Update 10th December 2023

12 months, 12 races, job done! Thank you very much to everyone who donated to my challenge. You have been very generous to help me surpass my target. And I know the money is going to a very good cause.

So how do I feel after my last race? Running 12 half marathons was a tougher challenge than I had expected. The races themselves were physically and mentally draining because I was trying to push myself to get good times. And I’ve been running > 40km a week to keep the fitness levels high between races. I’m certainly looking forward to a break from half marathons!

I enjoyed all of the races. My favourite was the midnight sun run in Reykjavik because it was such an unusual experience running at night but in the daylight. It was also my best age group placing at 2nd out of 54 runners – they must run slower in Iceland :)

The most surprising race was Naseby. I think there was some false advertising because the “mainly downhill” course turned out to be the hilliest half marathon I’ve ever run – exactly 300m elevation gain and the killer Haselbech hill x2

My most difficult race was definitely in Bedford, which disappointingly ended my streak of eight sub 1:40 finishes. Although predominately flat, I misjudged the heat and went out far too quickly. I was flying at 15km and hit the wall at 16km, St Johns Ambulance were gathering around me at the finish line!

I enjoyed the day out at the Colchester half marathon and thanks to my friend Eddie for running the race with me. Who knew Colchester was up a hill?

My quickest run was a PB of 1:33:47 in Cambridge. I wish I could replicate those exact preparations and conditions for every race because somehow I managed to keep up my 10km pace for 21km! It was also nice to run as part of a work team and see the excitement of the other finishers.

And finally, my favourite medal? Milton Keynes – cosmonauts probably haven’t seen as much bling on their return from space!

What next? A few days off running and then the Buntingford 10 miler on 30th December…..

Thank you for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page

The current cost of living crisis means that many charities are facing funding challenges.  This is affecting the vital services that they provide to people in need of support.

I'm committing to run a half marathon race every month in 2023 to raise £1,200 for Changing Faces. 12 half marathon races, 12 months, £1,200 target.

Changing Faces is the UK's leading charity for everyone who has a mark, scar or condition that makes them look different.  Being different in a society where there is such pressure to look a certain way is tough.  For over 25 years this charity has been providing advice and support, challenging discrimination and campaigning for a world that respects difference.  We want a future where everyone with a visible difference on their face or body has the confidence, support and opportunity to lead the lives they want.