We’ll be rallying behind super supporter Laura Manston, Sevenoaks District Councillor for Ash & New Ash Green, who’s running the London Marathon this year to raise funds for us at Sevenoaks Samaritans
We are absolutely delighted Laura Manston, Group Leader of the Green group at Sevenoaks Council and Ward Councillor for Ash and New Ash Green, is running the London Marathon 2024 in aid of Sevenoaks Samaritans. So, we caught up with her to ask her a few questions and learn more about her journey.
More on Laura's progress here: Laura Manston's Fundraiser (enthuse.com)
Laura's Story
How did you get the place, Laura?
I applied to run the London Marathon directly. It was the first time I'd ever applied, and I got a place, so I was super lucky!
And what’s your running history?
Well, I did cross country at secondary school, under duress. I've run for fitness a few times on the street and at the gym. And that's about it. However, I am very committed and my super-runner-best-friend ran it in 3hrs 18mins this year so I'm hoping she will share some of her secrets with me.
What’s your training been like so far?
As far as training goes, the first advice I was given was to get the right shoes. So I had my gait checked and splashed out on the most expensive pair of shoes I've ever bought - a pair of fairly dull looking but extremely comfortable Hokkas. I reviewed a few training schedules and decided to go with the TCL London Marathon one which promised to have a beginner marathon-ready in 16 weeks.
With regards to diet, the key change I made was to up my protein. Other than that, I've stuck to my normal, plant-based diet.
My sleep routine has always been poor as I struggle to switch off. That has definitely proved a barrier to the optimum mindset for training.
After a strong start to the training plan in September 2023, I soon went downhill with exhaustion and subsequent hip, back and leg injuries as well as exercise-induced bronchitis.
To start the year as I meant to go on, I ran a 10km charity race in New Ash Green on New Year's Day. It was my first ever 10km and I was so proud to have completed it.
I restarted the training plan but had lost my mojo and now I'm somewhere between denial and terrified.
Why Sevenoaks Samaritans?
I recently got the chance to visit Sevenoaks Samaritans and was bowled over by their dedication to supporting people at their lowest points.
On a personal level, I lost someone very special in 2022 who could have benefitted from speaking to the Samaritans. Perhaps they did. I will never know. But I do know that there was someone they could have spoken to and I wish I had suggested that they try. Instead, I'm raising money to help the Sevenoaks Samaritans to continue being there for those who do make the call.
You were elected in May as a Green councillor – how’s it going?
Being a councillor is going very well, thank you for asking! I've been really involved with my community for years - I find it very fulfilling to support people with local issues - and it's such a privilege to be leading the first Green group ever on Sevenoaks Council, bringing another perspective to the table.
Next steps
You’ll hear more from us as we track Laura's progress, but in the meantime why not visit her fundraising page to find out more, and ask your friends and family to support her?
