Meet Josie Dear, who will be running the New Forest Marathon on 8 September to raise money for The Prison Phoenix Trust. We caught up with her after a training session.
Please support Josie here
Why The Prison Phoenix Trust?
It’s cool. You’re bringing grounding to people in prison so that they’ve something positive from the experience to go back into society. One of my friends’ parents gave straight away when they saw what I was supporting with my marathon.
How long have you been running for?
On and off since university, maybe 10 years; I did a half marathon last year for the RNLI and after that I didn’t do much running, but has got me back into it, I’m hoping to maintain that more now. This is my first marathon.
I like the feeling of being on a race day, an event, and fundraising makes it all worthwhile.
Last Sunday was rough because I literally went out in the sun for too long, I should have gone earlier in the day; went round Sandbanks and back, did like 14k and had to have a little break but I pushed through to 20k.
I’m using a training app, which has been very useful, because it’s given a whole new way of running through interval training each week. It builds up your stamina.
How you feeling a few weeks to go?
It’s scary, it’s at the doesn’t-feel-real stage yet. I’m not quite sure how I’m going to do it, but on the day you get that extra drive, and you’re raring to go from all of the support from people on the sidelines. I’m a bit anxious about it but also kind of excited. It’s just the unknown of not having moved for that long before. According to my app, my pace is still on target, so we keep the faith!
How’s the fundraising going?
I’m thrilled people want to support me. Sometimes the donations are a surprise: someone gave £20 just after seeing me share it on my Instagram.
Thank you Josie – we’re all cheering you on!