Salesforce and makepositive marathon – Julian Palk

makepositive is proudly sponsoring Salesforce’s London Marathon team in support of the child protection charity NSPCC. In this blog, we talk to Salesforce runner Julian Palk.

  1. 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?
    Having suffered an unexpected loss in Jan ’21 (my Father passing away) I needed something to focus on. I am a pretty active person but also pretty useless at running. I saw a couple of the Salesforce team running the marathon last year and had one of those thoughts to myself of ‘oh I could definitely do that’… now we will find out 😉 I am simply looking to improve my fitness and well-being while doing some good for others at the same time. what could be better than that!
  2. What motivates you to run and what is your running experience so far (previous Marathons etc)?
    I live in a really hilly area so motivation feels like it is even more important… hopefully, it’ll pay off. I seem to do better when thinking positively so try to focus on all of the benefits, and good things the NSPCC does as well.
  3. 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 think I’ve fallen into the trap a few first marathoners do..false starts. Its tough, I have a few hobbies out of work too so balancing the training is difficult but we make it work! luckily I haven’t had to bring my trainers on holiday with me but they have made a couple of work trips.
  4. What does your training schedule look like? Do you just run or do you do other activities?
    I am trying to run 3x a week and keep it fairly simple. I know I can get caught up in the details and Strava stats, so I’ve convinced myself I’m just going for completion. I am lucky enough to ride horses 4/6 times a week as well, often go for walks, and infrequently cycle.
  5. Have you sustained any injuries? If so, what is your recovery process?
    Injuries are par for the course aren’t they? Yes, a couple… just rested and then got back to it as there is plenty of time to go yet. Although, I was unfortunately in a car accident where a drunk driver hit me, so took a little more time for that one… all okay now though!
  6. During the Marathon, how do you settle into your pace? Do you listen to music and if so, what’s on the playlist?
    Weirdly I have to try and forget I’m running! so yeah either music or just thoughts for the day. My playlists are all over the place so I won’t bore you with the specifics.
  7. What have been your biggest challenges since starting training?
    Time! Its just hard to find the right balance, especially when training over such a long period for the first time.
  8. What advice would you give to anyone thinking of running a marathon?
    Give it a go! don’t overcomplicate it – I think I read about 10/15 different plans then realised they’re all kind of the same.. at least the beginner ones are. start slow, and progressively build up.
  9. Would you do another Marathon after this one?
    We shall see! Got to do this one yet 😉

 

If you are interested in making a donation, please visit the justgiving page below.

https://www.justgiving.com/team/SalesforceNSPCC2022

Salesforce Julian Palk

Read about the other runners of the Salesforce team:
Amy Sutton
Steven Eustace
Andy Naylor
James Georgiou

 

 

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