I've always been a sporadic runner, usually finding any excuse possible to not put on my trainers and head out the door, because it's too windy, too hot, or too cold; I'm too busy, too tired, hung over or I just don't feel like it okay? So I turn onto my side, press 'snooze' and go back to sleep, or snuggle down in the corner of the sofa and binge watch something on Netflix. I'll feel guilty about it though and look at my remaining baby belly (my youngest son is now 5 😬), comparing myself to the strong, healthy and determined women that I see doing the ultra-marathons which I support Simon at, and I feel inspired to be like them. I've done a couple of half marathons but I need to do something that is a big challenge and which would make me want to get up and go running regardless of the easy excuses. I did sign up for two marathons in the past but didn't even get to the start line for either of them because I simply didn't get the training done. I had the intention and desire but not the determination and motivation to get out there, I gave easy excuses again.

Why is this one different? I don't know why, but this time I am ignoring the excuses. For the last six months, I have actually been getting up at 5am three times a week (I know, it's crazy!), putting on my trainers and going for a run, even though I'm tired, and it's windy or cold or whatever. I know that if I don't run early in the morning then I won't run at all that day, and the fatigue feels better than the guilt. I've taken away the hangover excuse by only having a drink at the weekend, and never on the night before I run. I've lost a stone, so it's getting a teeny weeny bit easier as I'm carrying less weight. I've planned all of my training runs, and they are written in my diary so I can't ignore them. Also, the fact that I'm shitting my pants about the actual marathon and the thought of having to run 26.2 miles makes it easier to make myself run 10 miles or so, gradually increasing the mileage as the weekends get closer to the big one on Sunday 13th October. 

I'm determined to do the training and complete the Kielder marathon as it's a personal achievement, the race is for me as well as the amazing charity which I work for. I would greatly appreciate any support and encouragement, and if you can come on the day to cheer/shout at me to keep bloody running, then please do. 

I have chosen to fundraise for the Durham Wildlife Trust because I absolutely love the work that we do, the look on kids faces when they discover a centipede hiding under a log, or if they are lucky enough to catch a tadpole in their pond dipping net, when they learn to see bumblebees with different eyes, marvelling at both the complexity and simplicity of nature, and laughing at our funny facts. I really want our work to continue, so sponsoring me will help to ensure that there is a wilder future for all. The cheesy bit's over, sponsor me people!!

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