makepositive is proudly sponsoring Salesforce’s marathon team in support of the child protection charity NSPCC. In this blog, we talk to Salesforce runner Amy Sutton.
- Why did you decide to run a Marathon? Do you have any experience with the NSPCC? What are you hoping to get out of this Marathon?
I have had exposure to working with and supporting the NSPCC through my time volunteering and raising money for Childline through an Irish initiative, 100 Minds. The work they do is incredible, and anyway I can support their efforts, I will. Secondly, I think it is an amazing opportunity for me to meet new people across the Salesforce Ecosystem, and all work towards a goal together outside our day to day roles. - What motivates you to run and what is your running experience so far (previous Marathons etc)?
The London marathon will be my third marathon. I have a love/hate relationship with long distance running. It is both mentally rewarding and mentally challenging, and I think that is why I always come back to it – I use it as a form of meditation. It is also incredible to watch your body getting fitter and more accustomed to the distances as your training progresses. - How is training going? When did you start or when do you plan to start? How are you finding fitting training into your work/life schedule?
I started incorporating running back into my exercise schedule again at the start of July, giving me a 3 month lead time before the event. It can be hard to be consistent with work, a social life and London’s heatwave. I think the key is to be flexible and double up some weeks if life gets in the way. - What does your training schedule look like? Do you just run or do you do other activities?
I am trying to get one long run, one short run and some intervals in each week. I also love incorporating some work in the weight room, and I am partial to a disco spin class at 1Rebel. - Have you sustained any injuries? If so, what is your recovery process?
Luckily, I have avoided injury thus far. I wouldn’t have been shy from my fair share of injuries during my hockey career, so I think I have learned to listen to my body, and not push myself too hard if something doesn’t feel right. - During the Marathon, how do you settle into your pace? Do you listen to music and if so, what’s on the playlist?
My goal is to get into a flow/meditative state, I try to zone out, so podcasts have never worked for me during long runs. I play music in the background for when I break my flow. You can’t beat a classic – nothing gets you through a 30km run like The Edge of Seventeen by Stevie Nicks! - What have been your biggest challenges since starting training?
Long distance running is mentally challenging, and sometimes it is the last thing you want to do after a long day at work. Building a strong schedule around my work and social commitments has helped to keep me honest with building up the kms. - What advice would you give to anyone thinking of running a marathon?
Start small, and slowly build on your distance. I trained for and ran my first marathon with a friend of mine. It made it so much easier both having an accountability partner and some company on the longer runs. - Would you do another Marathon after this one?
Ask me on October 3rd 😂
If you are interested in making a donation, please visit the justgiving page below.
https://www.justgiving.com/team/SalesforceNSPCC2022
Read about the other runners of the Salesforce team:
Steven Eustace
Andy Naylor
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