberwell, to Vauxhall, Hyde Park, Little Venice, and then along the Regents Canal (listen out for the monkeys at London Zoo) through Camden Down and Haggerston all the way back to Canary Wharf and Greenwich.
RS: What is your favorite race?
Not so much a race, but ParkRun is a great and free weekly 5km that takes place up and down the country (and internationally) in parks and recreational spaces. It’s volunteer-led and a great way to try out running and go for a PB but in a friendly community. It’s fun to try out new locations and where I live there are loads of different once’s to choose from.
RS: Where can we follow your training?
I’m on Strava if you want to follow my training for the 50km ultra, or beyond. I’m very generous with my kudos too if you’d like a follow back. Here is my Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/jimmyb84
Thank you, James, for your time and inspiration and we can’t wait to hear more about future races in your running journey!
If you’re a marathon runner or training for a 5K or other race, you can get your customized training plan in our Shop. If you are looking for speed workouts, check out our Speed section for lots of interval workouts, Yasso 800s, and more.
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