So it all started in April when I was feeling like I needed to just DO something! I decided that I was going set a challenge of completing 3 half marathon races between August and October. I had previously completed the Great North Run twice and LOVED it, but it wasn't easy so I guessed that doing 3 would be loads. I wanted to support Bliss as it is a charity close to my heart, although thankfully, not one I have had to call on to support my family (www.bliss.org.uk).
However thoughts moved to bigger things when I completed a local half in May, having taken the crazy decision to support a friend who was worried about it, giving me only 3 weeks to train. I overcame some fears in this race! I haven't entered many local races because only 'proper fast runners' go to them! I couldn't wear headphones, and I previously and religiously wore them in order to make sure I didn't think about what I was doing too much! I ran in a long race that only had 150 people in it - bound to be last, and indeed I was, from the 2 mile marker, exactly at the 2 mile marker. I thought it was quite funny how the first aid man kept coming back to check on me!!
OK what else could I do. I know, the London Marathon! I had always secretly harbored desires to do a marathon so this could be just the opportunity. I had missed the ballot so I contacted Bliss to see if they had bond places, and then the wait for confirmation started. I have also entered two other half marathon races in March.
The Great North Run came and went with the normal level of excitement (and emergency loo stops) - I really love this race, everyone should apply to do it at some point, it is just fabulous - OGGY OGGY OGGY!!
And then it came - I AM DOING THE LONDON MARATHON, yes me!!! OMG now it is real, now I really have to do it, but isn't it just amazing!!
I started up a Virtual Run which was pretty successful - £236 pounds was raised, and I was off!
The Great Perkins Run saw me achieve a Personal Best for a half marathon, and gave me an injury that I am still getting over!
Whilst I haven't been able to run I have been trying to get things going with fundraising. So I have had a cake sale (£80 odd) and spent every evening making soft toys and decorations for Christmas (and no I do not normally sew). This has raised an additional £130 with more to come. Poor Mike thought we lived in a sweatshop!! My mum has been doing a sterling job to organise an music event to be held in Feb (https://www.facebook.com/events/323873964484051/?ref_dashboard_filter=upcoming), I have another virtual run organised for Feb and March (https://www.facebook.com/events/1422219084667256/?ref_dashboard_filter=upcoming) and I have a Barn Dance and Country Craft Fair plus raffle in the planning stages.
Running recommenced gingerly in December. Once a week until Christmas week, then I thought to myself, 'Right, lets go for it. No more messing about and yes I am ignoring the fact my foot is still sore!!' Today is the 30th December and I have run every day since the 23rd and feel brilliant for it. I am slow and cumbersome. I get to about 4 miles and my foot lets me know that I really am a bit stupid, but I am out there and I am doing it.
I am so proud of myself for getting out in the winter months when normally I would be tucked up in a lovely thick blanket with some nourishing chocolate, cheese and wine!! I am loving the crisp days, I am even loving running in the dark with my layers, headlamp and flashing lights. I am loving being one of the 'mad runners' that I had previously given a questioning glance to. I am loving getting some time back for me to think, to reflect and to plan the future. I am loving counting pace, and thinking about times although not with too much concern as I really do need to think about my foot! I love to be able to say that I am training for a marathon!!
I love to run!
(BTW, don't tell anyone but if I get a place on the Snowdonian Marathon it will be an accident, honest!!)
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