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Kenny says

" Im back running the marathon again this year to help raise vital funds for the NSPCC. Despite an injury ridden training regimen, i'll be on the start line on the 21st April.....Dressed as a clown! look out for me on the TV and dig deep to support a very worthy cause -

Thanks"

 

Allan says "I have always enjoyed a challenge so when the opportunity to run the marathon came around I naturally jumped at it. I’m used to a few 5km runs every now and again but I’ve never done anything like this before. I’ve been loosely sticking to a training programme which consists of 4 runs a week and a high intensity session in the gym either on the bike or the rower. A couple of days off a week to relax and recover are something to look forward to and helps to avoid injury which has been a bit of an issue!

 

Of course the main reason myself and the rest of the Rowlands Runners are competing is to raise cash and some awareness for what is a great cause – the NSPCC. With a target of around 18k to raise the NSPCC can use this to help make the biggest impact they can to not only end cruelty to children but to have a positive influence to the lives of all children."

Chris has been inspired ...."Last April, I was at the ExCel exhibition centre. In one hall was a pharmacy conference; the next was set aside for preparing runners for the London Marathon. As I walked past the marathon hall, I turned to a friend and said: “I’m going to do that next year.” I never thought I actually would.

I was 20 stone, overweight, unfit. It was a vague, distant goal to lose weight, a challenge nobody would actually hold me to; for me, the London Marathon is as big a challenge as scaling Mount Everest. Things changed when I found out Rowlands were supporting the NSPCC and invited me to join their runners. This wasn’t just about my personal goals: it was about raising money for a truly outstanding, deserving cause. No child should live in fear, experience cruelty or suffer abuse. If I could do something to help, I would. I signed up, and the challenge was on.

 

So far, training has been a catalogue of ups and downs. After an exhausting Autumn getting fit (previously I could only jog for a minute before running out of breath), disaster struck: my foot began pronating (rotating), causing me to pull up in agony after only ten minutes. This set me back another month, as I saw a podiatrist and physio to fix the problem. Then suddenly it was January, and I needed to get back in training.

 

The good news is training is now going well. With eight weeks to go, I’m running for an hour and a half each session, covering around 7.5 miles, three times a week. I’ve changed my diet from junk food to tasty, healthy meals and lost weight. This is the biggest physical challenge I’ve ever attempted, but I’m going to do it."

First time marathoner Shirley...

I started running 3 and a half years ago after giving up smoking and have done a number of half marathons, mud-runs, obstacle courses and 10ks since.

 

I go to British Military Fitness in Liverpool during the week and run with their running club which I love, but sometimes I put headphones on and just head out or sometimes I run with my boyfriend or friends. I do Yoga as well a regular basis.

 

I’m quite blessed really in that I love being outdoors and running keeps me happy and healthy so the training isn’t a chore for me..on the long weekend runs though I think my heart and my head are a bit more willing than my poor legs… that aside, the Virgin London Marathon is just one of those amazing life experiences I’ve always wanted to be a part of and for such a good cause makes it extra special.

 

This is my first marathon so I am really just hoping for a good finish and to enjoy the experience and that they wont be picking up the cones behind me…

Peter was moved at the Hargreaves centre...After visiting the NSPCC’s Hargreaves centre in Liverpool a couple of years ago I knew I wanted to support them and raising money whilst running the marathon seems a good idea (at the time).

 

Training is going ok, but January was taken up with too much sickness (ear and throat infection) but I’m now on back on track and pounding the pavements and sticking to my plan. The 21 April seems to be getting here quicker than any other year!

 

James recalls last years effort... and he's coming back for more!

After visiting the NSPCC Hargreaves Centre and seeing all the calls coming in from the Children I was inspired to complete the 2012 London Marathon as part of the Rowlands Runners team.  After staggering in at 5 hours 30 and then later passing out in a restaurant (on top of Kenny's wife Susan and then ending up in an ambulance), I decided that I needed to do a little bit more training this year. It's for a great cause and I would like to thank everyone who are kind enough to sponsor the team.