Former sloth Marc West considers how much his life has changed since a gentle jog one summer’s evening

Until recently the furthest I’d run since my school days was for the number 1 bus into Oxford city centre.

Lap after lap of our muddy field was enough to put me off for life – at least, that’s what I thought until I joined a friend for a jaunt around South Park one sunny evening last summer.

The sense of freedom was liberating, the rhythmic motion cleared my mind and the exercise revitalised me for days to come.

I’d been bitten by the running bug, and despite the bad memories of my younger days I’ve never looked back.

Since then I’ve competed in the OX5, Town & Gown 10k, Great Brook Run and Oxford Half Marathon – seeing my personal best times tumble on every occasion.

So, the next step up (albeit a big one) is the daddy of all road-running events. The London Marathon has been on the bucket list since I first laced up my trainers and I feel incredibly proud and privileged to be running on April 26 in aid of Helen & Douglas House – which provides invaluable medical, emotional and practical support to the lives of terminally ill children and their families.

Completing the gruelling 26.2-mile course around the capital’s streets is no mean feat and I’m now well stuck into a 16-week training schedule – which sees me taking time out at least three times a week to get my body physically and mentally prepared for the start line on race day.

I’m beginning to know every inch of the Thames towpath like the back of my hand and from this week onwards I’ll be building up to lapping the Ring Road.

So, if you see me out there in my bright orange vest, give me a wave to break the loneliness of this long-distance runner.

Thankfully, to help me undertake this task I’ve been taken under the wing of someone who can help me up my game – Oxford City Athletic Club veteran Dave Parsons.

The 68-year-old ex-RAF man is known by all in these parts as The Guru, for obvious reasons.

He was the winner hands-down of the inaugural Abingdon Marathon in 1982, and has competed in London on no fewer than 10 occasions, with a top time of 2.27:15. So, it’s little wonder that runners from across the county flock to his Tuesday evening sessions to benefit from 47 years worth of experience.

On this cold winter’s evening the group completes four short hill sprints in addition to five laps of Albert Park’s 1km perimeter on a 4:30 cycle.

These speed sessions are designed to build stamina and endurance.

Needless to say, each rotation becomes (for me) progressively harder and I felt like I was going backwards.

But, pace is of prime importance and persistence is the key to getting results. With this in mind I pushed myself to the finish – last, but certainly not least.

Home to World Championship silver medallist Hannah England, the club aims to provide athletic competition, coaching and training for its members, and to expand opportunities in the community.

So, if you’re a budding athlete and interested in getting involved visit oxfordcityathleticclub.com

Oxford Mail:

And, if you’d like to help my fundraising efforts please take a look at justgiving.com/teamwesty

For those after a more gentle introduction to running, look no further than Oxford’s very own Town & Gown 10k.

The annual event has been voted one of the UK’s best road races and gives entrants a unique opportunity to enjoy the city’s historic sights from a whole new perspective, ending in the beautiful University Parks. The route is flat and scenic, making it perfect for everyone – from beginners who have signed up to their first competitive event to more experienced runners aiming to beat their personal best on May 10.

Places are going fast, so enter now via townandgown10k.com/oxford

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