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I was in a cycling accident in 2013 and as a result, I have a T3 complete SCI.  I did runs and marathons prior to my accident, but this is the first time I would have covered this kind of distance in my wheelchair. 10K doesn't sound very far, but I get out of breath just popping to the local shops these days!  You're all probably wondering why I'm travelling all the way to North Korea to do a run... I've been to South Korea and the DMZ and promised myself I would make it to the North... Being in a wheelchair wasn't going to stop me!

*UPDATE*

It seemed like it was just not meant to be... Firstly, I managed to get a UTI the day before I had to fly out so I was already feeling poorly and the antibiotics I was prescribed also made me nauseous. Then, the night before the event, I was told I might not be able to take part. The main focal point of this trip was for the event, how could they ok this before and now tell me that I was not able to do it?? On top of this, there were issues with my flight out of Pyongyang as I was getting the 72 hour transit visa in Beijing, but they issue it on arrival so I couldn't show this. They wanted to see confirmation of my flight back to London, but with no internet access it would be very difficult to get this information. Pyongyang was a lovely city, more so than I had expected, but I did not want to be stuck here.

I didn't manage to sleep much that night. Luckily the visa issue had been resolved so at least I knew I was going home. Unfortunately, as we arrived at May Day stadium, the largest in the world, I was told it was impossible for me to participate. The reason they gave was that local people with disabilities had applied for the event and was turned down so they couldn't allow a foreigner in a wheelchair to take part. At this point I actually cried... I didn't even cry when doctors told me I was never going to walk again, but I had never been told I couldn't take part in something because I was disabled. I had never been made to feel so bad about having a disability before. This was a moment in my life where it was highlighted that I was indeed disabled and was powerless to do anything about it. I kept thinking of all the people who had sponsored me who would be disappointed that I was not able to complete the event... But it also made me realise how lucky I was to be in a country where something like this would never happen and that I have so many people who are there to support me. You all had confidence in me and I'm so touched to have such amazing people in my life.

Needless to say, I wasn't going to sit back and feel sorry for myself. I thought of just joining the run anyway, but remembered I was in North Korea and it wasn't worth the risk. Who knew if I would be arrested for this?! One of the guides offered to take me around the city, and it was a bit difficult because of the road closures, but we managed to create our own route. It wasn't possible to track the distance and I don't think I covered 10k but it was the only alternative I could think of. The last time I trained, I did manage 10k in 1 hour 25 minutes so I know I was able to do it. The guide was impressed with my determination and stamina but the poor guy did not expect to be taking part in a run and definitely didn't have his running shoes on. Good job for keeping up and helping me take photos.

Anyway I hope you all aren't disappointed in me and could see that I really did try my best. The organisers said that they would try and if I came back next year I would have more chance to take part, but I don't think I want to go through that again. Despite all of this, I did have a good trip and feel like I came out stronger from it.