Watford Half Marathon: Our Runners

Next month the Watford Half Marathon will be taking place. We currently have 19 people running on behalf on Hertfordshire Mind Network. One of our runners Helen Rhodes has shared with us some thoughts and insights into her reasons for running the marathon.

Why did you sign up to run the Watford Half Marathon?

To save our Deputy Head from having to don his trainers!

Why do you support Herts Mind Network?

I work as an MFL (Modern Foreign Languages) Teacher and Head of Year in a Hertfordshire school and have seen first hand the fabulous work Herts Mind Network do and the support they offer students in our school community.

What would your one tip for training for a Half Marathon be?

Join a local running club so that you have a community and coach to support you with your training.

What is your pre run meal?

A big bowl of pasta with a side of garlic bread and some salad (for health).

How will you celebrate completing the Watford Half Marathon?
More food and a decent nap. 

If you were stranded on an island and could take only three items, what would they be?
Pen and paper (I’m counting that as one!), running shoes, my GPS running watch to aid my terrible sense of direction 

Anything else you would like readers to know?

I will be running with two of my fellow Heads of Year and we are all quite competitive!

You can support Helen through her Just Giving page at www.justgiving.com/page/missrhodessbas

Posted on: 7th January 2026