Salesforce & makepositive for London Marathon #TeamNSPCC – Jack Mercer

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 Jack Mercer.

1. Is this your first time you are running with the Salesforce team at the London Marathon in support of NSPCC? Do you have any experience with the NSPCC? What are you hoping to get out of this Marathon?
   This is my first time running a marathon. I have been a supporter of the NSPCC for a number of years and my parents have also been long-term supporters. The marathon has given me great motivation to keep fit throughout the winter and forced me to find time to focus on my physical and mental well-being at a very busy time!

2. When did you start running? How did you go from ‘couch to Marathon’ and what motivates you to run?
   I have always tried to keep myself fit (injury permitting) by participating in a number of team sports and then transitioning more to solo events in recent years. This is my first marathon but I have completed a number of long and middle-distance triathlons, half-marathons, trail runs, and multi-day cycle events.
   Running for me is about my mental well-being and finding a way to calm my mind and be completely present for an extended period of time.

3. How is training going? When did you start? How are you finding fitting training into your work/life schedule?
   It has been challenging as I have a young family and we are currently renovating a house! The marathon has been a great motivation to force me to find the time to prioritize my physical and mental well-being a few times a week and this has allowed me to be better both at home and at work.

4. What does your training schedule look like? Do you just run or do you do other activities?
   I am trying to get out for at least 2 runs a week (one short and one long) and combining this with other training (HIIT, cycling, yoga/stretching).

5. Have you sustained any injuries? If so, what is your recovery process?
   I am currently suffering from a sore and inflamed IT band. It’s something that I have had before and needs rest at a time when rest is hard to prioritise. Lots of stretching, icing and hopefully, I’ll be in good enough shape in 4 weeks to take on the challenge to the best of my ability.

6. During the Marathon, how do you settle into your pace? Do you listen to music and if so, what’s on the playlist?
   I don’t intend to listen to anything during the event and hope to soak up the atmosphere as I go. For training runs, I mix it up between silence and podcasts…with the occasional heavy metal playlist for the final few miles when I need a bit of a boost!

7. What have been your biggest challenges since starting training?
   Time! Trying to fit in the necessary training with a busy schedule at home and at work. I wouldn’t be in a position to participate if it wasn’t for the support of my family.

8. What advice would you give to anyone thinking of running a marathon?
   Don’t think twice. It feels like a huge challenge (and it is) but as with anything, if you break it down into bite-size and digestible chunks it is amazing to see the personal progress and generate the momentum needed to achieve your goal.

9. What’s your next big milestone after the 2023 London Marathon?
   Our second child is due in June and I think that will be keeping me busy for the foreseeable future!!

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

https://www.justgiving.com/team/salesforceMP2023