#cambridgehalfmarathon

As many of you will remember, in 2017 I ran the London Marathon. Running in the London Marathon was something I had wanted to do since I could remember and when I got a ballot place after years of trying I was thrilled that my dream had become a reality.

The journey took me along many different roads, literally and metaphorically, ultimately it was a journey where I learned a lot about me. Running is something I have enjoyed for many years. I’m not fast, I’m not delicate, but I get out there and do it. Running regularly is undoubtedly one of the ways I keep my mental health on an even keel. Pounding the streets when you’ve got something on your mind does me the world of good and I mostly always come back feeling lighter.

However the London Marathon had taken it’s toll on my body physically and in early 2018 I had knee surgery to mend the damage I had sustained to my knee. After that I became apprehensive about some aspects of running. Running on uneven surfaces, running with too low cadence, running too fast, pushing my body out of its comfort zone didn’t happen.

But despite periods of rest and my new careful running style, running continued to play an important role in keeping me healthy and in March 2020 it took on a new level of importance as we entered the coronavirus pandemic. The lockdowns were long and with some extremely challenging personal circumstances happening, running was the one constant thing that I could continue to do that was just for me.

In 2021 I decided that I was ready for a new challenge and the Cambridge Half Marathon entry took my fancy. I applied on a whim, without giving it too much thought really, and was allocated a place. So here we are. 13.1 miles looming.

I have spent the last 8 weeks training. I had new shoes, a head torch and a back light for Christmas and I have been out, following my programme on some dark and windy evenings. This time I have had support from Simon, my husband, who has come with me on every run, cheering me on with positive words, especially when I’ve been on my 3rd hill sprint out of 5, and really wanting to give up!!!

I have found this experience different from my marathon training. 5 years on and my body is older, more creaky and definitely more tired. I have had to accept that I am slower, I have to be careful around my knee and my thoughts of obliterating my last Cambridge Half time of 2:07 are probably out of reach.

But I'm doing it and I'm sharing my journey with you. And ultimately my goal involves getting this old creaky body round those 13.1 miles as well as raising as much money for Home-Start as I possibly can!