I started running a few years ago to try to be a bit fitter.  I ran my first 5km (Black park park run) in September 2015 and from then on I have been a regular parkrunner.   I gradually built up to 10km and then Simon (my husband) suggested I do a half marathon.  I thought this was crazy but I put one foot in front of the other and after 2:37 I completed my first half marathon. Then I decided this is it, no more runs over 10km.

After watching my amazing friend Hester complete the London Marathon last year, I thought I will put my name in a ballot and got a place.  So here I am training 4 times a week.  Last week I completed my longest run ever of 17 miles in 3:20, I can not say I enjoyed every minute of it, it but I did it. 

I am so lucky to have an excellent support team in my husband and 6 year old daughter, who are always there to cheer me on.  I have also started running with the Chiltern Harriers and run with them every Tuesday, doing strength and speed sessions.  Here I have been lucky enough to meet two kindred spirits in Amber and Alexa who are also running the marathon, and really helping me to complete this challenging journey.  

I decided to run for the charity Rainbow Trust.  This is a charity I have recently become aware of.  I teach at the Royal Masonic School for Girls and every year we support a different charity, after hearing about the work of the Rainbow Trust I knew I wanted to help in some way and if I was lucky enough to get a place in the marathon I would run for them.  There is more information on the charity here - Rainbow Trust Children's Charity enables families who have a child with a life threatening illness to make the most of precious time together; providing expert practical and emotional support, where they need it, for as long as it is needed. £26 will provide one hour of care, enough time to entertain a seriously ill child so that their parents can have a break.

I will keep you all updated on my progress, but so far it has been tough. The long runs are a killer on the legs and I am often walking/hobbling round school very slowly, but I know that pain is temporary!!!