I'm very excited (and equally nervous) to take on the Path to Paris cycle challenge which promises to be a gruelling four days in the saddle, with the responsibility of completing the final leg of Allianz's year long fundraising relay.

Whilst I've been a runner for about 12 years now, I've not always been into cycling, only really starting because I wanted to take part in triathlons. It was a bit of a shaky start (literally) with a few tears and lots of falling off along the way!

Earlier this year I was diagnosed with Vasovagal Syncope which basically means that I sometimes have episodes of feeling ill which can lead to fainting and has happened to me twice, can result in a seizure. The diagnosis followed an episode where I was cycling and ended up in hospital, and although it wasn't necessarily cycling that caused the episode, anxiety has meant that I've been a bit more scared of getting on my bike.

This challenge has come along at the right time for me - I really want to prove to myself that I'm capable of cycling long distances on repeated days - something that I've never done before. Plus it's a great excuse to buy a new bike!

Allianz are extremely proud and excited to be partnering with Barnardo’s, the UK's largest children’s charity, who support thousands of young people and their families.

Thanks for reading and if you are able to donate to Barnardo's I'd really appreciate it.

Shell

If you'd like to follow my training diary I'm over on Instagram @run_shelley_run