Chef Joel Mays III: From Beginner to Marathoner & BackCare Charity RunnerJoel Mays III started running in June 2022 and has already completed three marathons. He shares his running journey, training tips in the heat of Dallas, and preparation for the London Marathon 2026, where he’ll run for the BackCare Charity. You can support him by making a donation on his fundraising page here  If you'd like to follow in Chef Joel's footsteps and run your next event for Backcare, email Denice denice.loganrose@backcare.org.uk. She'd love to hear from you. To find out more about Backcare head to https://backcare.org.uk For more podcasts head to https://www.sapphirerunningzone.com/podcasts. We have 3 channels, one on training and fundraising, this one on runner stories and a third for members only. If you'd to be the focus on one just let us know using the chat function on the homepage. Keywords   running, marathons, training, nutrition, community, charity, London Marathon, Boston Marathon, fundraising, experiences   Summary   In this episode of the Runner Stories podcast, Chef Joel Mays shares his inspiring journey from a novice runner to preparing for the London Marathon in 2026. He discusses the importance of community in running, his training regimen, and how he adapts to the challenging Texas climate. Joel also delves into his nutritional strategies, experiences in major marathons, and his aspirations for the Boston Marathon. He emphasises the significance of fundraising for charity races and shares his future marathon goals.   Takeaways Joel started running in June 2022 and quickly progressed to marathons. The community aspect of running is vital for motivation and support. Training involves detailed plans and adaptations to local climate conditions. Nutrition plays a crucial role in a runner's performance and recovery. Joel has completed 3 of the World Marathon Majors, New York, Berlin and Chicago. The Boston Marathon is a personal goal for Joel, seen as a 'unicorn'. Fundraising for charity races requires early planning and community support. Joel's experiences in different cities enhance his love for running. He emphasises the mental discipline required for marathon training. Running is a passion that brings joy and fulfilment. Titles From Novice to Marathoner: Joel's Journey The Heart of Running: Community and Support Sound Bites "The people make the race." "I want to make this my home." "I want to run for fun." Chapters   Introduction to Joel's Running Journey The Community and Camaraderie of Running Training Regimen and Marathon Preparation Navigating Heat and Humidity in Texas Nutrition Insights for Runners Experiences in Major Marathons The Quest for Boston Marathon Fundraising for Charity Races Looking Ahead to London Marathon Future Marathon Aspirations