When Will Manning, who works as Retail Development Manager here at Fight for Sight, first considered running a marathon, he was far from a long-distance enthusiast.
A former county-level sprint runner, Will's journey from short-distance athlete to marathon trainee is a testament to his passion for the charity he works so hard for.
An Unlikely Runner
Will candidly admits he's "not a natural long-distance runner." His running background was primarily sprinting, so the marathon training was a real departure from his comfort zone. Currently training and comfortably running up to 8 miles, Will has discovered an intriguing psychological aspect of running that many athletes seem to experience.
"Mile 2 is always the hardest," he reveals. "It's this mental barrier where you question why you're doing this. Your body feels like it's not equipped, but by mile 3, you've overcome that initial resistance."
Musical Motivation
So, what keeps Will going during those challenging moments? A playlist that’s full of feel good anthems. His running soundtrack is a vibrant mix of "women from the 90s, noughties, and 10s" featuring artists like Little Mix and Beyoncé. Two songs in particular serve as his running anthems: Little Mix's "Wings" and a cover of "California Dreaming" that holds special personal significance.
"The Little Mix song is incredibly uplifting," he explains. "And the 'California Dreaming' cover brings back a life-changing memory that gives me a boost."
Running for a Purpose
Will's marathon journey is deeply intertwined with his professional life at Fight for Sight. His motivation stems from a personal experience supporting a colleague at the previous year's marathon, which sparked his own desire to run.
With a family history touching various health challenges — from diabetes and cancer to his sister's disabilities — Will found a meaningful connection in running for Fight for Sight. "It's exciting to do a job that helps raise funds and then simultaneously run for the charity," he says.
The Emotional Finish Line
As he anticipates the marathon's final miles, Will is prepared for an emotional experience. "I think I'm going to be a total mess," he admits. "The sense of achievement, completing something I've set as a goal, will be overwhelming."
You can enjoy Will’s running playlist here >
Or alternatively sponsor Will’s epic efforts here >
Did you know Sarah Kidner, our Head of Communication and Public Affairs, will also be running the Marathon in April?
You can sponsor her here >
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