London calling running mum

A Broome mum has taken on the challenge of a lifetime as she attempts to go “from couch to marathon” in just 16 weeks.

Sarah Woods has been busy training for April’s London Marathon in a bid to better herself, take on a new challenge and make her five-year-old son Alex proud.

Ms Woods said taking part in the London Marathon was initially an idea to get fit that came up in a chat with friends.

“We initially thought we’d apply for it last year and I thought I would try the 5km run and then gradually get to marathon distance over a few years,” she said.

“Last October I was in a pretty sad headspace and was having a sink-or-swim moment. Then my phone rang and it turned out I was selected to take part in the marathon so I thought I really needed to get onto it and start training,

“Initially I could hardly run to the top of the driveway.”

Ms Woods officially began her couch to marathon training last month, which involves two-hour training sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays as well as a long run on a Saturday morning. “Trying to run in the heat is definitely a challenge so I find myself getting up at 4.30am to beat the humidity and the flies,” she said.

“Reaching the milestone of being able to run a mile was a massive achievement for me.

“I remember seeing it on my phone and I got pretty emotional.

“I’ve still got a fair way to go, but so far I am able to complete around 16km with a combination of walking and running so hopefully I can work my way up to crossing the finish line.

“I’ve found that running has been very good for my mental health because I can just run and clear my thoughts.”

Ms Woods said she felt very lucky to have the support of her friends, the Broome community and her son, who has been helping her with her training by riding his bike alongside her.

“I’m usually quite a shy and private person so having my story out there has been quite a rewarding and humbling experience,” she said. “Alex asked me why I wanted to run a marathon and I told him that I wanted to show him that he can do anything that he puts his mind to.

Alex said he was very proud of his mother for taking on the London Marathon and watching her train. “I can’t wait to go to London and cheer for her at the finish line,” he said.