It was when I was on my way to a seminar that I saw a Kent RaG poster for the Prague Marathon, which, as a running convert, got me thinking... then I was handed a flyer and knew this was something I wanted to tick off my to-do-list. But why? Well... Running 26.2 miles sounds crazy, in fact it's only in the last 6 months that I have found my love for running. 

 At school I was known for hating any sport that didn't involve snow, and even after my Dad took up long-distance running at age 60, I still detested the very idea of exercise. It was after he passed away that I realised there was so much more to running than sweatiness. Dad challenged himself and made friends at Keswick parkrun, which he attended every week without fail, that's when I looked back and realised that I might actually find it FUN. And I did. I fell in love with running. Even though 5km used to seem impossible, participating in Canterbury Parkrun every week made me realise that it doesn't matter how slow you go, as long as you go. I think of how my Dad inspired me every time I lace up my trainers, and I'll be thinking of him when I'm struggling through those 26 miles.

 Training for a marathon is a huge challenge in itself. Not long after I began my training I found myself at a huge physical disadvantage. I suffer from dyspraxia (or Developmental Co-ordination Disorder) which means that I have incredibly weak muscle tone and so my bones aren't as supported as they should be. This, along with hypermobility meant I got injured when I increased my milage and I was forced to stop training altogether for over 2 months - I was gutted. Now, after several weeks of physiotherapy I have finally hit the road again, and I couldn't be happier!

 As well as fulfilling a personal challenge, the marathon will enable me to help others in need by raising money for a fantastic cause. Breast Cancer Now uses the money that you donate to fund research into breast cancer, and to raise awareness about early prevention and diagnosis. Follow the link to the Breast Cancer Now website for more details on the work you'll be supporting so that by 2050, no one will die from breast cancer.

      Remember: Give whatever you can, EVERY PENNY COUNTS!

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