Izzy’s London Landmarks Half Marathon Story
“It was a lot harder than I thought! But it was just so much fun, and I was so proud of myself for doing it.”
Izzy was looking for charities to support when she wanted to run the London Landmarks Half Marathon, and came across SARSAS. Working for a small charity herself, Izzy knew what a difference fundraising makes to local organisations like SARSAS, and wanted to raise as much as she could to make sure survivors can get the support they need.
We spoke to Izzy about her experience of running a half marathon, and how she raised an incredible £550 for SARSAS.
So, Izzy, what was it that inspired you to run the London Landmarks Half Marathon?
I was unfortunately sexually assaulted when I was younger, and I didn’t get much help for it at the time. It’s only recently that I’ve been able to get help and support. Back then, I didn’t know about charities like SARSAS, and I really wish I’d been directed to services like this when I was younger.
With the run, I really wanted to do the event anyway, and when I was looking for charities to support and doing some research, I found SARSAS. This charity felt like what I’d needed when I was younger, and I thought the more people that can get help the better.
I also work for a charity myself, and I know the importance of individuals doing fundraising for small causes – it really does make such a difference.
How was the training for the event?
It honestly wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be! I was running on the treadmill predominantly beforehand, and it was so hard. I remember doing my first run outside and thinking ‘Wow, running outside is so much easier than on the treadmill!’ [Laughing] I’d been running like 36-minute 5ks on the treadmill, and then in late January I ran my first 5k outside, and it was like 26 minutes! I’d say there were some really nice surprises in training like that!
There are also such nice benefits for your mental health as well. I found it really gave me a dopamine or serotonin hit – whichever one of those is the one I mean! – whenever I was feeling down. Teachers always tell you at school to ‘just get outside and do some exercise for mental health’ and you don’t want to believe them when you’re younger but they’re right! Here I am now, me and all my friends, all getting outside and exercising for our mental health and it really works, it’s so fun.
How did you find your experience of fundraising, how did you encourage people to donate?
I mainly shared it on social media, particularly LinkedIn and Instagram. I also obviously told my family group chats quite a bit, and I shared it at work. I was really pleasantly surprised. I thought because my mates are all skint that they wouldn’t be able to give much, so I said just chuck £5 on my page if you can, but everyone was giving like £20, £30 which was so generous. For me, the fundraising really was mainly family and friends.
For other people who are a bit concerned about it, like I was – start quite early with your fundraising page and asking people. You do feel a bit bad about pushing friends, but honestly don’t feel bad, you can nudge them. If they want to support you, they will, and they’ll need to be told about it a few times. You kind of need to remind people quite a bit!
How did you prepare for race day?
This might sound a bit vain, but I bought myself a really nice running set for the day! I was nervous and getting up super early, so I thought I’d have a nice outfit as a treat. I’d say to other people, treat the morning like a catwalk, you are the champ!
I also got quite stressed about packing all the right things and making sure I had earphones or whatever because I’d used music a lot during my training. You don’t need the music to power you through though; you really don’t need it whatsoever. The atmosphere and all the noise on the day gets you through it.
Whilst there was a lot going on on the day, the communication was amazing from SARSAS, it was really supportive and the emails and stuff were so helpful beforehand.
You mentioned music there, as an aside, what songs would you recommend for training?
[Laughing] Any Pitbull songs get you hyped immediately! I used that one, ‘I knew my rent was gon’ be late about a week ago’! If you are going to listen to music on the day, get your playlist in order. Plan some hype songs for when you know you might crash or need a boost.
What was the experience like on the day?
[Laughing] It was a lot harder than I thought! I was actually in a lot of physical pain, with my legs and feet cramping up. But it was just so much fun, and I was so proud of myself for doing it.
It was also really emotional, and a nice reminder that people are nice, it’s all very sweet and emotional. I saw friends running and holding hands. So, I’d say enjoy the emotions, have a little cry if you want while you’re running round, it’s your day.
What did you do afterwards?
Afterwards, go and get yourself a pint immediately [laughing], or a nice fizzy drink! I ate loads as well; I was so hungry afterwards. Everything you might normally stop yourself from doing, you can do it! You’ve just run a half marathon, have some treats!
And how did you feel?
For me, my legs seized up within an hour. My mum had tiger balm though and I rubbed it all over my legs and it helped immediately. Over the next few days, I had lots of hot baths for my muscles. I also didn’t go into the office that week – I was walking like a penguin afterwards and they had loads of stairs!
What would you say to someone thinking about running a half marathon for the first time?
100% do it. Even if you walk half of it, it really doesn’t matter. Don’t worry about stuff like times or being impressive. On the day, the thought goes out of your head immediately. You just won’t give a shit when you’re running! You just want to push on and power through it.
With SARSAS, everything was really nice and really easy, and you felt so appreciated with all the emails and the care packages.
If you’re inspired by Izzy’s story and would like to explore ways to fundraise for SARSAS, we’d love to hear from you! Every effort, big or small, helps us continue our vital work. You can contact us at fundraising@sarsas.org.uk or check out our fundraising page.
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