Paris Marathon: Marie Turlington, saved by running
Running can change a life. For Marie Turlington, it has been much more than just a sport: it has been an outlet that has helped her rediscover the joy of life. Today, her sights are set on the Paris Marathon, a challenge that seemed out of reach just a few years ago, but one she is now eager to take on.
Marie Turlington is one of those who have experienced a true rebirth through running. Not everyone goes through their forties in the same way, and for the 44-year-old from Nuneaton, the past few years have been particularly challenging. Struggling with a mental health condition that weakened her and constantly fed self-doubt, she had been sinking into a dark place until she discovered running ten months ago. Since then, her life has completely changed — for the better, of course.
She has reconnected with her loved ones — her husband and her 16-year-old son — from whom she had grown somewhat distant, often not in the mood to interact when she came home in the evening. “I don’t have the words to explain how much it has helped me, but you feel so amazing after a run,” the British woman says. “By running three to four times a week, I would come back completely different. I felt like talking, like organizing time with my family.” The power of endorphins? Almost magical… best enjoyed in moderation.
| Running: a vital outlet
In a way, running saved her. “Running has been a real breath of fresh air,” she says. Like many others, she found in every stride a way to rebuild herself, driven by the desire to move forward. Writing down her goals made all the difference. Last May, she completed the Birmingham Half Marathon in 2:15, hitting her target time. “I’m so happy I did it,” she says, reflecting on how far she has come. Not long ago, that distance felt out of reach. Now, she is aiming higher: a marathon is within her grasp. “When you put in the effort, it pays off. With the right mindset, you can do anything. I can’t believe I’m going to run a marathon… and now, a half marathon feels easy,” she smiles, having lowered her personal best to 1:58.
« Going for a run was a real breath of fresh air. »
Marie Turlington
| The marathon as the ultimate achievement
To prepare as best as possible for her first marathon, the dedicated runner pinned on race bibs one after another, from 5Ks to half marathons. Four times a week, Marie Turlington heads out into the English streets. Despite the harsh winter conditions typical of the British climate, she never gave up: three runs of 5 to 10 km during the week, including interval training or hill work, followed by a long run on Sundays. “It was very demanding mentally, because I was running in the cold, on icy roads, in the rain,” she explains, driven by the time she had set her sights on: 4:15.
But ultimately, the result doesn’t really matter. Whatever happens, she’ll come out of this experience a better person. “I’m so excited to run the Paris marathon. The atmosphere on the day will be incredible. I’ll be over the moon when I cross the finish line; it’ll be a huge achievement for me,” she enthuses. What drew her to the Paris race is as much the atmosphere as the challenge: completing the distance within the 7-hour time limit, and above all, seeing it through to the end without collapsing.
| 42 km of solidarity
Once she crosses the finish line of the iconic Paris Marathon, Marie Turlington will be able to thank the When You Wish Upon A Star, which invited her to run the 42.195 km in support of its cause. A challenge she took on to help, through her fundraising, grant wishes to children suffering from serious or life-threatening illnesses. Her initial goal of £1,000 has already been reached, thanks to her colleagues and friends, but also to her active presence on social media. “I often post my runs, so people could see the effort I was putting in,” she explains. She will step up to the start line with pride, but also a certain sense of apprehension, determined not to give up in the face of adversity. “When it gets tough, I’ll think about the wonderful moments the children will experience, and that will help me,” she says.
This is just the start of a great adventure with Marie Turlington, who is already aiming to run the London Marathon next year, if she manages to secure a race number. The race to secure a place is on… Will she rise to this new challenge? There’s no doubt about it: her second life has only just begun.
✓ Marie Turlington completed the Paris Marathon in 4 hours, 11 minutes and 37 seconds: mission accomplished for the British runner. The door is now wide open for new adventures… Watch this space.
➜ To support Marie Turlington’s cause
Sabine LOEB
Journaliste