Luc Forster, a wonderful member of our Les Quennevais Sports Centre team, is preparing to take on the Manchester Marathon on Sunday, 27th April, to raise vital funds for the British Heart Foundation. We caught up with him to find out how his marathon journey is going:
A Passion for Fitness
"My passion for fitness started with boxing—it really ignited my love for training. As I learned more about nutrition, I began creating healthy, balanced meals to support my workouts. Running soon became part of my routine to improve my cardio fitness."
"I started running in October 2021 because I love being outdoors and immersed in nature. Over time, I began to truly enjoy running."
From 10km Races to Marathons
"In 2022, I took part in the 10km run for Kezia, supporting mental health initiatives for children and young people in Jersey. I really enjoyed the challenge, and it inspired me to do more!"
"By 2023, I decided I wanted to push myself out of my comfort zone and take on something new and different—the Manchester Marathon. Since then, I’ve participated in several local events, including the Hospice2Hospice Relay, the Headway 16km, and a Half Marathon to help me build up to the big event."
Training and Preparation
"I also take part in the weekly parkrun at Les Quennevais on Saturdays—I’ve done around 45 so far! Parkrun is great for helping me pace my runs and improve my cardio. In addition to running, I do regular cardio and weight training, as well as 27km training runs."
"I’m incredibly grateful for my friend Claire, who has been a huge support in my training."
"I take a mindful approach to training, always listening to my body and making time for recovery. If I have an injury, I adjust my schedule to work around it. Recovery is just as important as training! I also do two- to three-minute cold plunges, which help both mentally and physically. Breathwork is another crucial aspect of my running routine."
Running for a Cause
"I chose to raise money for the British Heart Foundation because they supported my dad through his heart surgery. I’m especially thankful to Oxford Hospital for the care they provided."
"The fundraising has been amazing—I’ve received so much support—but I’m hoping to raise even more before I head to Manchester."
Staying Motivated
"Throughout my training, I stay motivated by remembering my goal. I tell myself to never give up and to keep pushing."
"My advice to anyone considering a marathon challenge? If you want to do it, go for it! Don’t hold yourself back—stick to your training, and you will get there."
"Crossing the finish line will be an incredible moment for me, marking the end of this first chapter in my Manchester Marathon journey. It has been an emotional and rewarding experience since I first decided to enter in 2023."