As a member of the Nutrition Team at the Optimum Health Clinic I have had the privilege of supporting many amazing clients, whilst working alongside them on their recovery journey.  The road to recovery or sustained health improvement can often be complex and may require determination and courage at times – particularly when you feel that achieving improved health may be impossible or beyond your reach. This is not an uncommon perception with ME, CFS and Fibromyalgia.

With this in mind, my husband Dugald and I wanted to embark on a fundraising idea that would push and challenge us – both in terms of physical capacity but also with regard to self belief. 

Following a motorbike accident, which resulted in a shattered heel bone, Dugald was told that he would most likely not be able to run again at all. Formerly a keen runner myself, I then broke my ankle whilst running on an off-road trail.  This made me decidedly 'less keen' to put my trainers back on at all - leading to a 2 year break from running. 

So we decided to challenge this 'status quo' together and train for a 10k run to raise money for OHC. 

We wanted to push ourselves to achieve something that firstly, Dugald had been told might not be possible, and secondly, we knew would not always be without challenge. 

Training is made more interesting courtesy of Dugald’s regular international business travel – which requires him to actually pack his trainers and take them with him around the world – this is an impressive first!!  This means that we are often training apart  -  it also makes his training views decidedly more glamorous than mine :) 

The funds raised will be invested directly into our Randomised Control Trial with the University of Surrey with the long term aim to have our protocols available on the NHS.

So on the cold winter mornings, my OHC clients have been inspiring us to put the trainers on, get out there and slowly build strength, stamina and self belief – all in the best possible cause!

Race Day 8th April!