All around the world runners are pounding the streets with many different aims and objectives. Some are running to get fit and others are training for an event. Many are fundraising for their favourite charity. Here we chat to some of those runners and share their goals and aspirations. Hopefully you’ll pick up something that will make your running even more fulfilling.
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All around the world runners are pounding the streets with many different aims and objectives. Some are running to get fit and others are training for an event. Many are fundraising for their favourite charity. Here we chat to some of those runners and share their goals and aspirations. Hopefully you’ll pick up something that will make your running even more fulfilling.
How to Improve Your Marathon Time: Tips for Faster Running
THE SAPPHIRE RUNNING ZONE RUNNER STORIES
27 minutes
6 months ago
How to Improve Your Marathon Time: Tips for Faster Running
Race day at the London Marathon 2025 wasn’t ideal for personal bests—but George Heslop nearly broke the 3-hour barrier! From a 4:20 debut marathon to this incredible milestone, George shares his journey, the training strategies he used, and his top tips for running a faster marathon. Listen to his marathon progression story, discover how he improved his performance, and get actionable advice to help you run your next marathon faster.
For more podcasts head to https://www.sapphirerunningzone.com/podcasts. We have 3 channels, one on training support 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.
PODCAST NOTES
Keywords
marathon, running, training, nutrition, fundraising, London Marathon, George, running club, marathon goals, race strategy
Summary
In this episode, George shares his inspiring journey from a casual runner to a dedicated marathoner, detailing his experiences with various marathons, training methods, nutrition strategies, and fundraising efforts for charity. He emphasizes the importance of determination, community support through running clubs, and the joy of running, while also discussing his future aspirations in the marathon world.
Takeaways
George's first marathon was in 2018, and he has since completed nine marathons.
He emphasises the importance of determination and not giving up on goals.
Joining a running club significantly improved his training and performance.
Nutrition plays a crucial role in his marathon preparation, including the use of gels.
He has raised significant funds for charity through his marathon participation.
George's experience highlights the importance of community and support in running.
He has aspirations to qualify for major marathons like Chicago and Boston.
George's training includes a mix of speed sessions, long runs, and marathon pace blocks.
He advises new runners to enjoy the process and not rush their goals.
George believes that every marathon finisher deserves recognition, regardless of their time.
Sound Bites
"I got the bug."
"I joined a running club."
"You have to be clever."
Chapters
00:00 George's Journey to Running Marathons
02:50 Training and Preparation for Marathons
06:12 Nutrition and Race Day Strategies
11:59 Fundraising and Community Engagement
19:54 Future Aspirations and Advice for Runners
THE SAPPHIRE RUNNING ZONE RUNNER STORIES
All around the world runners are pounding the streets with many different aims and objectives. Some are running to get fit and others are training for an event. Many are fundraising for their favourite charity. Here we chat to some of those runners and share their goals and aspirations. Hopefully you’ll pick up something that will make your running even more fulfilling.
