We’re very excited to announce that we have two incredible runners fundraising for McPin in the London Marathon 2026 in a few weeks’ time! In today’s Q&A our first runner, Alice, shares why she runs, the benefits and challenges of training, and why she chose to support McPin and mental health research.
What made you want to run the marathon for McPin?
I wanted to support The McPin Foundation’s work and raise awareness of The McPin Foundation with my friends, colleagues and wider network. I think McPin’s work is very important in the mental health space given how complex mental health issues can be. The better the research, the better the care can be so more people can live happier, healthier and more content lives.
The work McPin does for child and teenage mental health is also very important especially as the world becomes more turbulent and continues to evolve in terms of technology and artificial intelligence and the impact these have on how people communicate, interact with each other and on the use/risks of social media.
How’s your training coming along?
My training is going well (I think!). I started on a 16 week plan that I have used before for the Leeds Marathon a few years ago. I started this with a 16 week timeframe to the London Marathon so it has been pretty intense.
What’s the hardest bit about training for a marathon?
I find the hardest part is fitting training into a busy work schedule and keeping going when you’re tired. I’ve also been training alone so it is motivating yourself to do it when it’s dark, cold and sometimes pretty wet.
I find running has always been good for my mental health and general wellbeing. I started running at around 12 years old at a local club and the discipline you learn at that age and in my school years...has stayed with me since.
What do you enjoy most about running?
I enjoy the general fitness benefits and how in week one 12km feels like a very long, hard run and at week 10, 25km feels ok. You can feel and see the changes in your fitness over the period which is satisfying.
How does exercise impact your mental health?
I find running has always been good for my mental health and general wellbeing. I started running at around 12 years old at a local club and the discipline you learn at that age and in my school years when training with and racing for Wakefield Harriers has stayed with me since.
I returned to running after university and have always found benefits in having time out from my day whether whilst at uni or working, and mulling over things as I run, or just listening to music and having a break from it all and clearing my head.
What’s your advice for anyone keen to get into, or improve, their running?
I would say slowly build up the distance you are running and set yourself feasible targets and doing something is better than doing nothing. Also, try and warm up (walk, jog, little stretch) and warm down (stretching) before and after the run!
Support Alice and mental health research by donating for her marathon today!
