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I have never been a runner and honestly never thought that I could run and would sign up for a marathon ever in my life. I used to think I am not made for running and would hardly be able to run even 50 meters.

Back in June, my colleague has shared an email encouraging us to sign up for Birmingham half marathon. I read the email, googled what exactly does a half marathon means - 13.1 mile (~21 Km) and closed it off thinking that I can't even run 50 meters, so it's not for me.

In the night, it was still going on in my head and I was thinking why not me! Why can't I be a marathon runner! What's the worst that could happen - probably I would run for a few kilometers and walk rest of it? I was tempted to join the team during training and see how I get on with running, but was a bit nervous as everyone else felt like made for running kind of person. I collected all my courage and took it as a challenge.I determined that I would do it thinking that if I can do a marathon (no matter how slow or fast, whether I run all of it or walk), I can do anything in my life.

Few colleagues from various teams have said yes for the training. So we all started the beginner plan for half marathon. The first day we went for a run, we did jog and walk for alternate lamp posts and was almost feeling like walking dead towards the end. To be honest, it wasn't easy however everyone was cheering each other and felt amazing after each run, so I was still determined to carry on.

We kept doing that at least 2-3 times a week during lunch time and it made a real difference in us. By July, I was able to do 5 Km with a mix of run and walk. By August, I could do a non-stop 5K. I am totally amazed thinking that what was impossible seems to be possible now.

Recently I have done a 10K park run and managed to finish it in 1.01 hour. I am feeling so proud and motivated. Hoping to finish this half marathon successfully to become a marathon runner from a non-runner :)

As part of this journey, I would like to raise money for Guide Dogs, a brilliant charity that exists to provide life-changing services to those living with sight loss.

To prepare for the race, my colleagues at sales-i have really pulled together to embrace true team spirit – we’ve all become cheerleaders to motivate and support each other to the finish line. Coming from different departments inside the business (from finance right through to software development), the half marathon has given us all something in common to bring us closer. We’ve built on old relationships and even made new ones, so I’m doing it for fundraising, friendship and fitness!

Every day 250 people in the UK start to lose their sight, so when that happens Guide Dogs step in to make sure they don’t lose their freedom too. Every penny donated goes towards the registered blind or partially sighted to live a life full of confidence and independence.