Introducing Ayesha, our Marathon runner

Training

I’ve always loved movement, but running wasn’t really my focus until this year. Over the summer, I completed Couch to 5K, which left me with some random tan lines (the perks of summer training!).

That set the tone for my current plan: three runs a week gradually building mileage, alongside strength training. I mix up interval sessions, tempo runs, and long runs, with strength work in between to keep my sessions balanced.

Right now, my focus is on slowly building mileage up to at least a half marathon by Christmas. My aim is to stay consistency, get my body used to running longer, and not rushing the process (which can definitely be tempting). After that milestone, I’ll start increasing the distances and gradually stretching out my long runs.

I’ve also adapted my plan around Ramadan, which falls during what would normally be my peak training weeks. I’ve moved my longest runs earlier and plan to train lighter but consistent during the month so I can prioritise the spiritual side of Ramadan without losing my routine. Post-Ramadan, my training naturally shifts into taper weeks, reducing mileage so I arrive at race day fresh.

Not every session has been perfect. Some runs feel great, some are a slog, but each one is teaching me something new about myself. But even on the rough days, I remind myself how grateful I am to be able to move my body and to train for something I care about. That perspective carries me when the miles feel tough.

Every session is an experiment, testing my endurance and most importantly, mental strength.

Nutrition

I’ve mostly stuck with the foods that keep me feeling good, with just a few tweaks to support my training. On a morning, I usually keep it light – rice cakes with honey or a date. I’ll admit, a lot of caffeine also helps me get moving, especially for those early-morning starts.

After a session, breakfast feels like a reward: often a yoghurt bowl or eggs with avocado and sourdough. That’s on an ideal day… sometimes, if I’m short on time or just can’t be bothered, it’s whatever I can quickly throw together. Hydration has been a game-changer too; adding electrolytes has made a real difference in how I feel during sessions.

And sleep… well, sleep has become its own form of training. Without 7–8 hours of proper rest, my body just can’t function no matter how well I eat. I sometimes struggle to switch off at the end of the day, but I’m learning to prioritise rest as part of my training.

Support System

Honestly, marathon training is such a mental game and the support I’ve had has made all the difference.

My friends and family have been amazing; cheering me on, checking in when motivation dips, and reminding me that I can do this. When I told one of my best friends about my marathon plans, her reaction was priceless: she joked that I wasn’t right in the head for willingly putting myself through this gruelling training 😂. Classic her with a mix of shock and humour, but behind it she’s one of my biggest cheerleaders.

At work, I recently I came in to find energy bars and a racing unicorn toy on my desk to celebrate my marathon announcement. It was a fun and thoughtful show of support, and it reminded me that I’m not doing this alone.

It really does take a village, and I’m so grateful for mine.

Running for Staying Put

Running for Staying Put feels like the perfect way to combine something I love – movement, with a cause I support and care about. It’s also extra special because I’m not just fundraising for Staying Put, I’m also part of the team. As an employee, I’ve seen first-hand the difference this work makes, and that insight makes every mile even more meaningful.

Growing up, I noticed that in many communities, including my own, abuse is often treated as a taboo topic. Conversations don’t happen, and many experiences go unreported. That silence can be dangerous. Running this marathon feels like a way to be a visible representation, showing that it’s okay to speak up, take up space, and use your voice.
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