What happens when marathon training is complete, but your confidence suddenly disappears?

Amber Whitaker returns to the Bitten by the Running Bug podcast to talk openly about her experience of maranoia in the weeks leading up to the 2026 London Marathon.

Despite completing her training and a 20 mile long run, Amber found the taper brought increasing self doubt and anxiety. Social media made those feelings worse, as her feeds filled with experienced and faster runners whose training, goals and expectations looked very different from her own.

Amber talks to Tim about questioning whether she was worthy of running a marathon, struggling through her final training runs and experiencing anxiety so intense that she considered not starting the race at all.

They also discuss the pressure created by running content online, why comparing yourself with other runners can be so damaging and how everything changed once Amber reached the start line and found herself surrounded by thousands of runners just like her.

An open conversation about marathon anxiety, social media, the strange final weeks of the taper and learning to trust the training you have already done.

For more podcasts go to https://www.sapphirerunningzone.com/podcasts.

Keywords: maranoia, marathon anxiety, Amber Whitaker, London Marathon, marathon training, marathon taper, first marathon, running anxiety, social media and running, marathon nerves, marathon confidence, first time marathon runner, running mental health, marathon preparation, Bitten by the Running Bug, Sapphire Running Zone

Bonnie Elliott sent 50 personal letters to friends and family to support her London Marathon fundraising for Phab. By the time we recorded this episode of Bitten By The Running Bug podcast, she estimated that at least 30 recipients had donated.

Bonnie explains why she looked beyond social media, what she included in each letter and how she made her request personal. She shares the cost and time involved, the response she received and why donations continued to arrive weeks later.

Bonnie also talks about the New York City Marathon, her journey to 30 marathons and her advice for first time marathon runners. Her letter idea could be adapted by anyone fundraising through a run, from a 5K to a marathon.

For more podcasts go to https://www.sapphirerunningzone.com/podcasts.

If you'd like to join Bonnie and run for Phab you can find out more here

Keywords

fundraising ideas for runners, charity running, running for charity, fundraising letters, personal fundraising ideas, marathon fundraising, half marathon fundraising, London Marathon fundraising, Bonnie Elliott, Phab

Alice Sullivan once thought a marathon was beyond her. In this episode of Bitten by the Running Bug, she tells Tim how she went from 10Ks and half marathons to running London, Rome and an overnight virtual marathon.

Alice shares the fundraising ideas that worked for her, including supermarket treadmill sessions and a curry and quiz night. She also explains why she carried thirteen names on her vest during the London Landmarks Half Marathon, and how the families supported by Kids Cancer Charity give meaning to her miles.

If you’re starting to run, considering a longer distance or looking for fresh fundraising ideas, Alice has plenty of practical advice to share.

For more podcasts go to https://www.sapphirerunningzone.com/podcasts.

If you'd like to join Alice and run for Kids Cancer Charity you can find out more here

Keywords

Fundraising Ideas, Running For Charity, Charity Running, Marathon Training, London Marathon, Beginner Running, Alice Sullivan