This time of year always reminds me about a story (and it was true!) I once told about ‘Bridget Jones’ running the London Marathon.  Who was this woman?  Surely not the famous actress?  Nope.  It was me.

Shortly after graduating when I first started out in the fitness industry, I applied for a personal trainer position at one of the UK’s largest chain of commercial gyms.  Our brief for the interview was, amongst other things, to give a 10-minute presentation on something fitness related.  My mind was buzzing with ideas…would I talk about how to perform the perfect squat that combines both concentric and eccentric loading, or how to make use of items around your home in your exercise routine. However, none of this seemed sparky enough.  I was sure that the interviewers had heard it all before.  So, I decided to make it real, honest and a story with a purpose.

Here goes…

I used to be known as Bridget Jones (“thank you” former work colleagues).  Just before I threw caution to the wind and gave up my career in Business Travel Management to study anatomy and physiology and a Diploma in Personal Training, I ran the London Marathon.  I learnt an awful lot in the process.  If anyone reading this is currently marathon training and spending many hours each week clocking up the mileage, you might be able to relate to what I am saying.  Taking part in an event like the London Marathon takes commitment, dedication and a little bit of sacrifice.  Others around me soon became aware of some very strange goings-on.  Bridget was changing her eating habits, going to bed a little earlier each night and was up and out very early on a Sunday morning, only to return a few hours later looking very sweaty, tired and ready to eat anything that was put in front of her.  Gone were the days of late nights and junk food!  Oh, and not forgetting the *few* glasses of wine.

As my marathon training reached it’s peak, I was suffering from knee pain.  I was devastated when I had to pull out of one of the 20-mile training runs.  It was no surprise really, given that my body had gone from being inactive to VERY active and ambitious in only a couple of months.  (I can say this know as I have the knowledge, training and experience to understand why I was injured).  The tendons around my knee were inflamed and causing pain upon exertion, i.e. tendonitis.  Anything ‘itis’ is usually some sort of inflammation.  After having several treatments and lots of ‘pep-talk’ from my sports massage therapist, I was determined to get through the 26.2 miles of the London Marathon.  Nothing would stand in my way.

I was running for the Meningitis Trust and had managed to raise a substantial amount of money.  How on earth could I let anyone down?!

The day before the London Marathon, I couldn’t eat through nerves.  What if I couldn’t do it, what if my knee started hurting, what the hell have I got myself into?????  During the time that I should be resting a refuelling, the complete opposite was happening.  Sure enough, it was a sleepless night.

Finally, race day!  My name was embroidered onto my vest (I was sure to be relying on crowd support), the jelly babies were packed into my bum bag and I even managed to eat a sustainable breakfast.  The atmosphere was truly amazing at the start and throughout the whole course.  Just hearing the helicopters hovering above gave me goose bumps.  All of that marathon training WAS worth it, just for that feeling.

At 14.5 miles, I managed to stumble on a plastic water bottle.  Ouch, ouch, ouch!  My ankle turned beneath me and I felt two toe nails rip off.  After hobbling for 100 metres, I gritted my teeth and dug deep to continue.  The knee started aching at 16 miles, but still I continued, remembering who I was doing it for.  By mile 23, my legs were exhausted, my ankle was swollen and my right trainer was covered in blood.  Still I continued.

By the time I turned the corner at Buckingham Palace and saw the finish line, I couldn’t hold back the tears.  I did it!!!!!!! Crossing that line was such an emotional experience.  Even though my finishing time of 4 hours, 50 minutes and 18 seconds was slower than I had trained for, the experience was worth it.  My chosen charity would also benefit!

Before my job interview, I thought that 10 minutes of presenting would be difficult to fill.  It was actually rather easy, because I was talking from the heart.  From the eight trainers who attended the interview, only two of us were given the position of Personal Trainer.  I asked for feedback afterwards and was told that my presentation showed commitment, dedication and inspiration.

Despite your background, if you put your mind to something, you really can do it!  If you are training for the London Marathon at the moment, we here at Total Personal Training wish you lots of luck.  If Bridget can do it, so can you!  If you would like any help or advice connected to your training, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.