Preparing for a Charity Run – Our Top Tips for Solicitors

Springtime puts a pep in our step in more ways than one – and it’s the time of year when people start preparing for a charity run that may be taking place over the summer months.

The easy part is signing up; the hard part is everything that happens after that. While some are seasoned pros at running marathons, for others however, it may feel like a significant undertaking.

Whether the motivation is to support a cause that’s close to your heart, improve your physical and mental wellbeing, or take on a new challenge, charity runs offer an opportunity to step outside the day-to-day routine of legal practice.

Below, we share some practical, realistic tips (aimed at solicitors, but really, these are great tips for everyone!) to help you prepare for your challenge, stay motivated, and most importantly, enjoy the experience.

Why Charity Runs Appeal to Legal Professionals

Solicitors are no strangers to discipline, structure, and long-term commitment. And luckily, these are qualities that translate well to preparing for a charity run. But it’s not just the personal benefits. Recently, we were joined by Eoghan O’ Sullivan, Fundraising Manager for Breakthrough Cancer Research for our Live Q&A in our Members Hub. And he talked to us about Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and the value for businesses, such as law firms, who participate in charity events.

Here’s what he had to say:

“CSR helps firms to show the human side of their business. Clients, employees and referral partners increasingly choose who they work with based on values, not just expertise. Being associated with a cause that resonates with others sends a strong message about the kind of firm you are. And when a team comes together around a charity challenge or fundraising goal, the energy it creates is something you can’t manufacture through a standard team-building exercise.”

Beyond the physical benefits, there are additional advantages:

• Mental clarity and stress relief away from desk-based work
• A structured goal outside of professional responsibilities
• Opportunities for networking and community engagement
• A sense of purpose through supporting a charitable cause

So, with the right approach and discipline, training for a run can complement, rather than compete with, a busy schedule.

Preparing for a Charity Run: Tips for success

Start with a Realistic Plan

One of the most common pitfalls when preparing for a charity run is doing too much too soon. As Stephen Guise outlines in his book, Mini Habits, “One small step + desired behaviour equals high probability of further steps.” What this means is that a structured, gradual approach is far more sustainable. The last thing you want to do is burn out completely within the first week of training.

Perhaps treat training like any other professional commitment—scheduled, realistic, and consistent.

Key considerations when starting out:

• Choose a distance that aligns with current fitness levels (e.g. 5km, 10km)
• Set a training timeline (typically 8–12 weeks depending on experience)
• Schedule runs at times that are least likely to be disrupted (early morning, lunchtime, or evenings)
• Build in rest days to allow for recovery

Aim for consistency rather than intensity, particularly in the early stages.

Build Training into a Busy Schedule

Time is often the primary barrier for busy legal professionals. However, short, focused sessions can be highly effective. Rather than aiming for perfection, the goal should be sustainability.

Practical ways to fit training into a legal schedule:

• Short weekday runs (20–30 minutes): manageable before or after work
• Longer weekend runs: to gradually build endurance
• Use commute time creatively: where possible, incorporate walking or running
• Treat sessions as non-negotiable appointments

Going from the office to the courthouse? Consider throwing on your running shoes instead of taking the car. We understand this might not always be possible. However, it could be a clever time-saving way of killing two birds with the one stone. And there’s the added advantage of getting some time in the outdoors during the working week.

Even three short runs per week can lead to great progress when done consistently.

Avoid Common Training Mistakes

When preparing for a charity run, it is easy to fall into patterns that increase the risk of injury or burnout.

Some common mistakes include:

• Increasing distance too quickly
• Skipping rest and recovery days
• Neglecting warm-ups and cool-downs
• Wearing unsuitable footwear
• Comparing progress to others

The final point is very important – a training schedule that works for one, will not work for another. If you and your colleagues are taking part as a team, you should remember that everyone will be starting out with different fitness levels. Paddle your own canoe, as the saying goes. And while you might be accustomed to setting yourself to high performance standard in your legal career, out on the running track, having a more patient mindset will benefit you in the long run.

Fuel, Hydration and Recovery

Physical preparation extends beyond running itself. Proper nutrition and recovery play a key role in keeping your energy levels right and avoiding fatigue.

Simple, practical guidelines:

• Stay well hydrated throughout the day
• Eat balanced meals with a mix of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats
• Avoid skipping meals due to work pressures
• Prioritise sleep where possible
• Incorporate light stretching or mobility work

To this end, if you’d like to know more about nutrition, our webinar Fuelling Success: Practical Nutrition Tips for Solicitors with Performance Nutritionist, and Registered Dietitian Orla Walsh is well worth a watch.

Preparing for a Charity Run: Reaching your fundraising goals

For some, the fundraising aspect can feel more daunting than the run itself. Times are tough with the cost of living constantly on the up. So, you may feel uncomfortable about asking people to donate to your charity run. However, you want to raise as much as money as possible, especially after all your efforts.

With that, the most straightforward, authentic approach is the one that will get the euros flowing in.

Don’t be afraid to put those excellent communication skills that you use in your professional life as a solicitor to good use. And some gentle persuasion goes a long way.

Effective fundraising tips:

• Clearly explain the cause and why it matters personally
• Set a realistic fundraising target
• Use professional networks (colleagues, clients, LinkedIn) appropriately
• Provide occasional updates on training progress
• Express genuine appreciation for contributions

If we could leave you with one final tip – speak from the heart.

Race Day Preparation: Keep It Simple

As the event approaches, don’t let negative thoughts get into your head. Keep your focus firmly on the end goal by preparing for the day ahead and avoid any unnecessary stress.

On the day, consider the following:

• Lay out clothing and equipment the night before
• Allow extra time for travel and arrival (particularly if your run is taking place in a city centre where certain streets are blocked off)
• Eat a familiar, light meal beforehand
• Warm up gently before the start
• Pace conservatively—particularly in the early stages

At this point, you have done all you can do. The goal here is not a perfect run or beating your personal best. It’s about reaching that finish line and enjoying the journey.

Mentally Preparing for a charity run: Managing Nerves and Expectations

Nerves are completely normal ahead of a charity run, especially if it’s your first time taking part in one. You may well recognise similar feelings of apprehension before court appearances or important meetings.

The same principles apply:

• Focus on preparation already completed
• Avoid overthinking performance
• Break the run into manageable segments
• Maintain a steady, comfortable pace

Completing the run is a significant achievement, regardless of your finishing time. Give yourself a clap on the back and celebrate your personal win.  

The Broader Benefits Beyond the Finish Line

While the event itself is important, many of the benefits extend beyond race day.

As a knock-on effect of your efforts, you may find that you have:

• Improved your overall fitness and energy levels
• Mastered skills for better stress management
• A greater work-life balance awareness
• Increased confidence in setting and achieving personal goals

Particularly for solicitors, there are all outcomes that have a positive effect on your professional and personal wellbeing.

Preparing for a Charity Run? Why not join Team SGN for Calcutta Run 2026?

The Calcutta Run is back for 2026, raising vital funds for homelessness services in Ireland and Kolkata. This year’s charity partners are the Dublin Simon Community and the Hope Foundation.

The main event – the Dublin Run & Walk & Finish Line Festival – takes place on Saturday 23^rd of May 2026 at the Law Society of Ireland. But there are plenty more happening across the week, including the Cork Calcutta Run on Sunday 24^thMay 2026.

As always, SGN will be entering a team into the run. All Team SGN members will receive a goodie bag including a t-shirt. It’s a great day out for a brilliant cause and even better when you’re doing it alongside your fellow SGN colleagues. If you’d like to join Team SGN this year, you can sign up here.

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