What else should someone who despises running do? A marathon, obviously.

I named my training plan 'What Was I Thinking?' and I'm still not sure I have the answer. However, in a moment of madness, it felt like these few things were telling me to do it.

The Princess Royal University Hospital (PRUH) is the hospital that brought me into this world, back when it was called Farnborough Hospital (I'm that old!) and, in the first year of my life, they thankfully brought me back into the world many times. Over the years, they have cared for numerous friends and family members including my lovely dad in his final years and they continue to care for friends and family to this day.

For the last 15 years, my mum has volunteered tirelessly for the Friends of the PRUH, a charity that raises funds to donate items to the hospital that are not covered by the hospital trust's NHS budget, for example, equipment to improve the mental wellbeing of many of the patients (and staff). Mum is finally retiring this year, so when the Friends offered a marathon spot, it seemed like a fitting way to see her off into retirement. I would've preferred a chocolate or wine tasting challenge, but they insisted on the marathon.

So, to raise money for a fabulous charity in the area I was born, at an event in the area I'm living now seemed like a stars aligning opportunity.

I will be forever grateful for your support, I'm not a runner, I never will be and I'm not enjoying the process, but when it's something this close to your heart, sometimes, I guess you just have to push yourself.

Thank you so much.

abi

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