Miles to meaning with Rae Newport
In October 2025, our Global Key Account Manager Rae found out she had a place at the 2026 London Marathon. Six months on and with the miles stacking up, we sat with her to discuss how the training is going, what’s surprised her so far, how she’s looking after her mental health and what’s kept her going.
You’re now in your toughest training block – what’s been the hardest part of increasing your mileage so far?
Fitting it all in, and dodging the weather… Although I’ve been lucky with that so far, not too many washouts! But yes, Time. Time is the hardest part of this.
Have you had a moment in training where you’ve surprised yourself with what you can actually do?
I think generally being able to go out and run again, and again is actually what is surprising me most. It’s amazing what you can achieve if you just go with ‘the plan’ – having a training plan has been a real help with this routine.
When the runs get really tough, what keeps you going – especially knowing who you’re running for?
Knowing that I’m doing this to help raise awareness for something is definitely a driving force – I know that any pain I’m going through right now is temporary. The work done at The Wave Project supports young people whose lives are affected everyday by pain, so I’m the lucky one in this.
I’m also so aware of people investing in me through sponsorship – I keep running for what they’ve invested or given up for me. I know that sponsorship isn’t easy at the moment and that life is expensive, so I really appreciate every penny that has been shared.
How has training started to fit into your everyday life now – work, routine, rest and recovery?
It really is a squeeze!! I’ve had a few trips this year already and I’m definitely having to put runs in ‘when I can’ – whether that is first thing in the morning on weekends, running to work or back to back – I’m not 100% adhering to the timings of my plan, as I can’t. I’m actually really grateful for my body being able to handle this strain and effort.
To be honest, training has not been going well this last month. I hurt my knee in January, so have had to pair back a bit and take things steady, swapping out runs for less impactful cardio like spinning or cross-training. I’m just grateful that this isn’t my first introduction to running – I think if it was, I would be starting to panic now. I have over 12 years of running under my belt, so (I’m hoping!) that the atmosphere of London and some muscle memory will kick in on race day.
With the mileage ramping up, how are you looking after yourself mentally as well as physically?
I’m really aware of managing my time around this training – I’m known for always being busy, so I’m making an extra effort to preserve my downtime to rest and recover.
I’m indulging in reading a lot, as it’s something I enjoy that resets both my mind and body. I’ve also started using local Sauna’s here in Bristol at least once every two weeks – I’m finding the hot and cold therapy both good for my muscles and mind, especially over the colder, dark winter months.
Social activities are generally day time (and sometimes involve running – massive thank you and sorry to my friends!) followed by cosy activities, like cinema trips or movie nights at home. Generally anything that involves sitting down!
To sponsor Rae’s marathon challenge and support a hugely worthwhile cause in the Wave Project, head to the link below: