The Model and Running Fanatic

The Model and Running Fanatic 45 Tells us Why She’s Running London Marathon Again This Year

Nell McAndrew

HOW’S YOUR TRAINING GOING?

It’s been seven years since my last marathon, and this is the first year I felt I had the time and energy to commit to the training since having my daughter, Anya in 2013. I was following a training programme, but getting ’flu took out a big chunk of training, and life has got in the way so I’ve had be flexible. I’ve always kept up my running, doing The Great North Run half marathon last year, but I’d forgotten how hard the long runs are. I’m definitely feeling all the miles right now. The build-up is the hardest part so I’m counting down the days!

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HOW DO YOU POWER YOUR WORKOUTS?

I eat as simply as I can with lots of raw veg such as spinach and beetroot. I love watercress, which is an amazing superfood rich in protein, iron, calcium and vitamins A, B6, C and K, so I’m supporting The Watercress Company’s #watercresschallenge, where you share your favourite ways on how to use it – mine is with scrambled eggs. I build up my protein with loads of eggs and cans of mackerel, plus tons of nuts, washed down with lots of herbal tea. I don’t really drink alcohol as it affects my sleep, training, mood and skin. The idea of going out for a drink doesn’t work for me as a mum.’

WHAT OTHER WORKOUTS DO YOU ENJOY?

As I’ve got older, I’ve become more focused on building strength, so I’m really looking forward to returning to my weekly City Strongman classes at The Foundry gym in Vauxhall, London (foundryfit.com), after the marathon. I love the feeling of achievement you get from flipping the big tyres, hitting them with hammers and lifting Atlas stones. I also tried CrossFit last year and really enjoyed it. I’d say I’m fitter and stronger now than I was 20 years ago.’

WHAT DRIVES YOU TO KEEP ENTERING EVENTS?

I love the challenge, and I love being in a position where I can raise awareness and lots of money for charities. I’ve lost track of how much I’ve raised over the years, but it’s in the hundreds of thousands.

When you get older, you come into contact with more people affected by disease and illness – my dad’s had cancer, my grandad had Alzheimer’s and my grandma had vascular dementia – and realise how important it is to support charities.’