With less than two weeks to go until our three Big Marathon Challenge participants take part in the ASICS Greater Manchester Marathon, Christina Macdonald caught up with them for a final pre-race progress update…

Photos: Joe Branston

We all know how quickly time passes, but when you’re training for a marathon, the months can positively fly by. It doesn’t seem very long since our three ladies were chosen for the Big Marathon Challenge, and now they’re less than two weeks away from race day. There have been a few niggles, but the ladies have enjoyed the training journey. Last month, they visited the ASICS stadium in Warrington for a training day that involved hitting the running track for a session led by coach Ben Barwick, from Full Potential. They also had personal consultations with ASICS’ Pro Team experts – performance nutritionist Ruth McKean, physiotherapist Sarah Connors and performance psychologist Stuart Holliday. So how are they feeling about race day at this late stage?

MEET THE TEAM

Richard Coates, Full Potential Richard has been running since his teens and has completed more than 30 marathons and ultras. He’s a UKA Level 2 running coach, so the team’s training is in safe hands.fullpotential.co.uk

Gareth Pashley, ASICS Gareth has been with ASICS for five years, as Category Manager for Running, working across PR and ASICS’ Elite Athletes. He will help the team to get the most from their shoes and kit. @gazzpash

Ruth McKean BSc, MSc, PgDip RD, ASICS Ruth is a sports nutritionist and ASICS Pro Team dietitian. She prepares elite athletes for major events, but enjoys helping athletes of all levels realise their true potential. @ruth_mckean

Sarah Connors, ASICS On the ASICS Pro Team since 2010, Sarah is a chartered physiotherapist with 25 years’ experience. Now a mum of three, Sarah still practices, treating both elite and amateur athletes. @sozzley

Stuart Holliday, ASICS Stuart is a performance psychologist. In 2016, he was a Chimp Management mentor for two GB Olympic teams and now provides psychological training to athletes in golf and athletics. @focusedmindcoaching

Instagram: @seeking_silver_linings

CAROLINE STAFFORD

Age 37

From Oakham, Rutland

Occupation Self-employed baker and owner of the-kitsch-hen.co.uk

How was the recent training day?

It was brilliant to have the support of the experts to call upon. Having never run a marathon before, I’ve been feeling nervous about what to expect on the big day, so it was a good opportunity to go through it all with them, plus the other BMC runners, who have both run marathons before.