Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

I've been lucky so far in my life not to have lost anyone close to me with cancer. I can't imagine what it must be like to be diagnosed with any kind of treatable or non-treatable illness. I do realise that it can happen to any one of us.

In the year 2012, at the age of 42, I decided to change my lifestyle and take up running. I'm not athletic and I'd never run before. I felt I was too heavy to run and I was embarassed who would see me. A failed attempt at climbing a mountain made me realise that I needed to get fitter.

My children joined the local athletics club and I would sit in my car for an hour or go shopping. One day I stayed at the track and watched the athletes and runners. Adults of all shapes and sizes were running. The club also encouraged anyone of any fitness level to join. I had to start somewhere, right?

It was a tough start, after jogging 50 metres I was huffing and puffing. So for a long time it was walk/jog. I almost gave up a few times. I slowly built up my distance. In 2015 my hip and knees were starting to become painful, I didn't want to stop running.

In February 2016 I joined the actor Sam Heughan's My Peak Challenge (MPC).

"The core of MPC is the element of personal challenge. Step outside your comfort zone and think of something you’ve always wanted to do. Then commit to doing it." My Peak Challenge

Your challenges don't need to be fitness related, it can be anything you want to achieve. I needed something else to push me to reach my ideal weight and challenge myself to try something new. I liked that I was donating to the charity Bloodwise, as well as helping myself and supporting other peakers all at the same time. Three for the price of one.

MY MAIN CHALLENGES

Two half marathons.Yikes! Never thought I'd ever run one never mind two!

> Sunday 28 May 2017 - Edinburgh Half Marathon
> Sunday 1 October 2017 - Great Scottish Run Glasgow

I'm also really excited to be walking the Arran Coastal Way in June 2017 with my other half and fellow peakers. 65 mile walk with some hiking and wild camping most nights.

I have many other challenges but these are the bigger ones. MPC has really helped me commit and achieve so much in 2016. Not just running, but also walking, cycling, hiking, meeting new peaker friends and bringing out my creative side writing my blog www.loveexploringscotland.com

Now that I've committed, I suppose I'd better get into regular training. Wish me luck, I'll need it!

Thank you in advance for your kind donation to Bloodwise :)

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