MY time spent moaning about training in the cold was really put into perspective this week when I looked at the work St Rocco’s do in the town.

The two months I’ve spent marathon training pales into insignificance when you learn of the invaluable support the hospice offers families in Warrington.

While I get in from a run and put my feet up with a coffee, their dedicated staff are working hour after hour, day after day, year after year to provide quality care for those with life-limiting illnesses.

Many who read this will either have benefitted from St Rocco’s support or know someone that has – since signing up I have already spoken to several people who have experienced that first-hand.

Only a third of the their funding comes from the NHS, and as the Warrington Guardian’s Charity of the Year we know each penny raised can make a difference.

St Rocco’s fundraising team said: “We are very lucky to have such fantastic supporters taking on incredible challenges to help raise vital funds for St. Rocco’s Hospice.

“St. Rocco’s is Warrington’s Hospice so we are extremely grateful to have the backing of the local community and people like Alex who are running for Rocco’s!”

You can donate to St Rocco’s via personalchallenge.everydayhero.com/uk/alex-bysouth

I’ve varied my training up this week with one of Endurance UK’s bike classes at David Lloyd on Monday, while also using the gym to keep on top of some core work.

Kay Fisher MSc BSc MCSP, a chartered physiotherapist at Stockton Heath & Lymm Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Clinic, says this is important to keep injuries at bay.

“In order to reduce the risk of injury when training for a marathon it is essential to have good ‘core stability’,” she said.

“Core muscles are primarily postural muscles. The important core muscles for running include the transversus abdominus and oblique abdominals, the gluteal muscles, posterior gluteus medius and gluteus maximus and the multifidus in the lower back.

“Core stability exercises aim to improve the function of these muscles and therefore improve running posture.

“Having a strong ‘core’ will not only help to prevent injuries but will improve performance and make you a more efficient runner.”

I complemented the core work with some long runs and a Fartlek session with the Birchwood group ahead of a big push this month.