Feature runner: Veronica White

Veronica White

Why did you decide to run the London Marathon for WaterAid?

I have traveled to countries in parts of Asia and witnessed the plight of people living in shameful conditions and being denied this basic resource. It is very sad and I am happy to be given the opportunity to make a small difference. We are so lucky to have the luxury of refusing tap water.

Why are you keen to take on the challenge?

I did my first run in the first Women's Challenge Flora run (3 miles) several years ago. It became an annual event in which I looked forward to participating and has since developed a liking for doing longer distances. I was always incredibly impressed whenever anyone told me they ran the marathon. So I felt I would like the challenge of training and running in this big event.

What is it like running and training in your neighborhood?

I am fortunate in that the area I live in, Belsize Park, is nestled between beautiful parks and vast expanse of open spaces to add variety to my training course. Hampstead Heath, Primrose Hill, and Regents Park, are all on my doorstep.
There is a running track in Regents Park, which is a good surface to run on and for varying the training. I sometimes skip around the track.

How is your training going and what training schedule are you following?

I hope I have scheduled it well in preparation for the big day. I feel I am making good progress. I tend to do a long run on weekends, between 12 and 15 miles. I have also completed an 18-mile run which I am trying to build on.

I sometimes do six miles at seven in the morning before going to the office. I find this grueling, because it's cold and dark. I also run home from the office taking a long route, say 12 miles.

In between runs I work out in the gym, on the rowing machine; doing stretching exercises; a few weights. I go to the gym about twice a week.

I also do workouts at home, tummy crunches while I am watching the television. I also do lots of dance exercises.

What is your favorite training session?

My favorite training session is dance exercises and skipping because they are vigorous but fun. I must mention though that after a long run I do feel a great sense of achievement.

Which of your sporting performances are you most proud of?

I am proud of my skipping when I get going. I skip backwards and forwards and to music. Skipping helps me to maintain my bounce and makes me feel light-footed.

What support are you getting from your friends and family and how do you motivate yourself to go running when you don't feel like it?

My husband Paul reminds me that I must build up my distance as early as possible. He cooks me lots of delicious pasta meals to build up my fuel intake.

Mum encourages me and is an active fundraiser. She also cooks me good soups made with soup bones and vegetables for the joints. My friend Beverley is very supportive. I've given her the title of 'Angel' because she is building a network for fundraising with immeasurable enthusiasm.

When lethargy tries to take control and I really don't feel like going out in the cold, I think of the children who have to walk for miles to get water. It spurs me on that my participation is making a difference. The by-product of all this is keeping fit and in shape!

How do you treat yourself after very hard sessions?

After hard sessions I have warm baths in aromatic oils and salts. (I couldn't have an ice bath which is the remedy for mending muscle tears). I have lots of fruit drinks and relax.

Which sports person do you most admire?

Lewis Hamilton because he seems quietly feisty and determined and obviously talented with great focus from a very young age. He has a good personality with good family values. He shows confidence yet balanced against humility.

He's a great role model for young British men contemplating this sport as a career,
I have now become a fan of Formula One!

Have you started your fundraising and if so, how are you raising funds?

I have started the fundraising by sending emails to friends, business colleagues, and associates, asking them to pass on the details, and to appeal to people they know. 

I also email all my contacts abroad. I will be approaching local traders who know me, posting a notice in my office window and putting a link on the company's website.

Do you have any useful fundraising tips for the team?

Don't be afraid to approach people and give them a nudge from time to time as they might be busy and have overlooked your appeal. A personal appeal and thank you are important and rewarding. You'd be surprised how generous people are.