Marathon Case Study
Ben Spencer works in the HR department at the RSPCA’s Southern Regional Support Centre in West Sussex. He gained a ballot place in the London Marathon and ran in 2011 for the RSPCA, raising £600.
What made you decide to run the marathon?
Because it’s a life achievement, it get’s great coverage, it generates a great atmosphere and is generally a good, positive experience.
Were you a runner already or did you decide to start running for the London Marathon?
I was into football and sport but not long-distance running. I just wanted to do it and be part of something amazing.
Why do you think people should run for the RSPCA?
RSPCA does more than other animal charities. It rescues, rehomes and provides veterinary treatment for sick or injured animals, but it also goes one step further by convicting people. It also caters for animals across the whole spectrum, such as wild animals, farm animals and animals used in scientific research as well as companion animals.
What was your fundraising target and how did you meet it? Did you set up an online page such as Justgiving?
My target was as much as I could raise. I raised money through family and friends, and a Justgiving page, which I linked to my Facebook page to raise the profile of what I was doing. I also raised money at work. I used the RSPCA fundraising pack, which had sponsorship forms and other materials which were useful.
Do you have any insider tips for RSPCA marathon runners?
Buy yourself a good pair of shoes, it’s really worth it. I saw some people running in sandals and flip-flops, which is not a good idea! I also wore special running socks which absorbed sweat so there was less rubbing. On the day make sure you eat properly and drink lots.
What was your training program and how did you fit it around other commitments?
When I first found out I had a place in the marathon my daughter had just been born so I didn’t have much time to train. I did two short runs of between five and nine miles during the week in my lunch breaks, at the local gym on the treadmills. At the weekends I did long runs of thirteen or more miles.
Do you have any useful tips about training for the marathon?
I was told it is better to under-train than over-train, as training too hard can cause injury. Training on treadmills is good as it is less impact on the knees. I also didn’t run for two weeks prior to the marathon to give my legs a rest. Training with friends or other runners, such as a running club, is good. In hindsight it would have been good to run in a half marathon prior to the main London Marathon, to get experience of the atmosphere and of running with lots of people around you at different speeds. That is something you need to be prepared for.
Do you have any other general advice about running in the London Marathon?
Just enjoy it. Do a bit of sightseeing on the day. It’s really nice to get to see all of London in a day. The atmosphere is indescribable and the sense of achievement immense.
