Last weekend, I ran the half marathon at the Great Scottish Run, to raise funds for a charity close to my heart, Who Cares? Scotland.
Throughout my career, I was privileged to work directly with Care Experienced young people and to teach those working in care settings. During that time, Who Cares? Scotland became an integral part of my work. The organisation truly stands as one of the jewels in the crown of the Scottish system for supporting Care Experienced children and young people.
Now 65 and happily retired, I’ve kept one passion alive: running. After a 40-year break from competitive distance running, I decided to set my sights on a half marathon as a stepping stone toward completing a full marathon. At the beginning of the year, I launched into a serious training programme, logging most of my miles through the beautiful Southside parks.
My progress was incremental but steady. I gradually built up to 25-30 miles a week, and over the summer managed to squeeze in some longer runs. One memorable session saw me accidentally clock 14.5 miles when I simply ran too far from home!
Tips for Aspiring Half Marathon Runners
If you’re motivated to run a half marathon, here’s what I learned:
Choose routes you love. Regular runs through surroundings you enjoy make all the difference. Consider joining a running group if company motivates you.
Build gradually. Increase your mileage slowly but aim to complete the half distance around 4-6 weeks before race day.
Taper before the race. Ease down your training a couple of weeks prior to the event. You’ll have built the required fitness by then, and your body will benefit from rest and relaxed runs.
The Fundraising Journey
Who Cares? Scotland provided tremendous support with fundraising. While I don’t use social media, my family and good friends were incredibly generous. If you do use social platforms, raising funds will be far easier than my approach.
Remember this: the support you receive from others will carry you over the finish line, both in training and on race day itself.
‘Remember this: the support you receive from others will carry you over the finish line, both in training and on race day itself.’
All money raised will go directly to Who Cares? Scotland to contribute to amazing events such as the Care Family Christmas. Please visit Jeremy’s fundraising page here: Jeremy Millar is fundraising for Who Cares? Scotland
Well Done Jeremy – from everyone at Who Cares? Scotland x
