Hi. My name is Becky and I am not a runner.

I started jogging on the treadmill at my gym as a way to get fit and lose some weight. On 31st December 2022 I completed the Couch to 5k program, a misleading name as the aim is to run for 30 minutes non-stop, so depending upon your speed depends upon whether or not you make it to 5k....I did not. In 2023 I continued jogging slowly until I eventually did make it to 5k, at this point I decided to start doing some jogging outside and took part in a Park Run event. Upon completing this I was on a bit of a high and in a moment of madness I decided to enter the ballot for the London Marathon!! I immediately thought "what have I done!!" but figured it wouldn't matter as I'd never get in.....fast forward to the ballot day and my congratulations email telling me I had been lucky (or unlucky?) enough to get a ballot place.

Training started, but with work and other commitments it has been slow going.

To date I have completed 2 more 5k Park Run's, the 10k Race for Life and another 10k....I have also entered the Hertfordshire Half Marathon which takes place on 5th November 2023 at Knebworth House (gulp!)

As I got a ballot place for the Marathon I'm not obliged to raise money for a charity, and at first I didn't want to as I felt it would add extra pressure. However, upon reflection I decided I'm going to give it everything I've got anyway so why not try to do some good at the same time.

My search for a charity began and I quickly decided that I wanted to support a local charity and one that did not have the Marathon places that a lot of larger charities get. This led me to RATS.

I know people that have rehomed dogs from RATS and have seen the fantastic work that they do, all with the hard work and dedication of volunteers.

I just know that every penny I manage to raise will help this small, local rescue continue with their fantastic work and towards the animals in their care.

Thank you for reading my story and please give what you can for such a worthwhile cause - https://www.facebook.com/rats.animalrescue

RUN FAT GIRL RUN!!!!