Why have I decided to take on this challenge? Well, I'd be lying if I said it still felt as appealing as it did when I excitedly entered the ballot in February, high on the endorphins from a 10k race (it's like the phrase "don't go food shopping when you're hungry!"). When I received the email saying that I had got into the race, I believe my first words were "Oh gosh - why have I done this again?!".

But for me, like for lots of people who take on a challenge for Epilepsy Society, the challenge of 13.1 miles of  running is small when compared with the challenges faced by those affected by epilepsy every day.

As someone who isn't affected by epilepsy, I don't have to be fearful, when going for a solo long run, of what may happen if I have a seizure. I don't have to worry about being able to drive somewhere further afield  to complete a training route. I don't have to worry about tiredness triggering a seizure, or about how side effects from anti-epileptic medication may affect how I am feeling on race day. Living with epilepsy, for so many people, is no small feat. If running 13.1 miles can make the smallest difference to just one person's life, it will all be worth it!

13.1 miles, or 21 kilometers, is a bloomin' long way. There are no two ways about it. I completed the Bournemouth race in 2:43:41 seconds, and although I somehow managed to muster a sprint finish, it felt like just that: two hours, forty three minutes and forty one seconds of running. I am aiming for a sub 2:20:00 time for the Great North, and I've got my training plan in place and am hoping with good preparation I'll be able to reach that goal.

An epilepsy diagnosis can be life-changing; isolating, frightening and debilitating. So I hope you'll consider sponsoring my run to support the over half a million people in the UK who face these challenges every day.

Paige x