With the London Marathon now just a few weeks away, many of you will know that our own Jenny Brockman is in the final stretch of her training.
And it’s safe to say, it’s getting real.
Long runs, early mornings… and a lot of determination
Jenny’s now up to around 26km in her training, with her final long run of 32km coming up before tapering begins.
Those Sunday runs are now stretching to around three hours. That’s no small commitment alongside work, family life, and everything else that comes with it.
That said, with the lighter mornings and a bit of sunshine finally appearing, things are starting to feel a little more enjoyable (even if the legs might say otherwise).
The support has meant a lot
One of the standout parts of this journey has been the support Jenny has received. She’s now reached her fundraising target for Mind. She’s so grateful for the kindness and generosity of everyone.
So many clients and friends of Citrus have donated or sent messages, and it’s made a real difference, especially on the tougher training days.
Why she’s doing it
For Jenny, this isn’t just about ticking off a marathon.
She’s running in memory of Tom, and to raise awareness of mental health. Something that’s very close to her heart.
Like many people, she’s had moments during training where it’s felt tough. But having that reason behind it all has helped her keep going.
If sharing this journey encourages even one person to check in on someone, or to speak up themselves, then it’s worth it.
More than just the miles
Something Jenny hadn’t expected was just how positive the experience would be overall.
There’s a real sense of community among runners. Even just a quick nod or smile on a Sunday morning run can lift your mood more than you’d think.
It’s something she’s hoping to carry on after the marathon (although maybe with slightly shorter distances…).
Not long to go now
With race day getting closer, the focus now is on staying fit, managing recovery… and, in Jenny’s words, “increasing carb intake”. Which might be the one part of training she’s fully embracing.
There’s a mix of nerves and excitement, but mostly just pride in getting this far.
Want to support Jenny?
If you’d like to support Jenny and the Life-changing work Mind does, any donation — big or small — would be hugely appreciated.
Thank you to everyone who’s supported Jenny, and from all of us at Citrus Financial… you’ve got this Jenny!