London marathoner Ian talks radiology and chocolate for breakfast

Ian is running the London Marathon for the second time and has chosen to fundraise for us. We spoke to him to hear about what inspired him to take part, as well as his favourite running music and breakfast!

Here’s what Ian had to say about his training:

Why did you choose to do the London Marathon in support of us?

‘Martin House offers such a unique place for children and young adults. I work as a paediatric neuroradiologist in Leeds and deal with so many children with life-limiting illnesses. Martin House is there in their hour of need and it is important we do anything we can do to ensure it continues to be there.’

Where is your favourite place to run?

‘Either trails around Boston Spa and Wetherby or the coastal paths of North Yorkshire.’

Favourite running music?

”It’s like that’ by Run DMC or the ‘Legacy of Speed’ podcast by Malcolm Gladwell.’

Top training tip?

‘Just focus on the training run you have to do today. Don’t worry about the long runs coming up. Stick with the plan and you’ll do it!’

What will you be having for your pre-race breakfast?

‘Porridge, bananas and chocolate cake (when else can you justify chocolate cake for breakfast?!)’

Have you ever done the London Marathon before?

‘I ran New York in 2003 but limped round due to lack of training and the London Marathon in 2019 went better but I hit the wall at 20 miles.’

Do you have a social media account or JustGiving page?

‘I have Twitter, and you can donate to my JustGiving page.’

If you are running for us in the London Marathon, you can tell us about your own training, goals and tips by filling in our London Marathon profile form. 

If you’re interested in signing up one of our London Marathon 2023 places, or fundraising for us after getting a ballot place, you can find out more on our London Marathon page.