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Helen Dillon

London Marathon 2025

Donate to Helen and help them hit their goal of £2000!

I’m running the London Marathon 2025 to fight for lung health!

Eeeek - this feels a little crazy...!

This is something that I've always wanted to do, but never dreamt that I actually would. I wouldn’t say I’m a natural runner, but have been running consistently since 2019. Usually sticking to runs of around 5-10k - never more than a half marathon - I just googled how many km a marathon is …. 42.2 ish! it sounds way worse than 26 miles. I probably should have googled that before now - what have I got myself in for!?

I'll be running with Team Breathe – hopefully raising a huge amount of money for Asthma and Lung UK, inspired by my Dad's lifelong challenge of living with chronic Asthma and generally poorly functioning lungs. It’s incredible how much research into this area is making a difference to those living with conditions. This one is for you Dad.

 

…..Every minute, someone in the UK is diagnosed with a lung condition. I want to make a difference. I'm running the London Marathon 2025 for Asthma + Lung UK, the only UK charity that fights for everyone’s right to breathe. Every pound I'm able to raise will take us a step closer to a world where everyone has healthy lungs.

Just £22 allows one of Asthma + Lung UK's nurses to answer a call on the Helpline, offering potentially lifesaving advice. I'd be very grateful for any donations you could make!

Please Help Me
Reach My Goal

Raised

£2,741 + £421.99 GiftAid

My Goal

£2,000

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could go towards our Health Care Advisors and Respiratory Specialists supporting someone with the information they need to live well.
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My Achievements

My Updates

One month to go....

Thursday 27th Mar
Last week I ran my longest training run to date of 20 miles. I have to find 6 more miles in exactly 1 months time. I'm not yet sure where these will be found!! 20 miles is brutal, this took me 3.5 hours, which was what I expected, although it felt so hard.

This week I will be attempting anther 20 miles as per my plan - this time on my own, which is on top of the 134 already ran during March. I am still on track having completed every activity on my plan - I thought it may feel a little easier by this point.

Marathon training is BRUTAL! I am very much looking forward to a very large glass of wine when I finish! 

Still on track ... it's not been easy

Sunday 2nd Mar
This weekend, I completed my longest run to date... A massive 18 miles. I've now fully switched to counting in miles, as it feels less daunting for me! Although I needed a rescue at the end of this run, as couldn't face walking or running the 1.5/2 ish miles home... I'd miss counted the total expected distance! 

I'm pleased to say that I'm still on track, and have ticked off every training run on my plan to date.

During February I completed 20 hours of running, covering 113 miles. 

March looks like the toughest month of all, with longer weekend runs including 2x 20 miles, the midweek shorter runs are no longer short either!

New year - new plan!

Monday 13th Jan
I have started my Coopah London 2025 16 week Training plan - its all feeling very real. 

Luckily, due to the generous early sponsorship, I was one of the Asthma and Lung UK top fundraisers late last year, so have been donated a free Coopah subscription to see me through to the big day. This is great, as it sends training sessions straight to my watch, and informs me of how much I need to be running to keep me on track.

I did a test run of the app before Christmas - working towards a 10K personal best, which I managed to run on 3rd of Jan - PB time of 53.41. This put me in a positive mindset ready to start my marathon training plan.

Also on a note of PBs - I have managed a 10min dip in the Cold Pod, at a balmy 0 degrees!

I'll keep you updated as the plan progresses - I've managed to stick to it so far, 11 days in (as of 13th Jan).

A steady and cold November

Friday 29th Nov
I wasn't ready for the weather challenges that this November has brought! It started with what seemed like 2 weeks of zero sunlight and not even a break in the cloud, it felt completely bleak, the vitamin D supplements didn't even touch the sides and my running took a hit!

This was followed by rain, then snow, then ice - and some occasional brightness. Its been much less easy to get out, my motivation has been a bit low! Despite this I've still ticked off my target of 100k for the month, and got one more half marathon under my belt.

Yesterday (28th Nov) the news of a successful trial of a new asthma drug was a useful reminder for the reasons behind this mission. And has given me a well needed kick up the bum!

I've dug out my gloves and and ear warmers (although the shorts are still on, yes my knees have been cold, and very red!)... December I am ready for you!! In terms of the running, not in terms of the Christmas prep and shopping!

