I'M DOING THE 2014 BRIGHTON MARATHON!!! 

I know, who'd've thunk?! A year ago I didn't see myself running to the end of my street, let alone 42km around Brighton! And yet, here we are. Well, not yet, but we will be. Well, maybe we won't, but I will! 

Anyway. Why Mind as my charity? Because I wouldn't be here, doing this run (or even here at all, quite frankly), if I hadn't managed to overcome some serious mental health issues, and had the necessary resources to help me along the way. Not everyone has easy access to help - but everyone should!
Life is so, so great when your head isn't trying to mess with you. I'm so happy I got to the point where I was able to appreciate that again. 

MY RUNNING STORY SO FAR 

My very first run on the C25K programme was on 22/12/2012. In the winter, I know, and just before Xmas! Unlike previous fitness attempts I kept it up, bought a new bike in March, joined a gym in April, and when my hip started giving me trouble I didn't give up but went to see a sports therapist instead. 

I did my very first race (in my life!) in Bournemouth on the 6th of October - it was a half marathon and I finished in 1:59:38, which I am very very proud of. Sometimes it's tough to keep going, but honestly I feel better than I have in all my adult life, what more could I want?