*UPDATED – Post Therme Manchester Marathon*

I have nothing but positive feedback. The support and organisation was great!

I started off having a really weird day when nothing seemed to feel right. I changed my running outfits a few times, ditched my water bottles, couldn’t decide on my nutrition, went to the toilet more often than usual, yet still turned up and had a good day.

I managed 5h15m but time didn’t matter to me. What does matter though is that there was no health-related incidents yesterday and my heart seems to be just fine today too [Monday – 4^th April]. This really means the world to me and gives me extra confidence with my hear condition.

I want to pass on my big thanks to everyone – Therme Manchester Marathon really pulled it off and EVERYONE have had great day! 🥰

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Today we’re meeting Slav Wojcik, a personal trainer who is no stranger to fitness challenges (having completed many half, full and ultra-marathons, even an Ironman!) but has a very personal reason behind why he takes on these challenges. In 2021 Slav almost died after severe sepsis caused him to be hospitalised, therefore every challenge is a testament to his desire to overcome all obstacles and prove the impossible is always possible.

Hi Slav, please tell us more about yourself!  

I’m Slav, aged 42 years old, and I am a British personal trainer with Polish roots. I am also a proud father of two based in Stafford, and a business owner of One Step Closer & CbdFit.

What is your personal reason for you tackling the 26.2 mile challenge? 

My main reasons for taking part in all kinds of competitions was to challenge myself, face my fears, build up confidence, motivate others and prove to myself that I’m capable to achieve things that I once thought were impossible to achieve. This year’s attempt of 26.2miles has an even deeper meaning. It will be almost a year since I got seriously ill with severe sepsis and survived a near death experience with doctors having to twice bring me back to life.

Although I’ve survived, my life turned upside down and I ended up with a lifetime heart condition. I didn’t give up though and here I am back to doing what I love. Just with different goals and slight health adjustments! I am taking on new challenges to stay motivated, disciplined, and consistently prove to the world that nothing is impossible.

Why did you decide to enter Manchester? 

Manchester Marathon was actually the first marathon event that I had ever done, and therefore I wanted to come back to do it again out of sentimentality. I remember I was really impressed with the event organisation, support and the atmosphere, so I am sure it will be no different this year. There’s few of my team members coming to Manchester to compete and support, and my wife is also running with me.

A personal question but what does running mean to you?  

If you had asked me few years ago, I would have told you that I’m not a fan of running (I hated it), but I think this was due to me not being very good at it! I have asthma so I always struggled controlling my breathing when running. However I made the decision to start working on my weaknesses, and eventually I got to liking running and recognising all the benefits that come from it.

Now, running for me is so much more than physical fitness, improving heart and lung health, or weight loss… it has become a contemplation time, almost kind of meditation. It is my time, time when all types of ideas come to my head – business ideas, personal life, issues that may need solving. In addition, taking part in events gives me that confidence boost, endorphins, and dopamine release.

What do your friends and family think of you doing this challenge? Have you got anyone coming down to support you on the day?

They all joke that I am mad doing all my training and competitions, but I know they all fully support me in what I do. I do get a lot of support not only from friends and family but from clients too.

What does your training plan look like? 

My training plan differs to what I’d do before sepsis and its mainly MAF training (low heart rate runs to strengthen my heart).

What are you most looking forward to on the day? 

I’m really looking forward to that excitement that courses through your veins when you arrive at the venue. I can’t wait to see/ hear all the support around the course and of course the crossing of the finish line feeling. This one is going to be an emotional one.