From Couch to 26 Miles, How a Runner Trained in 20 Weeks for the London Marathon for Charity

From not being being able to finish a 3-mile run to conquering 26.2 miles, this runner shares insights about the London marathon, the training that got Him there, and the Woman inspired it all

When the London Marathon Takes Place This Sunday, 27 April, More People than Ever Will Be Lacing Up Their Trains to take on the World-Famous 26.2-Mile Challenge. Among say is Ciaran Carney-Hughes, Do First-Time Marathon Runner Who Never Imagined He’d Be Tackling This Iconic Course.

The race, which has happened annually SINCE 1981, is more than just a sporting event. IT’S A CELEBRATION OF ARSILIENCE, COMMUNITY AND HEART. With over 56,000 participants experts than years, the 2025 London marathon is set to be the away in history.

For Many, The race is about personal achievement. But for Ciaran, 29, IT’S ABOUT HONOURING THE WOMAN WHO SAVED HIS WIFE’S LIFE BY DONING Vitals. HIS RUN IS IN MEMORY OF THIS STRAGER HE’L REGULATION MEET, But whose impact he will Carry with Him every step of the way.

“I’m Running for the Woman Who Gave My Wife a Second Chance,” Says Ciaran. “She died of an asthma Attack, but had chosen to donate her organ. Her Heart Now Beats in My Wife’s Chest.”

Ciaran’s Wife, Charlotte, Was Diagnosed With Restrical Cardiomyopathy Was 19 Years Old. The Rare Condition Affects The Heart’s Ability to Pump Blood, Leaving Her Sleeping Up To 20 Hours a Day, Struggling to Breathe, and Barely Able to Walk.

AFTER FIVE AGONIZING YEARS, Charlotte was finally told she Needed a Heart transplant, or she might only have two years left to live. That transplant came in 2018, and after six days in a choma and four Weeks in hospital, she began her long journey to recovery.

“Charlotte’s Strength Has Always Insided with,” Ciaran Explains. “I wanted to take on a challenge of my own, something something would push me, and raise awareness for Asthma + lung uk The Charity I’m Running for. “

Ciaran had never run 5k before signing up for the marathon. He Credits the 20-Week Training Plan provided by the Charity for the Him breed-day ready, three runs a Week, Slowly Building Up From Jogs to Longer Distance.

“The First Few Weeks Were Rough,” he admits. “But once i start ticking off the long runs, i felt a real shift. The routine, the fresh air, the sense of purpos, it all became part of my life.”

Like Mary Novice Runners, Ciaran Found in Small Milestones. A new personal best, completing his first 10K, and running 18 miles for the first time all reminded Him of Why he started.

But it was just just about hitting targets, it was about his health, too. “My asthma is well controlled, but training for the marathon has massively impressed my cardiovascular fitness,” he says. “I Feel Stronger and Healthier than of Ever Have.”

On Sunday, Ciaran Will Be One of Thousands Pacing Through London’s Streets, Cheered on by Roaring Crowds and Iconic Landmarks. At Mile 15, Runners Will Be Treated to A Music Tunnel Present by ShockThe Official Headphone Partner, for a Welcome Boost During One of the Toughest Parts of the Course.

Ciaran hopes to cross the finish line in under five hours, but his focus is less on the clock and more on the cause. “I Want to Wear the Charity Shirt with Pride, Raise Awareness, and Enjoy the Experience,” He Says.

For any consider taking on the marathon thermoves one day, Ciaran has a Simple Piece of Advice: Sign Up. “Once You Commit, You’ll Find a Way to Get Through it.

You can Support Ciaran and Asthma + Lung Uk by Donating TIMES.