From Non-Runner to Marathon Finisher! YSN Member Lana Meakin Interview

1. Please can you give a brief introduction to yourself and your storage career?

I started working at Magenta Self Storage in St Albans as a part-time sales assistant in 2007. I briefly departed the industry but didn’t stay away for long and worked my way up to Branch Manager. I am still here and loving it 15 years later! I joined the Young Storage Network a couple of years ago and have really enjoyed getting involved with the various meetings and educational sessions. YSN membership is about more than just improving my self storage knowledge, it’s also about connections and personal development. Being a member certainly gave me the confidence that I could tackle a massive challenge like a marathon.

2. What made you decide to run a marathon in 2022?

On 4th July 2021, I lost my beautiful, kind, and funny best friend Hayley at just 30 years old to a rare aggressive cancer called Sarcoma. She battled for 8 months in total. She lost the use of her legs, and we still had our legs so Hayley’s mother and I thought the best way to honour Hayley was to challenge ourselves the hardest way possible whilst raising money and awareness. Sarcoma UK receives no government funding and relies on generous donations from trusts and foundations, and they rely on people like us to raise anything we can. Sarcoma UK is an under-resourced aspect of cancer research with low survival rates. They need all the support they can get!

3. Can you tell us about the training involved? 

I am not a runner. So, I was advised to start with the Couch to 5k app. I would advise all non-runners to start here. It teaches you about technique, breathing and pace. After I finished the app, I could just go out running for as long as I had time to run as the breathing control came naturally which is what most people struggle with. It turned out to be very enjoyable.

4. What did you think of the London route and the atmosphere?

The London Marathon was a 26.2-mile street party. The residents of the areas we ran through really embraced the event and made it a nonstop party. We passed brass bands, bagpipes, drag queens, comedians, singers, and steel drums. Strangers were shouting out our names constantly which pushed you on so much.

5. What would be your advice to somebody thinking about running a marathon?

Even if you have never run a day in your life. You can do it! I ran alongside people from all backgrounds, some with disabilities, people in their 80s, men in full-on firefighting gear and people in fancy dress. I’m a chubby little crisp lover. If I can do it, then so can you! It will be one of the biggest achievements of your life. Not only will you feel prouder of yourself than you have ever felt before but everyone who loves you will feel the same. If you are struggling with grief or with your mental health, training for the marathon drags you out of bed, it makes you do something positive for yourself, it gives your mind a break and not just while you’re running.

6. Would you run a marathon again (for a good cause or otherwise)?

Anyone who knows me knows going to a festival is my happy place. But I would take a spot in the marathon any day over a festival. As soon as my foot crossed that finish line, I said never again. 2 days later I entered the ballot for the 2023 London Marathon but unfortunately was not successful.

If you would like to know more about Hayley’s story, you can watch the viral video from her Facebook page Hayley Maggie Smith.

Or, check out my blog at www.magentastorage.co.uk/ running-the-london-marathon-for sarcoma-uk/ www.justgiving/fundraising/ hayleysmith2121