Long Train Running

 Hi Darren, we just wanted to check in with you to see how the training is going for next year’s 2020 London Marathon?

Hi UPakWeShip, first of all I just wanted to say thank you UPakWeShip UK for the sponsorship. It really helps me to achieve my goal.

That’s ok mate, I think I’ll have a word with our friends across the channel and get UPakWeShip Europe to pitch in as well.
So Darren, how do you run a marathon? I can do about three miles but there is no chance I could ever run 26.2 miles.

Training for a marathon is something that anyone can do if they put their mind to it Mark. It takes dedication, time and patience.
For me it is not about completing the grueling 26.2 miles it is about doing it in less than 3 hours which is a huge task. It is basically 6:50 minute miles for 26.2 miles which is very tough, especially as I am no spring chicken anymore lol.

When do you train? In addition, what do you do to prepare yourself?

I like to get out every night and do at least 4 to 5 miles, I play football on a Saturday afternoon and on a Sunday is when I like to do a bigger run say 14 or 15 miles. I am now going to be looking at doing 40 to 50 miles a week though to build extra strength in my legs. My lung capacity is absolutely fine, it’s just fatigue in my legs I get so that’s why I want to build up more mileage.

Do you wear special shoes Darren?

I’ve always worn Adidas ultra-boost, they are incredible but only last about 200 miles, they are very spongy and very comfortable to run in, I also wear Nike Pegasus which is a very good shoe. You need at least 2 road shoes and if doing off road a decent pair of trail shoes.

What does this running beast eat before a big race?

Before any race, my breakfast is a bowl of porridge with blueberries on top and a bagel with marmite, followed by a banana nearer the start of the race. I also like to keep myself well hydrated.

  Have you always liked running?

I thrive on being fit! I always have done running. It is a bug! I’m constantly trying to achieve personal goals. With having four young children I also want to set a healthy example to them and demonstrate how important it is to be active. My son Jack is 8 and already a very keen runner, he completed his first park run last week in a very respectable time.

Well done Jack and a big well done to Darren training hard, being a great dad, loving husband to our UPakWeShip employee Louise as well as running (pun intended ) his own business.

Keep it up Darren and we will check in with you again soon to see how you are doing and to chat more about the Charity Meningitis Now, that you are raising money for.
All the best, we will catch up with you, actually no we wont catch you up, but we will chat again soon.

Happy Train and Running!

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