Salesforce & makepositive for London Marathon #TeamNSPCC Jonathan Beeston

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 Jonathan Beeston.

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?
   I’ve been at Salesforce for nearly 4 years, but this is the first time running with the team. I’m inspired by the work the NSPCC do around online safety and mental well-being for children. Mass running events are an incredible coming together of all sorts of people, all with the same goal of making the distance. It’s such a buzz.
2. When did you start running? How did you go from ‘couch to Marathon’ and what motivates you to run?
   I’ve run off and on since my twenties, but it’s stepped up in my 40s. I’m increasingly conscious of maintaining my fitness as I get older. Running does that, and it’s great for mental health as well.
3. What is your running experience so far (previous Marathons etc)? Any major achievements or anecdotal stories?
   I ran the Brighton marathon a few years ago when I turned 40. A mid-life crisis I suppose, but a lot cheaper than buying a Ferrari. I completed that in 3 hours and 66 minutes! Knocking 6 minutes off that time would be amazing.
4. How is training going? When did you start? How are you finding fitting training into your work/life schedule?
   Training is going well. I ran a few half marathons last year, so it wasn’t a standing start. But I count a run on New Year’s Day as my first day of training for the marathon.
   I’m pretty regimental about the training. Time gets blocked off to get it done, like any task. But as the weekend long runs have got longer, I’ve found myself getting up at 5am to get 2 or 3 hours running done. Then I’m back in time to take the kids to their weekend activities. And I can relax knowing the worst part of the day is already over!
5. What does your training schedule look like? Do you just run or do you do other activities?
   I just run. I use an adaptive, online program called TrainAsONE. It mixes it up with long runs and speedwork, without over-doing it. I do cycle to and from the office, but that’s on an e-bike, so I count that as a rest day.
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 practice the right pace. I did the Hampton Court Half Marathon in March specifically to run at the marathon pace throughout. I just need to repeat that for the London marathon. Twice.
   I’m one of the podcast freaks. Adam Buxton has been with me on many a race and training run. But for music, I do find gospel music can deliver tremendous energy, even if it’s not my usual listen.
7. What advice would you give to anyone thinking of running a marathon?
   Do it. Doesn’t matter how long it takes, it’s a tremendous achievement. And one you’ll do with thousands of others which makes it very special.
8. What’s your next big milestone after the 2023 London Marathon?
   Part of me wonders whether it will be time to try a 50K ultra. But let’s see. I’ve entered ‘Race The Neighbours’ – a small community 10K in East Finchley in June, so I’ll start with that.

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

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