This year, our Director of Finance, Sam, is taking on an extraordinary physical challenge, running 2.5 marathons to raise money for Field Studies Council.
This challenge is about far more than miles and medals. Growing up in a first‑generation immigrant family in an area of high deprivation, Sam understands first‑hand how transformative new opportunites can be. In this interview, he shares his personal journey into running, what motivates him to take on this demanding fundraiser, and why helping pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds experience the outdoors is a cause so close to his heart.
Sam will be running:
- Manchester Marathon 19th April
- London Marathon 26th April
- Great Birmingham Run 3rd May
Now lets get to know Sam a bit better…
Can you introduce yourself to our readers?
Hi I’m Sam, aged 58. I have spent nearly two decades working for Charitable Organisations and I currently work for Field Studies Council as the Director of Finance. Despite having a grand sounding and important job, I come from a humble background. I was born in the UK in the late 60’s to first generation Indian immigrants and growing up in an area of high deprivation with high unemployment and low housing quality. It is this upbringing, of which I truly enjoyed many aspects, that drives me to want to give back to communities as a way of saying thank you for the opportunities that this nation has afforded me.
Outside of work, I enjoy running, DIY, going to the pub with friends and spending time outdoors. Like most people, I also enjoy good TV, but none of that reality rubbish!
How did you get into running?
I was a late developer into enjoying running, actually hating it in my early school years as we only did cross-country when the weather was appalling and the PE teachers fancied a rest. What better way than to send us out to run for 3 miles around the school grounds in the pouring rain whilst they sat and drank coffee. I realised that I actually enjoyed running when I was 17 and joined the Territorial Army, as running was part of the physical testing. I really never looked back from then, participating in a number of organised 10k’s, half marathons and a couple of full marathons by my mid-twenties. I fondly remember running around the streets of Walsall, proudly wearing my £20 Hi-Tec Silver Shadows as I could not afford the really expensive trainers. If there is one thing my knees and ankles have learnt, it’s a good idea to pay a bit more for kit so that you can actually still walk pain free when you hit your 50’s.
Why do you run – what is your main motivation?
I run as a way of staying healthy, both physically and mentally. It used to be easier when I was younger, no stretching, just go out and run. Now I am a bit older, I have to warm up, run (a lot slower than I used to) and then do post run stretches as well. So much more time consuming.
What do you like most about running?
It’s the freedom to go whenever you want, wherever you want.
“I have explored many an area whilst out running over the years and, as I have lived in a number of areas across the UK, it has been a good way of discovering what is in my new neighbourhood.”
Are there any downsides to running?
When its really cold outside, you tend to get some frozen bits that can be fairly uncomfortable. For those who run, you know exactly what I mean!
What motivated you to take up this challenge?
I am an idiot!!
What is your link to the Field Studies Council?
I currently work for Field Studies Council as the Finance Director. It is such a great place to work and the proof is that I worked here before, left and still came back a few years later.
Where will the money be going when people sponsor you?
To help pupils from disadvantaged areas come to our centres so they can experience the outdoors and hopefully gain some valuable skills whilst they are with us.
Tell us why this cause is important to you?
I grew up as one of those children that we want to support.
I am from a first-generation immigrant family and we had little money when I was growing up. My dad worked in a foundry until he was made redundant when I was 12 years old. My parents had 6 children, so money was tight and I had my first job at the age of 10 and always worked late nights 3 days a week in a restaurant throughout my school years. People may not appreciate this, but there are still children living in the UK that have to do this, even today.
“If I can raise money to help some of these children experience something that is so far out of reach for them, it may show them that there are many opportunities out there that they may not even be aware of. Hopefully, a stay with us will ignite some curiosity within them.”
Have you run a marathon before?
Yes, two, but over 35 years ago.
What’s your current training schedule
I am following the Nike Running Club (NRC) marathon plan. It is a very good, free resource for all types of running and I would heartily recommend it.
Anything surprised you about the training process?
Yes, even though I used to run a lot, I was still running half marathons in 2023 before I became ill in early 2024, using the NRC App taught me that I have always been a lazy runner. I just did the same old thing day-in, day-out, what the NRC call a recovery run. The plan makes you mix it up and it is like having my own personal trainer for the first time ever.
How are you preparing mentally?
I am just looking ahead one week at a time, rather than how close the date is getting. Work gets in the way of training runs, but my NRC coach says “don’t worry about missing the odd run, learn to celebrate the one’s you complete.”
Any special food or meal plans?
I have put myself on a high protein diet to ensure proper muscle recovery and stop injuries.
Are you plagued by any injuries?
Yes, unfortunately I broke my left ankle pretty badly over 10 years ago. It has never been right since. As a consequence, I get constant injuries to my left calf and hamstring, which I am trying desperately to avoid.
Where do you find advice and support?
The NRC App is really useful. I use the Couch to 5K app from the NHS for warm up and post run stretching advice and I joined a running school on 26 Jan to help with my gait. Hopefully, all of this will get me prepped safely.
What’s your strategy on the big day?
Just take it one mile at a time. Starting off thinking it is 26 miles is a bit scary, instead I have broken it up into 8 Park runs in my head.
And once you’re done how will you celebrate?
Once all 3 races are completed, I am taking a week off from running, eat whatever I like and drink plenty of red wine.
If you could give a single piece of advice to new runners, what would it be?
Start easy, use something like the Couch to 5K plan to help you get into it. It is so much easier to take up running nowadays with the existence of smart phones. Training advice at your beck and call. Oh, and invest in a decent pair of running shoes, your knees will love you for it.
Our charity creates outstanding opportunities for everyone to learn about nature.
We are committed to engaging the widest range of people with the outdoors. We rely on donations from people like you to give grants to help disadvantaged children access outdoor learning when faced with financial barriers.
A huge thank you to Sam for taking up the momentous challenge of running the Manchester Marathon, London Marathon and the Great Birmingham Run on behalf of Field Studies Council.
We are all behind you, cheering you on!