Jane's 'Dynamic Year'

Jane Chaplin is a 46-year-old mother of four. She lives in Southend-on-Sea and works in London as a Senior Executive Officer for HMRC. Jane discovered Action in 2017 purely by accident, but now she’s determined to raise as much money as possible for the charity. This year she hopes to complete a ‘dynamic’ set of challenges. We spoke with her to find out more…

Jane Chaplin will run/trek more than 200 miles for Action in 2018

First of all Jane, tell us more about your ‘Dynamic Year’: what does it actually involve?

Well, it’s already underway – I did a 10km ‘London Winter Run’ in February and the Big Half Marathon at the beginning of the month… still to come is the London Landmarks, the Virgin Money London Marathon, an Ultra Marathon from London to Brighton, your Trek The Night: South Downs Way, a Half Marathon in the New Forest and the Snowdonia Marathon in October.

Phew, that list sounds exhausting! What gave you the idea in the first place to take on so many challenges?

I blame it all on your amazing events lady Sabrina! I initially got in touch after doing a google search to find places for the London Landmarks event. That’s when I stumbled upon Action Medical Research and found out you still had places available. Anyway, by the time I’d been given the green light to run in London I’d already signed up independently for the New Forest Half in September so I asked if I could also add this to the itinerary. Then I noticed your night trek and asked how I could sign up for that. I kind of progressed from there… I figured if I was going to spend the next year doing something I love, why not raise money for a really good cause!

That’s great news, thank you! A lot of people actually stumble across us when looking for events, especially bike rides…

I know, I can’t believe I hadn’t heard of you. Honestly once I found your website I was looking into all the research you help fund and was fascinated… I nearly missed out on a ‘London Landmarks’ place because I was too distracted to tap the ‘apply’ button! I have children so I have obviously benefitted from the work you have supported with ultrasound during pregnancy. When I was five months pregnant with my third daughter, I was told she had a dilated renal pelvis; this early diagnosis meant that she could be prescribed with vital medication from day one, resulting in limited pain and a significantly reduced risk of infection. I think the work you do is awesome!

"I figured if I was going to spend the next year doing something I love, why not raise money for a really good cause!"

So, out of all the events that you’re doing for us which one(s) are you most looking forward to?

I am honestly looking forward to them all, however if I had to pin it down to a smaller number it would have to be: the London Marathon because it’s the most iconic marathon in the world; and the Ultra – mainly because it’s just such an epic distance with the added bonus of a sports massage and food at the end of day one!

And any you’re NOT looking forward to?!

Ha! I honestly think it has to be the Snowdonia Marathon. There is a cut off of 18 miles in four hours, which I am sure I can do but it still feels like a pressure. I have covered 16 miles in just over three hours, however I reckon it will be cold, dull and just a little more elevation than my legs like. 

How much training are you having to do?

Not as much as you think! I am averaging 18 miles running per week; obviously there are more some weeks than others - still have to live right! In addition I am also currently training in a cheer leading squad and I also do ballet and pointe.
I always get to park run on a Saturday and a long 10+ miler every Sunday. Other than that I will go out 2-4 mornings in the week depending on the work/home load I have. I am now in the habit of a 4am alarm, out for a run at 5, back by 6 then on the train to London by 6.50. 

Are you managing to fit it in with work/family life?

Scarily, yes! By trade I am a project manager so time management is like breathing to me. I am lucky that all my children are older so can be left for short periods, although only the youngest is still at home. Somehow despite my training and commutes to work we are managing to squeeze in some precious family time, watching movies and eating dinner together. I even managed to decorate part of the house, although thanks have to go to my mum who helped a lot with that.

"...if your body is not in the same vein as the Mo Farah’s of this world it is better you go slow and finish than go to fast and end up injured."

If you had to give us one golden piece of training advice, what would it be?

Hmmmm… I suppose it would be: don’t compete with the elite runners. We are all on a personal journey; I am a very competitive person and in all sports I have taken part in I’ve always worked towards winning the gold medal. However running is the only thing I do where I don’t feel the need to achieve that. Not everyone will have a 10, 11 or even 12 minute mile pace and the beauty of this sport is no-one will judge you on how fast you go. You will get motivation, support and praise for any time and distance. You have to listen to your own body and if your body is not in the same vein as the Mo Farah’s of this world it is better you go slow and finish than go to fast and end up injured.

Find out more about Jane’s Dynamic Year for Action.

Feeling inspired? We have a number of fun events that you could get involved with to help raise money for Action – tap here for details.