Q&A with Team Variety’s Tokyo Marathon runners
Hi Team Variety! What are you most looking forward to about the Tokyo Marathon?
Ceri: The obvious answer would be getting across the finish line and receiving the six-star medal around my neck. I’ve heard so many positive things about both Tokyo and the Marathon, I’m intrigued. I think it’ll be a very different experience to the other Major Marathons.
Sandra: Wearing an extra-special bib to mark my final marathon in the series. I’m hoping for lots of “congratulations” from fellow runners, it will be such a special moment. I’ve always made a point of cheering on runners with that bib during the other five races, so to now wear one myself feels incredibly meaningful and a little bit magical.
Claudia: Finishing!
What are you dreading the most about the Tokyo Marathon?
Ceri: The rules! They are quite strict which is disconcerting, I feel I’ll end up forgetting something or not being allowed to do something which I rely on to make the Marathon easier, like carry my own water bottle.
Sandra: The weather is the one thing I can’t control. I’m meticulous about having everything else in place, which means I take full responsibility for how I perform. But the weather can change everything.
Too hot and sunny? I’ll rein it in, run conservatively and drink as much as possible. Raining? Honestly, just awful, drenched to the skin, cold and uncomfortable.
I’ll pack a range of race outfits and be prepared for whatever the day throws at me. Adaptability is just another part of the marathon challenge!
Claudia: Not finishing!
Claudia, what’s the furthest you’ve run before?
18 miles at this point…
Sandra and Ceri, how does it feel that Tokyo is your last marathon to complete the Marathon Majors?
Ceri: It’s been six years in the making, with fabulous trips and memories, so a mixture of emotions. Relief and elation that it’s the final one, but also a huge celebration of the accomplishment and disbelief that Sandra has put up with me and my injuries for the last six years.
Sandra: Amazing, and what a city to complete the set. Each of the six cities has its own character and added something special to the journey. It’s been an incredible experience, taking me to places I’d never have visited otherwise.
I can’t wait to get my hands on the biggest piece of bling and finally join the prestigious Six Star Finisher Club. There’s also a tinge of sadness, like finishing a great book. It’s over, it’s been brilliant, and now I find myself wondering, what next?
What motivated you to get into running?
Ceri: I’ve been running since I was 10 so it’s been a way of life for me, I come from a family of runners. I need running to keep both my mind and body fit and healthy, it’s become a habit, so motivation isn’t necessary.
Sandra: I was never a runner, but in my late forties, a friend persuaded me to take on the London Marathon in 2018. That one decision changed everything. I kept running because I discovered I genuinely loved it, and then, to my surprise, I found I was actually quite good at it.
Running has become my headspace. Time just for me, where I can breathe and reset. I love that, unless I’m racing, I’m only ever competing with myself. Showing up, getting stronger, faster, better, one run at a time.
Claudia: The challenge, the charity and the partnership between Variety and Parallel Windsor. But it was Variety’s Partnerships and Events Manager, Sarah, whose enthusiasm and faith in me pushed me to the starting line.
Why have you chosen to run for Variety?
Ceri: My son Lloyd has Down syndrome, and throughout his childhood it was a constant battle trying to find sports clubs that would allow him to join. He was desperate to join in and be able to play with the other kids, but there were always barriers.
He now runs marathons, plays football, golf, gymnastics, athletics and I see first-hand how much it helps with his fitness, cognitive ability, social skills, self-esteem and mental wellbeing. Surely this is every child’s right and Variety makes this happen.
Sandra: What an incredible charity. I feel deeply honoured and proud to have been chosen to run on their behalf. Variety changes the lives of children and young people in truly meaningful ways through the opportunities and experiences they provide.
Being able to support this work means so much to me, because I believe every child and young person deserves the chance to dream big, feel included and experience the same opportunities as others, no matter their circumstances.
Claudia: I wouldn’t be running if it wasn’t for Variety; an opportunity to challenge myself, see somewhere new, create new memories and explore new relationships and Variety’s young people deserve the same!
Do you have a message for your supporters?
Ceri: A huge thank you to all our family and friends for supporting us through this six-year long journey and for all your generous donations, you’ve been amazing!
Sandra: Quite simply thank you!
Claudia: I do feel a bit like an imposter at this point, and I am not sure if I can actually do it…yet I am being backed by hard cash, so, I am going to do my stubborn best not to let you all down!
How are you going to treat yourself after the race is over?
Ceri: Sixth star finishers get taken out for a meal after the marathon, then we’ll be spending eight days travelling round Japan, eating and drinking what we like and probably planning our next running adventure!
Sandra: Hopefully my normal evening meal after a long run: steak and chips with a big glass of red wine! But before that, a good soak in a hot bath filled with Epsom salts to aid my recovery with perhaps a glass of fizz to celebrate the achievement.
Claudia: I am really good at treating myself…the marathon, the trip to Tokyo, making some of my immediate family come and meet me there…we are going to have a blast. And guess what? I will be the centre of attention!
What is your best running tip?
Ceri: Don’t go off fast, run within yourself, keep fuelled and hydrated.
Sandra: Keep putting one foot in front of the other and never compare yourself to others.
Claudia: I borrowed this from my fellow Variety runners, Ceri and Sandra, ‘No run is a bad run, so just keep going.’
What are you excited to see and do in Tokyo?
Ceri: I’m intrigued to see the blend of traditional with techno, sampling sushi and sake, watching Sumo, walking around the temples, bathing in an onsen and I’m sure Sandra will insist on a karaoke evening!!
Sandra: The overall experience of Tokyo – the people and culture are just so different. I’m a big foodie so I’m also looking forward to experimenting.
Claudia: So many things. Being a tourist yet being embraced by the city on the big day. Running around Tokyo, literally. I cannot wait to feel the vibe, eat the food, listen to the music. And really, really looking forward to seeing my supporters (a reunion with my daughters).
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