Up until a couple of years ago, I used to be overweight. After a conversation with my doctor where I was given the news that I was pre-diabetic, I decided it was time to make a proper lifestyle change. I’m a secondary school teacher, and last year a few of my colleagues ran a marathon for charity. It got me thinking, could I take on a challenge like that too?
During a staff meeting, they mentioned running it again and jokingly said, “Why don’t you give it a go?” It was said in a slightly mocking way, and I remember thinking, ‘Alright then, I’ll show you!’
Since then, I’ve lost 4 stone through changes in my diet and regular exercise. I entered the marathon ballot but didn’t get a place the first time. I wasn’t a runner at all back then (and still don’t even really consider myself one now!), but I’m actually starting to enjoy running. I wanted to run for a cause that really means something to me, and migraine immediately came to mind.
I’ve lived with migraine since childhood and missed a lot of primary school because of it. The attacks eased off for a few years but came back later, and when they hit, they’re awful. They really do affect your life, and there’s not much others can do to help in the moment. Even at work, when people ask how they can support me, there’s often nothing practical that can be done.
I’ve often had to work through migraines because I can’t just lie down for half an hour in my role. I teach Catering, Food and Hospitality, so my subject area is very active and hands-on and I’m also head of Year 8 and 9 so I often have no real choice but to push through. Migraine does affect a lot of areas of life – I can’t drink alcohol or caffeine, for example, small sacrifices really, but they make a difference.
Despite that, I’ve come a long way. I’m now well past the pre-diabetic stage, my running is improving, and I feel so much healthier. Losing weight was the original goal, running the marathon feels like an incredible bonus. The support at school has been amazing; the students are excited for me.
This whole journey has been a huge mindset shift. Being told I was pre-diabetic was the wake-up call I needed. As a food teacher, I already had good nutritional knowledge, but I started logging everything I did and really held myself accountable.
I was also diagnosed with ADHD in my 40s, which definitely played into my motivation to run. When that person laughed and jokingly suggested I take on the marathon, that little spark of ADHD determination kicked in – I wanted to prove I could!
These changes haven’t been easy, but the benefits have been huge. My migraine attacks have become less frequent, I feel fitter and healthier, and running has become something I genuinely enjoy.
Connecting with the other marathon runners for #TeamMigraine has been great. Now we even have a WhatsApp group where we support each other, share our runs on Strava, and cheer one another on. Doing it together makes such a difference – it’s a real team effort.
If you would like donate then look here: https://2026tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/jonathan-dix