It's getting Cold!

Sunday 6th Oct
Summer running seems to be long gone! Rain free runs have been few and far between. On Oct 2nd I passed 1000km of running for the year... which feels like a nice milestone

I've been looking at how I can get more from my training. I have been taking opportunities to exercise in ways other than running. Recently this has included bouldering with Mike, Ollie and Joe. My skills need a little work in this area and I've discovered aches in muscles that I didn't realise I had!

I have also invested in a Cold Pod for some cold water therapy when my muscles ache! I tried this for the first time this weekend - coldest dip being 10 degrees, for 10 mins. I think I 'like' it... time will tell!

September 1/2 Marathon was a PB

Wednesday 11th Sep
I'm still on track with a half marathon completed every month since March... the September one was a personal best - time of 2 hours 10 minutes. I'm really pleased with that, but think I can do better. It would help if I removed the big hill at the 10k point, which I had to walk up! 

The top of Beacon hill was eery on this run ... it was fully in the clouds and it was unusually quiet due to the terrible weather. The second half of this run continued to be a challenge - mainly due to the consistent pouring rain. 

Hopefully the October half wont be quite as wet!

Summer Running Complete

Monday 26th Aug
Tomorrow, (August 27th) marks the end of my summer! The boys are back at school, and I'm back to work. The weeks get really busy, and a bit less fun! This winter season I'm back with Equal Experts working with a new team at John Lewis - which I am looking forward too.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed that as the days get short, the hay fever season dies down too, watching my Dad suffer with his breathing over the summer months has been a constant reminder of why I'm trying to raise money for such a great cause.

My running schedule will now shift to early mornings and I'll need to be more structured with my schedule. Never something I look forward to!

Since this April I have ran over 100k every month and completed at least one half marathon. Currently averaging 4 runs a week and 29k per week. Full Strava stats are here: https://www.strava.com/athletes/47780488?num_entries=10 

Fingers crossed I can keep up the motivation and the fundraising over the next few months!

June - started well...

Friday 5th Jul
I had clocked 90ish km by mid June, every thing felt great! 

Then I got an horrendus cold, that took well over 2 weeks to shift. It has had a negative impact on the volume and quality of my runs🏃‍♀️ .

Overall I managed 14 training days and 139km. 

Fingers crossed for a clearer July, ive kicked off with a steady half marathon to Bradgate Park and back.

Runner's High

Monday 17th Jun
My Dad bought me the book 'Runner's High' after hearing about in on Jenni Faulkner's radio show. It's packed full of great tips for general running, and also lots of London Marathon advice.

I'm so pleased to have read this so early in my training journey, so many of her pointers are already helping me to consider how I approach my training. 

Running up that hill

Saturday 8th Jun
They say hill running helps build up strength and stamina! 

I can tell you it hurts!! I've just started to incorporate some hills into my standard weekly runs... I don't think I'm feeling the rewards yet. Fingers crossed as my training continues I'll start to.

Beacon hill is completely stunning, one of my favourite local parks. On a second lap around there you start to see it in a different light! 

Thank you to my Sponsors

£52.50

Aukland Family

Wishing you so much luck Helen! We will be watching out for you on the TV. Enjoy every second of the day… the hard work will be worth it! Lots of love, Sara, Phil and Emme Aukland xxx

£63

Katherine Dillon

Not sure how I missed this before! But will be wishing you the very best of luck and admiration!

£15.75

Vicky Blow

Enjoy it- even if your toenails fall off! Vicky x

£26.25

David Davis

Good luck Helen - all the best on the day.

£10

Christine & Brian Garrett

£22

Kerry Hicks

Sending lots of love Helen, will be thinking of you Dave and Kerry xxx

£5.25

Luisa Diez

Enjoy the atmosphere! Great charity and achievement. Good luck

£26.25

Jasmine Borissow

Good luck on the day Helen. Take Care Jasmine, Charlie, Sophie and Emma

£60

Rachel Dillon

Good luck Helen!!

