So, it's been a while since I ran any kind of long distance race. About 10 years. Before the girls. When I was younger and much fitter!

2020 was tough for us all. As an extrovert, I struggled with the transition of being home. With the girls. All the time. It reminded me of when they were born and I lost my identity as an individual and just became daisy the cow feeding twins. 

So on 1 May 2020 I started to run. And my life has changed.

I ran a little at first, but I followed the lead of a v good friend and signed up to Peloton. I bought a treadmill. I set myself little challenges - 'run everyday in May' then '100 runs in 100 days'. And I've run very nearly everyday since then. Running and Peloton have changed my life. It's my daily escape and my Anna time (100% on my own). I forget everything that's going on and zone into my run, listen to my breathing and my feet on the treadmill (or pavement). When running my on treadmill, I see friends on the leaderboard who I’ve never met and send them hi 5s. It's my meditation. And it’s my happy place. 

Royal Parks Half has been on my bucket list of runs for a while, so this year it's my turn. And I can't wait.

I'm running to raise money for Versus Arthritis. Arthritis isn't really deemed worthy of support in the UK - and it should be. If you know someone with arthritis, you'll understand. You'll get it. Arthritis stops people in their tracks and stops them doing things that most take for granted.  It wont kill you, but you have to live in pain, day in and out. With little hope. 

We all know someone affected by arthritis and how it impacts their life. Please dig deep so VA can support them and millions more too.