Marathon challenge for Peterborough lawyer

Having secured a place in the marathon over six months ago Martin Herson is now only days away from stepping onto the famous start line.

Months of regimented physical training and mental preparation have, by Martin’s own admission, taken over his life as he prepares for the big 26-mile event on Sunday, April 24.

Martin, from Buckles Solicitors in Peterborough, is no stranger to running – having completed a number of Great Eastern Run half marathons in the city.

He said: “Physical training for the London Marathon started in earnest at Christmas. I had kept myself reasonably fit after the Great Eastern Run and am following a strict 17-week plan and sticking to it like glue, running four times a week as well as core/abs work.

“It has taken its toll. It does take over your life. Long runs at weekends every weekend! I think the mental element is just as big as the physical. It has taken me a long time to get to the stage that I can see myself running the whole 26 miles. Getting to that 20 milestone was huge knowing I had a 10km left.”

Martin will be running the London Marathon in aid of MS UK and has exceeded his £2,000 target, and says he is very grateful to everyone who has helped so far or have pledged their support.

Using the Buckles staff gym to train a couple times a week, Martin is looking forward to being a participant in his first London Marathon – having last year watched his wife Kellie complete the course.

He added: “For me, the gym here is a fantastic resource and is ideal for a shorter lunchtime session or a longer after work run.

“Kellie has given me lots of tips to help get me round, not least to give lots of high fives to get the crowd shouting your name printed on your running vest.”

Martin hopes to complete the course in under four and a half hours, and joining him on the start line will be his nephew Lewis Darani who at just 18, will be one of the youngest runners – also raising money for MS UK.

To sponsor Martin, visit https://www.justgiving.com/Martin-Herson

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