£102.34

Ollie & Joe Dillon

School fundraising... Selling keyrings, bookmarks and chocolate brownies

£5

Lee Robinson

Good luck Helen and thank you Joe for the bookmarks - Henry Robbo

£25

Helen Dillon

Additional running top

£100

Sally Wilson

Good Luck Helen

£20

Terry Clarke

Best of luck in April!

£10

Sue Woods

£15.75

Kate Mocelutu

Go smash it Helen!!! 💪

£100

Jane Boden

Good Luck Helen Lots of Love ❤

£31.50

Grace Spoor

Good luck and I hope the weather is kind to you.

£100

Sue Wilson

£73.50

Karen Brown

Good luck Mrs!! You’re doing amazing… keep going. You’ll soon be over that finish line. I’m so proud of you Xxxx

£60

Janette Dillon

Keep up the good work, Helen. You’re doing so well. If anyone can do this it’s you! J&B xx

£15.75

Nick Greenhill

Best of luck Helen!

£14.70

Steve Mitchell

Topping your fund up to a good round number.

£60

Malcolm And Bev

A good day for a donation to this excellent cause and to celebrate your dedication to it Helen

£15.75

Suzanne Mears

Good luck Helen the winter training will be worth it in the end and it will an amazing achievement for a great charity.

£10.50

Rachael Pearce

You’re amazing Mrs xxxx

£9

Helen Dillon

Rounding up - 300 to go for the target!

£48.30

Steve Mitchell

Running London is a fabulous experience Good luck with the training

£5.25

Sandra Lyon

Team Breathe Giving Day! Good luck!

£5

Ben Spencer

Team Breathe Giving Day

£10

Adam Hammond

Go Helen! What a challenge & an amazing cause. 👍👍👍

£22

Hugh Hammond

£100

Stuart Park

Rather you than me! Good luck.

£500

Equal Experts Ltd

Hope it goes brilliantly, Helen! We're cheering you on!

£37

Helen Dillon

Toping up to half way!

£5.25

Holly Arkinstall

£23.10

Priti P

You will smash it! So proud of you ❤️

£50

Amanda Jay

I know you would do anything for your Dad - running a marathon is next level commitment ♥️ Best of luck!!!

£31.50

Matt Maunder

Good luck Helen! From the Maunders x

£22

Bhavini Patel

You’ve got this Helen! Such a worthy cause. Amazing progress with the training. Lots of love xx

£23.10

Emma Moss

You're mad but what a great cause! Go and smash it (and have fun doing it!) x

£105

Janette And Brean

It’s a huge undertaking, Helen, but you can do it! So much training and dedication can’t fail. And it’s the kind of activity I prefer to sponsor someone else to do for me (says Brean). We won’t say ‘break a leg’ this time!

£22

Martin Evans

Great job Helen. Keep up the good work 🤙

£15.75

Ollie Dillon

Good luck I hope it goes well! I think its amazing that you've gone for this. Love you x

£50

Caroline Dee

You're working so hard for this, I just know you're going to be so ready for it. You'll do great! A great cause to be supporting. Keep up the fab work xx

£26

Clarissa

£10.50

Joe Dillon

Good luck on your marathon Mummy!! Love you xx

£10

Zoe Butcher

Good Luck Helen you will smash it. Xxx

£50

Kelly Whiteoak

What an amazing undertaking!!! You'll be fantastic, the professionals had better watch out!

£52.50

Malcolm Dillon

Fantastic effort Helen for a great cause. This is a long term challenge you are taking on, go runner!

£52.50

Beverley Squire

Good luck and good running, Helen . Such an amazing thing you’re doing, and I bet you’ll do it amazingly well!!

£50

Jamie Humphrey

I already know you’ll absolutely smash this!! What a legend. 👍👍

£23.10

Andy Higham

Good luck. A great cause!

£23.10

Kathryn Perryman

Wishing you all the best Helen. A worthy cause. Good luck.

£10.50

Jayajata

£10

Matt Frost

£22

Laura Baker

Amazing challenge, I have no doubt that you will smash it 🌟

£21

Amy Borst

Well done mate! You will smash the London Marathon xx

£22

Liz Koursis

Well done Helen!!

£50

Felicity

Good luck!

£105

Dad Wilson

Go for it....xx

£50

David Wilson

£27.35

Helen Dillon

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