Those who know me will know that I'm a keen short-ish distance runner - often run commuting weekly in London and burning off my pastries at the weekends around Hampstead Heath. But, those who've known me for a long time, will know that I used to absolutely hate running. I couldn't imagine a worse way to exercise - as someone who's been a fitness instructor since I was 16. But then I met Dave 5 years ago, and all of that changed. 

Dave was born with cystic fibrosis, a genetic life threatening lung disease which causes sticky mucus to build up in the lungs and digestive system. It affects more than 10,800 people in the UK, and it comes with daily challenges affecting physical health, mental wellbeing and ultimately life expectancy. 

People with CF take 60+ pills a day to manage the daily challenges and keep their lungs as healthy as possible. But there's a different type of medicine that Dave has always placed even more importance on for keeping him as healthy as possible - running. 

He's been running almost every day since way before I met him. He uses this as a way of opening up his lungs, loosening the mucus, and keeping them healthy. Days when he doesn't run he really feels the difference and so he's relied on running as a way of protecting his physical, and mental health. So when we started dating, I quickly realised I'm going to have to try and find a way to enjoy running - and luckily, with the bribe of a croissant at the end, I did!

So I wanted to take on this very big challenge of running the London Marathon to raise awareness of the impact that running can have on both our physical and mental health. I've exercised all my life, but I don't stop to appreciate how lucky I am to be born with very healthy lungs that allow me to run, do HIIT classes or try out any sport I might wish. As not everyone is. 

I want to take this opportunity to train hard for a cause that's very close to my heart and inspired by someone who lives with this disease. And I promise to appreciate every single deep breath throughout my training to get to that 42k finish line.