From CrossFitter to Marathoner: How REP's Caitlin Jones Conquered London

Caitlin Jones, REP Fitness Director of Sales, never considered herself a runner. If it didn't involve a soccer ball or a required 400m in a CrossFit WOD, she wasn't lacing up. Then her dad's battle with Parkinson's disease progressed, and everything changed. On Sunday, April 26, 2026, Caitlin crossed the finish line at the London Marathon as part of Team Fox, the Michael J. Fox Foundation's official marathon team, raising $10,000 for Parkinson's research in a city her dad calls home.

We caught up with Caitlin to talk training, fueling, race day emotions, and why London has "forever ruined marathons" for her (her words, and she means it as a compliment).

The Interview

You never planned to run a marathon. What changed?

"I never had any intention of running a marathon. I ran the Denver half marathon last year for the Davis Phinney Foundation for Parkinson's, and around that time, my dad's fight with the disease had progressed significantly. I finished that half wanting to do more and found out the Michael J. Fox Foundation sends a team to London every year. My dad is from London, so it would be even more meaningful to run for him there. I applied on a whim and a few weeks later received an email that said, 'You're running the London Marathon with Team Fox.'"

What did your training look like?

"I was running four to five days a week and then working on single-plane and unilateral strength training two days a week. Runs varied between tempo, intervals, and the fun weekend long run that increased in distance over time. I also swam once a week to give my body a break from impact while still working on aerobic capacity."

Read More: Strength Training for Runners

Did you deal with any injuries or self-doubt along the way?

"No significant injuries popped up, thankfully. I think I was smart about ramping up volume and letting my body get used to it. Self-doubt definitely crept in a few times, though. There were moments I found myself saying, 'I'm not a runner, I'm not good at this.' But then I'd remind myself how far I'd come and how every week I continued to surprise myself."

What did nutrition and fueling look like in prep and on race day?

"My nutrition didn't change a ton in prep. I found myself needing more carbs on longer run days, but for the most part I was consistent with my normal. The day before I kept meals really simple to avoid gut issues. Morning of the race I had eggs, toast, banana, and coffee. It was my usual long-run breakfast, easy on the stomach but enough fuel to get started. Once the race began, I had a gel every 30-ish minutes for 25g of carbs, plus water every two-ish miles. I never cramped, never zonked, and finished feeling like I could have gone harder."

Did you use any Purist supplements during training?

"I did! All my long runs were fueled with Purist® Hydration (Peach Mango all day, no gut issues whatsoever). Strength training days I used the pre-workout, and I took a daily scoop of Purist® Creatine and Whey Protein every day. The only non-Purist products I used during prep and race day were gels and a multivitamin."

How was race day?

"I can't even begin to describe it. It was the most magical and emotional day. The whole city transforms into one big family, everyone celebrating and encouraging the runners. The sub-two-hour marathon was achieved by two runners in London this year, and the most runners in marathon history crossed the line (59,820 people). But behind all that, the stories of everyone running and how the city created a community supporting you was truly life-changing. London has forever ruined marathons for me because nothing will ever compare."

What was your goal going in?

"My first priority was to enjoy it and to remind myself of my why. I'd be lying if I said I didn't have a time goal, and while I missed it, I ended the race feeling strong and like I could have gone faster. I'd rather that feeling than the opposite, going too fast and crashing before the end. The other goal was to fundraise $10,000 for the Michael J. Fox Foundation. I achieved that, and as a team of 20 runners, we raised $300,000 for the Foundation. Every dollar helps them find a cure."

Anything you'd do differently?

"I wish I'd entered a different finish-time estimate so I'd have been in a pacing group more aligned with my goal. But honestly, I'm just happy to have enjoyed every mile, never felt discomfort, and left feeling ready to do it again."

Are you signed up for the next one?

"Not technically! I did run the Denver half this past weekend after a friend backed out, having only run three times since London. I'm already scoping out the next marathon, though. My new goal is to do all the majors, so here goes nothing. In the meantime, I'm enjoying getting back under some weight but still incorporating two to three runs a week. Denver Hyrox is next."

Read More: Hyrox Training Nutrition Plan

Caitlin's Tips for Aspiring Marathoners

Training

"Do not skip your strength training, especially single-plane and unilateral movements. It helps with injury prevention and gives you variety to keep training fun. Don't skip your recovery and mobility work either. With all the impact your body takes, you need to make sure the muscles around your joints are loose and well taken care of. And ramp up appropriately. Let your body get acclimated to the distance without time goals first."

Nutrition

"Fuel! I needed way more hydration and fuel during my long runs than I thought. It took a few miserable long runs to learn the hard way. Don't try anything new on race day. Use your long runs to experiment with different fueling items and timing so that when race day comes, you know what works. And carbs become a huge focus on those long days, but don't short your protein either."

Mindset

"Just start running. Don't put expectations on yourself. Every week you'll look at your long run and think, 'Ugh, that's so long.' But then you do it. And the next week comes, and it's a little longer, and you think the same thing. But you do it again, and again, and every week you find yourself proud of your body and learning to enjoy the journey."

Takeaway

Caitlin went from actively avoiding running to completing one of the world's most iconic marathons, all while raising $10,000 for Parkinson's research in her dad's hometown. Her formula was simple: consistent training, smart fueling, strength work alongside the miles, and a reason to run that was bigger than any finish time. If you've been telling yourself you're "not a runner," Caitlin's story is proof that the only thing between you and 26.2 miles is showing up for the first one.