Motivation

Meet our New Balance x SportsShoes 2024 TCS London Marathon Runners

Introducing our two New Balance x SportsShoes marathon runners for 2024, taking part in an international running exchange.

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The New Balance x SportsShoes international running exchange sees two runners, swap cities, communities and major marathons for a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Back in November ‘23 the SportsShoes team headed out to NYC to join Distance Project NYC and Yaz Johnson for the 2023 New York Marathon. 

Now, it’s time for our two superstars to take on the 2024 TCS London Marathon. 

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When it comes to running a marathon, we all have our individual reasons; maybe it’s your first 26.2 miles, a lifelong dream, maybe you’re dedicating your training to raising money for a good cause, or maybe, like our 2 New Balance x SportsShoes London Marathon runners, the atmosphere and energy London brings, is not something you want to miss out on. 

Let’s meet our runners…

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Athlete 1: Yaz Johnson

Hi! I'm Yaz, a 26 year old stylist living in Hackney, London. 

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Why do you run?
I run to keep fit because it's easy to fit in and around my busy work schedule. When I was younger I was a cross country runner but stopped when I got to secondary school because I was insecure about my boyish/athletic body and was getting to an age where you care about that stuff. I didn't actually get back into running until a few years ago when I moved to a new area and wanted to make friends. I craved weekend plans that didn't revolve around going out drinking and partying all the time. I don't have a preference when it comes to terrain. I love the lack of restriction for speed when it comes to road running but then love how trail running unlocks that nostalgia and heals your inner child as you run through mud, rivers and hills.  

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In terms of the experience, what are you most excited about? 
Like a lot of runners, I'm most excited to PB. This will be my second time doing London and I've got an entire year of running and strength training under my belt along with the experience of two other marathons. I'm just excited to see all the hard work pay off. My one bit of advice for beginner marathon runners is solely to enjoy it. You'll PB regardless of the time you run since it's your first marathon so there's no need putting the unnecessary stress and pressure on your body and mind. It's such a cliche but try to enjoy the process. You're dedicating yourself to 15 weeks of training and routine which is an incredible journey. Getting across that start line is such an achievement in itself. 

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Tell us more about your running community.

I run with a Hackney based running crew called Your Friendly Runners. I love running with those lot because they've genuinely become some of my best friends for life now. The community is a huge part of my life now with me spending 3-4 days/evenings a week with them all. As cringe as it is, I feel like I've finally found "my place" and "my people" in the Big Smoke.

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Athlete 2: Brittany Lane Blitzer

Hi! I'm Brittany, a coach, strategist for a nonprofit focused on supporting women leaders around the world who work on social and environmental challenges, and a mom to the coolest 15-month old daughter. I live in Manhattan, NYC. 

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Why do you run?

I was a soccer player – footballer to say it correctly! – for a long time. After university, I was feeling a bit burned out on it and needed a new physical outlet. I stumbled into running and never looked back. I love the simplicity of it, and how it offers both a sense of groundedness and a way to keep pursuing my potential. My heart feels most at home on the trails, and exploring in the mountains is one of my favourite things. But, living in NYC, I spend most of my time on the roads, and I've learned to appreciate the changing seasons in Central Park and running along the Hudson River. The running culture in NYC continues to astound me. 

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In terms of the experience, what are you most excited about? 

Postpartum running is a journey! I'm definitely training differently now than I did before becoming a mom, but it's also been fun to rebuild fitness in creative ways and find both physical and mental strength in new places. It's also such an inspiring time to be a mom and an athlete. This will be my second marathon after having my daughter, so while I always have some sort of goal in mind, I'm mainly just thrilled to have the opportunity to race in London alongside thousands of other amazing athletes and humans. I think big city marathons are uniquely exciting because it's so clear that you're part of something bigger than yourself. I think both runners and spectators get to see some of the best sides of humanity. For any runners new to the marathon, I'd say try to smile every single mile and trust that you're capable of more than you know!

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Tell us more about your running community.

I run with Distance Project NYC, a super rad all-female team full of smart, thoughtful, supportive and speedy ladies. Whether I have my best or hardest day on the run, it's more fun for me to share the experience with others. My teammates care about the sport as much as I do and also spend an absurd amount of time doing it. At the end of the day, we're all here to push ourselves, celebrate each other, and enjoy the process. 

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About New Balance

New Balance are committed to supporting athletes in their pursuit of excellence. Whether that means helping professional athletes set records and win medals, or propelling everyday athletes to achieve a new PR, run their first 5K or just to live a more healthy and active lifestyle. Their products are the perfect blend of function and fashion, giving you the performance technology you need and the style you want. While they offer the best product on the market, they're also equally committed to giving back. So while they look to succeed, their ultimate goal is to help you achieve yours.

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Are you feeling inspired? Then join our SportsShoes Strava Run Club and become part of our inclusive community.
And for more inspirational tips to become stronger, better and happier, then check out our Motivation category. Because it’s no fun standing still.