THEN

It's March 2nd 2014. It's cold. I am crying. Crying is a notable achievement (perhaps my only achievement), because most of my body fluid has either sweated out or been blown away by the bitter wind. I persevere with the crying though, because I have just inadvertently squirted a sachet of isotonic gel into my eyeball and all over my face. I can feel all 500 grams of the previous night's gnocchi tea churning in my stomach as the sickly sweet substance enters through my nasal passage and slides down my throat.

As I turn the corner, a cacophony of cheers erupts from a crowd of onlookers. Bolstered by their support, I use my remaining strength to raise my hand to smile and wave, but at the last minute notice another runner breeze past. The man moves with the speed and agility of a gazelle. This is no ordinary runner, however; the man literally has an entire fridge strapped to his back, and the crowd are going wild. More isotonic tears fill my eyes as I watch "Tony the Fridge" triumphantly disappear into the distance.

This is my 42nd minute of running, and my first (and only) attempt at the Reading Half Marathon. Things did not improve.

NOW

It's January 2020. The mince pie challenge is over (if there is a true winner, it is I!) and there is a vacancy in my life. From being someone who previously would only run if being chased (or for the Toby Carvery Buffet - I actually fell over once, in the scramble) I have just received my free t-shirt as a token of achievement for running 50 parkruns, and have completed my 2019 fitness goal. While making plans for my allotment for the coming year, I stumble across the amazing charity Thrive, who use gardening to bring about positive changes in the lives of people living with disabilities or ill health, or who are isolated, disadvantaged or vulnerable. I notice that Thrive are partnering with the Reading Half for 2020. Could this be the perfect opportunity to raise money for a local charity I truly believe in AND reprise my half marathon running role? Yes. So here I am, asking for your money.

Please support me and Thrive by donating anything you can. Anything - as little as 50p - would be very much appreciated. Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. It's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

p.s. I see you, Tony...

(...and you can too, here: https://www.inyourarea.co.uk/news/fancy-dress-over-the-years-at-reading-half-marathon/)