Name: David Marsden

Age: 35

Job:  Photographer

Charity you are running for: British Heart Foundation.

 

Link to donation site: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/davidmarsdenlondon

Tell us a little about yourself:

I first decided to get into running after I put on more weight than my wife whilst she was pregnant with our daughter Evie in October 2008. She would tell me how fit her Dad used to be and how he would go running with his Army issue bergen when she was younger. So off I plodded intent on losing a few pounds now I was a responsible father. Sadly in April 2009 my father in law died after having several years of heart problems. His problems only came to light after he left the army and had been masked by his intense fitness and military life. This is the reason why I’m running the London marathon on behalf of the British Heart Foundation charity.

I can’t say I love running but I think it’s a great form of exercise and serves a purpose to help keep relatively fit and watch the weight. With a 3 yr old daughter to keep entertained and look after I’m pretty worn out before I even think about going for a run!!! Over the past few years I have done the National 3 Peaks Challenge and did a 200 mile charity bike ride over the weekend of the Royal Wedding this year.

Is this your first Marathon? :

It will be my first full marathon but I have done a few half marathons inc Nottingham 2009/2010. Leeds. Newark and Bristol. I also did the Clumber Park Duathlon 2011 which consisted of a 10K run 40k bike and 5k run.

Why have you decided to run the London Marathon?

If  I was going to find a running event to do in memory of my father in law then there was only really one choice. I have tried to gain entry since 2009 both via the ballot and BHF charity place.  Also if I was going to run a marathon then it would be good to do one of the biggest in the world. I’m planning on this being my only ever marathon and the idea of being a tourist going for a Sunday morning jog around the capital (with a few thousand other people!!) makes it easier for me to con myself into. “Jog” I will probably regret that comment!!

Are you currently involved in other sports?

Not really other than my training for the marathon. Besides running I might be using the bike or gym, possibly a bit of swimming. Hopefully we don’t get as much snow as last winter.

What training have you been doing so far?

Since I got news of my charity place in July I’ve tried to slowly and steadily increase running distances of my training.  I’ve found now with the increased distances that good preparation is needed  regarding nutrition as sometimes you can feel fine after running 10 miles but next time struggle to do 5miles especially if you’re running on an empty tank. My furthest distance so far (Nov11) is 18 miles which I was pretty happy to achieve but reality strikes and you realise there’s another 8 more to do to make up a full marathon. I’ve mostly tried to get out 2/3 times a week and vary the distance depending on how much time I have. It’s difficult with family/work commitments.

 

What training do you plan to do?

  I think come Christmas then both times and distances have to increase. I would like to get to about 21/22 miles for the longest run. I’ve looked at a few training guides but as of yet don’t have a fixed agenda. Slow and steady is kind of the ethos of my training agenda. Hopefully that way it will avoid injuries but still give the right result on race day.

 

What is the best & worst advice you have been given?

Someone has told me to mentally consider 20 miles as half way. I don’t really know if it’s good or bad advice but being as he’s a very accomplished runner I will listen. Also to invest in a good pair of running shoes.

 

What kit have you bought to train & run? 

I’ve got a Camelbak hydration pack which was helpful over the summer when it was hot. I will be getting some new trainers which will probably be Asics as I have been very happy with my current ones.

 

What time are you aiming for?

4hrs would be great. Realistically between 4hrs -4.30hrs.