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We're on #TeamGraham for the Milton Keynes Marathon!
This Early May Bank Holiday, one of our very own, Graham Hughes (Multimedia Designer, UK Planet Tools) will be running the full marathon in support of Alzheimer’s Research UK.
Why Alzheimer’s Research? Not only is this cause close to Graham’s heart, it’s a disease that is bound to touch us all. NHS states that by 2030, the number of people in the UK with dementia is expected to reach 1 million (x). Alzheimer’s Research UK exists for a cure (x)
As an avid runner, this will be Graham's second full marathon, having completed the MK Marathon in 2023.
On 8th April 2024 – exactly four weeks away from this year's event – we asked him all about his decision to run again. |
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On giving the MK Marathon another go
'The aspect of doing it for charity this time was enough of a nudge'.
For Graham, running the MK Marathon again was not entirely on his 2024 Bingo card. But with his mind on the thrill of the last experience, he decided to give it another go.
'Though I would happily forget the painful part, I couldn't forget the rush of setting a challenge and pushing your limits to overcome it', he says.
Previously, Graham was in it for the physical challenge, as well as the mental health benefits. The 2023 race would be a bonding exercise between him and his fitness pals, who would all support each other in both their training and the marathon itself.
But now that he's confident in his ability to reach the finish line, he's ready to do it for a cause. 'I wasn't 100% on another marathon, but the aspect of doing it for charity this time was enough of a nudge'.
On Alzheimer's Research UK
'I'm grateful for the research being done'.
Choosing to run for Alzheimer's Research UK was a very personal decision for Graham.
While he says 'There are so many great charities to help', he wanted to support a cause that he felt connected to. And nothing has touched him and his loved ones quite like dementia.
'Dementia has affected mine and my friends' families', he says. 'It is a heartbreaking experience to lose someone like that'.
Taking from this first-hand experience, this marathon will not just be a race to Graham, but a tribute to those affected. On his Just Giving page, he notes that the donations to this charity will be his 'motivation'. It is hard not to be in awe of that.
As for where the money will be distributed, the scientists and researchers at Alzheimer's Research UK are working hard to find new ways to diagnose dementia, develop treatment and find a cure. Graham hopes to help even a little bit towards that.
He states, 'I'm grateful for the research being done [at the moment] to prevent such illnesses and want to do something to help'.
On his personal record
'If I finish before they start packing up, I'll be happy'.
As for his personal fitness development, Graham isn't expecting to beat any records. Just go along for the ride and make some money for charity.
That's a stark comparison to last year when he says he scraped through in 'just under 4 hours'. 'Last year, I was more prepared', he admits. 'This time round, [I've left] only 6 weeks to prepare [which] wasn't my smartest move'.
Despite having so little time to train (especially juxtaposed with last year's gruelling 5 months), Graham is optimistic about the race. He's not feeling competitive. Just up for a challenge. 'If I finish before they start packing up, I'll be happy', he laughs. That's the spirit, Graham.
On training
'Milton Keynes is full of nice places to run'.
While it has only been a couple of weeks, Graham says he's really getting into it now.
Finding those various aches and pains a sign that 'the training is working', we can't help but think that this is the mentality only a fitness fanatic could elicit (us couch potatoes are ready to give up after the first stitch).
Wanting to know what his regimen was like (and crying in 'lazy'), he walks us through it. 'My training is a mix of long and short runs and trying not to forget to stretch after', he says. Simple, but effective.
But while Graham is a lot fitter than most, he's still a few runs away from pro-athlete. Finding the time to train while working full-time is not something that has come easy. 'That was the hardest part at first', he says, before cracking a joke in true Graham "I-hate-decision-making" fashion: '[as well as] deciding what playlist to put on'.
The views have been scenic, though, which makes training all the more interesting. 'Luckily', he says, 'Milton Keynes is full of nice places to run so it's been fun to get out and about'.
There's still a way to go, however, as Graham says, 'I'm certainly not ready, but I am excited'.
On overcoming challenge
'Your legs get heavy and feet feel like they're about to fall off'.
