Kerry Parker tells us how she had to defer at the last minute in 2017 and how she has thrown herself into training and fundraising for this year's London Marathon...
"This is my second marathon. I ran Brighton in 2016 and massively underestimated how difficult it was to run 26.2 miles, so I'm much better prepared this time.
"I was supposed to run last year, but deferred at the last minute as my son was in hospital, so to say I'm ready to do this is an understatement, as I've trained for it twice!
"Jess at SV has been a massive help with my training - she explains exactly what my niggles and injuries are and why I get them (weak core!) so I know what to do to prevent future injuries (sit-ups and planks!).
"She also listens to me go on and on about training when friends and family are so over it - it's a well-known fact that it's impossible to run a marathon without talking about it constantly.
"Not only is Jess great at her job, we've also been on some training runs together this year (with Orion Harriers) as she is running London Marathon herself, and she has become a friend.
"I'm fundraising for a brilliant charity - the Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice in Reading, who did a wonderful job of looking after my mum. I love running anyway, but anything over half marathon distance is way out of my comfort zone, so the fundraising has been a great motivator to get me to run further.
"Without a doubt the number one thing that has got me through training is running with Orion Harriers on a Sunday morning. Running distances up to 20 miles with a group is so much better than running alone. The legendary John Hanlon who leads the group takes us on some beautiful running routes through Epping Forest and beyond, gives out loads of advice and there's always a bit of banter..."
