On the 7th of April, I’m running the Brighton Marathon. I’ve decided to fundraise for The Roseland Youth Sailing trust. The RYST is a charity that “funds RYA sail training at Cornish schools, creating opportunities, changing lives and transforming communities”.

Back in 2016 when I was 17, I was lucky enough to have been sponsored by RYST to participate in the tall ships race from Lisbon to Cádiz. I remember going to Lisbon feeling sick to my stomach and telling my mum that I couldn’t do it. By the end of the trip, I was absolutely gutted to be leaving and cried (nothing new there!). It’s an experience that I still cherish 8 years later and one that I hope many more people can do.

I have been privileged enough to have been brought up with sailing in my life. When I was younger I would spend most of my summers out at sea, either doing sailing courses, participating in race week, or sailing with my brother. “Some of the children live less than a mile from the coast but have never been to the beach”. RYST believes that learning to sail gives young people confidence and skills of value in whichever career they choose.

Training for the marathon is fully underway, mostly in the cold and very dark evenings! You’re welcome to follow my training journey on Strava. I’m starting to get used to the aching that my body is constantly feeling. I will be running the Paris half marathon in March as a warmup for the big one in April!

https://www.strava.com/athletes/71850228

Thank you,

Ana