This year, 15 remarkable people are running the London Marathon for Oasis. In this series, we’re sharing short interviews with some of them about why they’ve chosen to take on the challenge in support of our work.
Tell us a little about yourself
Mike Mayes. Father of two living in Hampshire. Chief Operating Officer of a tech business in my spare time!
Why are you running the London Marathon for Oasis?
My close friends both work at Oasis and over a number of years I have seen the passion and dedication they have and have come to understand just how transformational the work of Oasis is for children, families and communities across the country.
What’s your premarathon breakfast?‑marathon breakfast?
Nothing but water.
What’s your strangest running habit, superstition or training hack?
I write out my training plan by hand in a little notebook – even though that involves copying from a perfectly good spreadsheet.
What’s the hardest part of marathon training for you?
I live at the top of a hill, so the last half mile is always awful.
What keeps you going on the days you really don’t want to run?
The fact that it is written down in my notebook – it means I have to do it (in my head).
What’s one thing you wish supporters knew about marathon training?
About the high you get when you’ve pushed beyond your limits – whether that is pace or distance.
What’s on your running playlist?
Podcasts. Although I’ve stopped listening to current affairs ones as I run – I get too wound up.
