After years of telling myself I am going to get into shape and improve my fitness levels and years of being too lazy to do that, I've decided the best way to make myself do it is to sign up to not ONE but TWO challenges in aid of MS Research and Relief Fund. 

Now I am neither a runner or a cyclist and would usually have to be paid to do either of those things, but I am asking you to donate whatever you can to MSRRF as I take on the challenge of competing in a 10k Mud run and cycling the iconic, 130 mile Coast to Coast from Workington to Tynemouth. 

I am a fundraising officer for MSRRF and although I have only worked for the charity for 8 months I have never felt so welcome anywhere else. The sense of community within the charity is unbelievable and the services they provide are invaluable. I get to witness the outstanding work that goes on here everyday, supporting those affected by MS by providing fitness and therapy treatments. There is no other service available like this in the North East, however our reach doesn't stop there. Yes our 8 outreach centers are based in the North East, but MSRRF provide grants on a national scale. 

Besides from being one of those lucky people who loves their job and feels appreciated every day because of the work I do being a motivation to raise funds for MSRRF, I also have a close personal link to MS as it affects someone very near and dear to me. Please donate whatever you can to this worthwhile cause. 

MUD RUN:  10k mad march mare at Hexham racecourse, 3rd March

So I decided this would be a good warm up/training exercise for the Coast to Coast as it is two months before the bike cycle. Running through freezing cold, minging mud as I climb under, over, around and through various obstacles - can't you see the similarity between that and a 3 day bike ride?! The only thing connecting these two events is that I am unprepared for either. I did convince myself with all the obstacles involved I wouldn't really end up running 10k as the event advertises - that could be a mistake. However, I have convinced my friends to also take part as any challenge is better when it is tackled with friends by your side. (I'm really hoping that they will just drag me around the whole course) 

Coast to Coast: 130 miles, Workington to Tynemouth 18th - 20th May

Starting to think attending 30 minute spinning classes once a week won't cut it for this challenge. This is the one I am most looking forward to as it is an iconic challenge and I am excited to be able to say, I completed the Coast to Coast. (More impressive for me as I am not a cyclist and do not look great in Lycra)  Once again I have convinced someone to do this challenge with me, and this time it is my lovely boyfriend. (I'm hoping he's not too tired and will give me nice back rubs and the end of each day, a girl can dream yeh?) The more I read up on this ride the more it sinks in just how much of a challenge it will be, climbing a total of 3,100 miles over the 3 days - Hartside I'm coming for you!  The event provider, Cycling Generation are amazing and I know I am in safe hands under the watchful eye of Richard Rothwell. I have already been out with some of the other cyclists signed up to this ride and they are a lovely bunch that I'm happy to cycle side by side for 3 days. 

If you're still reading this, and I hope you are, you may wonder why am I doing these challenges when my job everyday involves raising funds for MSRRF. It takes a lot of courage and dedication for people to sign up for events such as these, and how could I sit here and ask others to do a challenge I wouldn't be willing to take on myself? Therefore I have decided to lead by example and take part in any challenge I can for MS Research and Relief Fund. 

Thank you for you time, once again I would appreciate anything you could spare to donate :) 

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