Ola!

if you're reading this, it means that I have somehow managed to trick you into donating for my London Marathon :-) Thank you for making it this far, read on if you want to know a bit more about why I'm doing this.

I started running 6 years ago. I didn't particularly liked running before, in fact I found it incredibly boring! But I do enjoy being outdoors, and I discovered that going for a run or jog outside was a great way to organise my thoughts and do a lot of problem solving - I would go out with something nagging in my mind, and would come back with a solution AND a workout done, all in one go! Win-win!!

My first run was a half marathon in 2016, and I've done a few more since then - including a sweltering half in Lisbon in 31 degrees earlier this year! Every time I finish a half, people ask me when will I run a whole marathon (!?). So in 2020 I decided it was time to try it! Two years and one pandemic later, I'm finally going to tackle it. The London Marathon is my first venture into the full distance, and I'm quite curious (and slightly scared!) to find out how it will pan out.

Why Meningitis Research Foundation? My professional life has mostly revolved around infectious diseases (not in a gross way!), either by doing basic research in a lab (think white coat and exploding experiments) or managing clinical trials/vaccine development (think office attire and lots of bossing around!). I have worked in projects involving children who develop meningitis caused by tuberculosis, so I'm very aware of how devastating this disease can be, both in the short and long term. MRF do a fantastic job in fundraising to invest in research, campaigning for vaccines, providing symptom information and supporting those already affected. So I am really happy that I will be fundraising to help them in their efforts!

So this is the story. I will try to post regular updates on how I'm doing in my training, but if you know me you'll know that the best way to get updates from me is to catch up over coffee or a meal, or a phone call if you live in another country! Or you can always come for a run with me ;-)