Speaking of getting ready, Graham enlightens us on the several obstacles marathon runners must prepare for in their training. That includes what he calls the biggest challenge: 'Getting through the second half'.
This comes as no surprise to those of us who would walk the rest of the cross-country run in Year 6 P.E. Graham says, 'Your legs get heavy and feet feel like they're about to fall off'. (Imagining Graham's feet actually falling off as he finishes the race on two hands is quite the visualisation).
In terms of fighting the fatigue in the last hours, Graham says to keep 'a stash of sweets and energy gels' handy. Another big motivator? To picture that "finish line moment"'.
It's important also to have supporters in attendance. Graham knows full well the benefit of that. 'The intermittent passing of cheering bystanders, friends and the amazing volunteers is the biggest boost for sure!'
What's more, using these spots as milestones can even 'break down the challenge into smaller, more manageable struggle sessions', Graham says, which we think is a good method: it certainly makes the idea of running 26 miles less jarring.
But the biggest way to get through the hurdles for Graham this year is slightly different to last year's "tick it off the bucket list". 'Remembering that I'm running for a good cause', he says, is what he hopes to take him to the finish line this time around.
On mental preparation
'Visualise where you're heading'.
To mentally prepare himself, Graham says the key to running is to not think at all (at least not to overthink). He says it is better to 'just go for it' as there will be 'plenty of time during the run to think and regret'. Sensible.
But he emphasises the importance of pacing yourself, especially when running for such a long distance.
However, he has some advice that can help with that, which he uses himself: 'curate a motivating playlist and familiarise yourself with the route so you can visualise where you're heading'.
So, if you're giving the marathon a go, you can be like Graham and have that Spotify playlist ready for hours of jams and deep conversations. Or keep yourself interested with that hilarious internal monologue of yours. Everyone's different!
And if all else fails, Graham says, 'Think about the free T-shirt and brioche roll they'll give you at the end'. Now, who doesn't like the sound of that?
On MK Marathon memories
'It would be rude not to take up the frequent Jelly Baby offerings!'
To get a feel for the atmosphere of being in a marathon, we wanted to know his favourite memories of last year's race.
Luckily, Graham was happy to oblige. 'The amazing support from the sidelines from volunteers and locals', he says, who also kept him well-fed. 'It would be rude not to take up on the frequent Jelly Baby offerings!'
But despite the niceties from the community, Graham says it was a challenge to finish due to the route ending uphill. Last year's race began and ended at Campbell Park in Central Milton Keynes, with a final stretch that Graham calls a 'struggle' that was 'pretty cruel'. We can't even imagine the level of tiredness.
But Graham hopes for a 'kinder experience' this year, with the race starting and ending in Stadium MK, Bletchley, and looping round the city – rather than to and from that dreaded hill.
'Ultimately', he says, 'it's been a year since running this long of a distance, so this time around, it could be totally different. I'll just try my best to go with the flow and enjoy the day!'
On first time marathoners
'Be proud that you're challenging yourself'.
Finally, we wanted to get Graham's advice for new runners of the MK Marathon.
'My advice to someone running their first marathon is to work up to it and not overdo it too early', he says. 'Train different length runs to develop your pace and train your mind to get over the wall when it approaches'.
You'll also need to keep yourself entertained, he says. It is a very long run, after all (especially if you're not used to it).
As an alternative to music or podcasts, Graham suggests 'audio-guided runs', like the Nike Run Club app, which encourages users to keep going and challenge friends. He says they can 'help to motivate and distract you when it gets boring'.
But above all, he stresses the importance of having fun. 'Enjoy yourself, enjoy the amazing experience, and be proud that you're challenging yourself!'
In other words, you don't have to be in it to win it, just in it for a good time (and hopefully to raise some money, too).
- Join us in showing your support for Graham and #TeamARUK (Alzheimer's Research UK) by donating what you can to his Just Giving page: justgiving.com/page/gh-mkmarathon
- Find out more about Alzheimer's Research UK: alzheimersresearchuk.org
- Get involved with MK Marathon: mkmarathon.com