Train for Change PT

I don’t normally write posts like this.

But having had time to reflect on the London Marathon, my perspective has changed.

I crossed the line feeling disappointed. I went into the race aiming for sub 2:50 and I didn’t achieve it. In that moment, it felt like I’d fallen short.

But with a bit of space and reflection, I’ve realised something important… I’ve actually come a very long way.

From multiple serious injuries, years of setbacks, and having to rebuild myself physically and mentally just to run again… to now running a 2:56 marathon.

It’s good to have goals. They matter. But it’s just as important to accept that setbacks are part of the process, and to recognise progress when it’s right in front of you.

It’s so easy to compare yourself to others. But that’s never the full picture.

And comparing yourself to people who are “better” is pointless anyway.

The only person you need to be better than is you.

Day by day. Week by week. Month by month. Year by year.

If you are improving, if you are moving forward, if you are becoming better than you were before… that is the only win that truly matters.

Keep going.

How did it go...🤣

This time next week, Sally begins an incredible challenge — walking a full marathon distance over four days 💙

Diagnosed with Parkinson’s nearly 14 years ago, just before her 44th birthday, Sally continues to show what’s possible with the right support, mindset, and consistent exercise. She’s remained active, independent, and a huge inspiration to everyone around her.

This is part of a wider Team Train For Change effort, with a number of challenges coming together for one cause. Every donation is going into one pot as we build towards the London Marathon, where I’ll be aiming to run sub 2:50.

It’s not just about one event — it’s about raising awareness, supporting those living with Parkinson’s, and showing what can be achieved together.

If you’re able to support, donate, or simply share, it genuinely makes a difference. Let’s get behind Sally as she starts this journey 👊

This week on my long run, I passed part of a route I used to run when I first started out 🏃‍♂️
And it genuinely made me stop and reflect
(not literally… that would affect my Strava stats 😅).

I spend a lot of time comparing myself to runners who are better than me.
That can be useful — it pushes me to improve,
but I’m terrible at acknowledging the wins along the way.

When I first started running, I could barely manage a few kilometres without being broken for days after 😅
Knees on fire 🔥
Walking like I’d aged 40 years overnight.

I had a decent fitness base from other training, but my body just couldn’t handle running.

I had one goal: complete a triathlon.
And to do that, I knew I had to be able to run 5km.

Things were simpler back then…
No fancy watch ⌚
No heart rate monitor 💓
No different shoes for different runs 👟

I never imagined that starting with 30 seconds jog / 30 seconds walk..... would one day turn into running 80km training weeks 🤯

So this is your reminder (and mine):
🟠 Stop only looking forward.
🟠 Look back sometimes.
🟠 Acknowledge the progress.

Because today’s normal was once your impossible 💪😄

Keep showing up — that’s literally the whole game.


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One of the most powerful parts of this fundraising journey has been the people around me who are taking on their own challenges to support Parkinson’s UK.

A month before I run the London Marathon, Sally will be walking the full marathon distance over four consecutive days, supported by friends who have been part of her Parkinson’s journey.

This is Sally’s story, in her own words.

"I can’t quite believe that I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s nearly 14 years ago, just a month before my 44th birthday.

Tom has been my personal trainer for the past eight years, and I am convinced that the regular, targeted exercise and encouragement he has provided have helped me to manage my symptoms and delay the progression of my condition. Exercise has played a huge role in helping me stay active, independent, and positive.

This April, Tom will be running the London Marathon, aiming to finish in under 2 hours and 50 minutes, to raise funds for Parkinson’s UK.

To support his challenge, I will be walking the same marathon distance over four consecutive days, one month before he runs.

I’ll be joined by friends who have supported me throughout my Parkinson’s journey, walking in locations that have inspired me and helped me maintain my love of walking over the years.

This challenge is one of several being led by Tom, all with the aim of raising awareness of Parkinson’s and supporting positive change."

Four Days, One Marathon, One Cause One of the most powerful parts of this fundraising journey has been the people around me who are taking on their own challenges to support Parkinson’s UK.A month before I run the London Marathon, Sally will be walking the full marathon distance over four consecutive days, supported by friends who ...

🏅 Medals for our Car Park Walking Marathon heroes! 🏅

A huge thank you to for these amazing medals! Every medal celebrates determination, resilience, and achievement from Tim and Dinah completing all 26.2 miles, to Sarah, Bill, Ian, Steve, and Simon conquering their own sections.

The event was about community, visibility, and movement. Friends, family, kids, and even dogs joined in to cheer and contribute laps.

It’s not too late to support this cause! Your donation goes directly to Parkinson’s UK, funding research and support for people living with Parkinson’s. 💙

Donate and share via the link in my bio!

What an effort by the team and great write up by Devon Live

Exeter trainer dons huge brain to walk marathon in honour Parkinson’s heroes Exeter trainer Tom Burridge raised over £7,500 for Parkinson’s UK by walking a marathon in a brain costume

WIN a £50 Voucher! ☕🥪

Only you need to do is...

GUESS MY PARKRUN TIME!

Oh...I will be wearing a giant brain costume!🧠🏃

I’m running Cranbrook Parkrun (5K) on Saturday 29th November at 9am to raise money for 💙

This is all part of my fundraising for the 2026 London Marathon and you can get involved!

🎯 HOW TO ENTER
💷 £5 entry
🏆 Closest guess wins!
🎁 Prize: £50 voucher for Hanlees Café — huge thanks to them for donating!
Their coffee and fresh lunches are incredible 👏

👉 To enter head here:
🔗 https://events.parkinsons.org.uk/fundraisers/tomburridge

When you donate, reference “Brain” and your predicted time (to the nearest second)

🏆 Closest guess wins!
(If two people pick the same time, I’ll message you and offer nearby options)

🧠 “Totally Scientific” Brain Run Fact Sheet

🏃‍♂️ 5K PB: 18:22 (05/08/25)
🏞️ Course: Cranbrook Parkrun – flat and fast (when not dressed as a brain)
🥇 Best Cranbrook Time: 19:15 (01/04/23)
🏃‍♂️ Most Recent Race: Bournemouth Half Marathon – 1:24:18
🧠 Costume Weight: TBC (heavier than my dignity after this)
📏 Size: TBC (somewhere between “funny” and “public hazard”)
🤔 Aerodynamics: Similar to a parachute

📅 COME DOWN & JOIN IN!
Run with me, cheer me on, or just come see how fast a giant brain can move! 😂

Saturday 29th November – 9am – Cranbrook Parkrun

💙 All proceeds go to Parkinson’s UK