Hey Fabulous Folks!

So, here's the scoop: I've been procrastinating on sharing this update because, well, I was kinda hoping this whole thing would magically disappear... Wishful thinking, right? 😅

In a nutshell – I won't be strutting my stuff at the Brighton Marathon. Major bummer. Hence the delayed update – I've been wallowing in my marathon-less misery.

My training? Oh, it was going wonderfully! I was loving every stride, soaking up those post-run endorphins like a sponge, and feeling like a rockstar while having time out in the trails. But then came Sunday, March 3rd – the fateful 30 km run with a few wonderful humans. It was epic! Until... dun dun dun... I managed to fracture my foot...

So, no Brighton Marathon for me. But fear not! I'm still all in for Race to the Stones in July!! Plus, I'm eyeing another marathon (or two!) later this year – ideally before July, but we'll see how it pans out. I'll keep you posted, promise.

Now, this setback has made me realise something: while I was busy being a trail running hero (haha), my eating habits and life routine were, well, a bit shoddy. Cue the "cleaning up my act" montage! If you're keen to join me on this journey, please give me a shout! I'm thinking of kicking off a 3-week challenge post-Easter. Quick heads up – my eating style leans towards the low-carb/keto/paleo end of the spectrum, which I know isn't everyone's cup of tea. But hey, variety is the spice of life, right? The challenge will include weekly exercises, daily check-ins, and a whole lot of camaraderie. Oh, and did I mention... proceeds will be going to the awesome Barnett Wood Pre-School!

If you're game, shoot me an email at janicelhardman@gmail.com. I'm determined to turn this hiccup into a chance to be better, healthier and happier!

Justgiving won't allow me to change the main event entry on this page, so it will still reflect Brighton Marathon... but well, as above!

Will be back with more updates as we go. Thanks again, truly, from the bottom of my heart!!

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Hey everyone! Jan here, a proud and slightly brain-deprived parent of twins.

Thanks so much for taking the time to click through here - hopefully I can appeal to your generosity with my wee story…

Before Joshy & Juno arrived, I was an avid ‘racer’ - triathlons, marathons, etc, but, as I am sure you can relate, chasing after them (literally!) hasn't left much time for me-time. I know this sounds all too familiar, but having twins really did shift my focus (obviously!) Sure, I gained endless love, but I also lost a bit of myself.

After going back to work at the end of my maternity leave, I think there was a combination of sheer exhaustion (not just sleep-deprivation - but list/decision/enter-anything-here fatigue), guilt and - I have since learnt - real depletion. (physical health depletion that is).

Well, almost two years after going back to work, and unfortunately something snapped and I hit burn-out (yes, I know, cliche - and no, I don’t think you ‘hit’ burn-out, but well, life hit me I guess!) and changes HAD to be made.

After doing a lot of research, a whole lot more studying - I got really sick of being told I was ‘perfectly healthy’ when I clearly wasn’t. (feel like a bit of a dork having these issues as a health & wellness professional - enter MORE guilt, as I ‘should’ know better. Dumb, right?). I was forced to take some time out and am now so stoked for it!

As mentioned, I had always been really active pre-kids, and have always been told that I NEED to be in order to manage ADHD (I know, walking cliche!)... so, I got back at it!! I applied my coaching to myself, addressed my postnatal depletion and refocused.

I signed up for the Brighton Marathon somewhat on a whim, and reality hit – I needed to get serious, fast!

I decided to start a fundraising page in order to

a) raise funds for an awesome preschool - Barnett Wood Pre School (otherwise known as ‘For Heroes By Heroes’ ;-)) and

b) keep me accountable (and step out of my comfort zone).

After I had decided to do this - I got an email reminder about another event I had entered last year… Race to the (freakin) Stones - 100km!!!!

(justgiving.com won't allow me to change the fundraising event, however, this donation page will be open to just after the Race to the Stones event)

Here's the thing: staying consistent is tough. That's where all of you come in! Inspired by a friend's fundraising efforts (she used her super-powers for London Marathon last year), I'm aiming to raise £1000 for a VERY worthy cause:

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Barnett Wood Preschool:

My twins absolutely adore Louise, Kate, Natalie, and the entire team! (Kate & Natalie are Joshy & Juno's key workers). They've created a magical space for learning, playing, and growing (too fast for my liking, but hey!).

Barnett Wood Pre-school provides high quality childcare and education to the children of Ashtead and the surrounding areas. It has been doing this for over 30yrs. The staff who work at the preschool have a genuine passion for their work and make strong bonds with the children in their care, treating each child as an individual and celebrating their achievements with them along the way. The work is not always easy (although very rewarding) and is physically and mentally demanding.

The sector is facing more challenging times with the introduction of the 2 yr old funding in April 24. Barnett Wood Pre-school is working hard to be able to continue to provide parents with affordable early education and offer the children a range of experiences to make them into well rounded children with a love for learning. The funds raised will help to support the Pre-schools vision.

Louise and her team are genuinely heroes - I am updating this post half-term... and well, they saved us ;-). I adore my kiddo's - they are... fiery - and the team at Barnett Wood deals with this everyday!! They are warm, friendly, fun, encouraging yet firm and instil a sense of discipline and respect.

My Accountability:

Let's be honest, training for two marathons while chasing toddlers feels quite crazy! Your contributions will keep me going, knowing I have a community cheering me on and supporting a great cause.

Every penny counts! Please donate at and help me reach my goal. Let's raise some funds, conquer some races, and celebrate the joys (and challenges) of being parents together!

(I have started keeping a wee journal re my training and all that goes with that, so please do feel free to follow along! I will share my training plan for the week... and the reality of said week! Along with other more fun stuff I hope!)

https://janicehardman.com/?p=59