I’m Running A Half Marathon For The NSPCC!

Nutribullet

Even as I wrote the title of this blog post it seemed too surreal to be true. A half marathon? Who on earth would do something so crazy?! But on Sunday 18th September, I’ll be dragging myself kicking and streaming around the Richmond Half Marathon for the NSPCC along with 3 of my colleagues who will almost certainly be floating effortlessly round without even breaking sweat. It’s 4 months away which probably sounds much longer than it is. I’m excited, nervous, determined and happy.

running

I’ve only run a half-marathon once before, in September 2013 when again a team of us from work ran the Bacchus one in Surrey. It was such an incredible experience and I really did think it would be the catalyst to get me hooked on running for life but it just didn’t work. Bit by bit, the “running just because” tailed off and now I’m back to sporadically going once every few weeks for a quick lap of the park which is about a mile. There is much to be done.

pancakes

Of course if someone had told me in my early 20’s that I’d ever even run for a bus I’d have dissolved into a fit of giggles. Nearly 4 stone heavier than I am now and a size 16 versus my now size 10, I hated even walking to the end of the street I lived on let alone thinking about running. Being fit felt impossible and it was a very long journey over many years to get me to a place where I finally felt comfortable in my own skin and thankfully that’s been maintained ever since. No fad diets or quick fixes but patiently and painstakingly taking my time to lose weight has meant I’ve kept it off for the last 8 years or so and will never go back.

NewBalance

So what will be different this time around? Well, a different course for starters, plus our little team of 4 runners consists of another colleague who ran previously but also two of our newer colleagues so it will be fun to keep each other motivated and inspired along the way. I’m 3 years older but arguably slightly fitter and there’s the psychological advantage of knowing that it can be done. You’d also think that needing to take Maddie out regularly would help but she needs to be off the lead whereas I’ll be mainly road-running to notch up the miles so it will mean spending a lot of time outdoors in the evenings after work as she’ll still need her walks, probably separately to training runs. Plus this time we’re running for charity whereas before we ran for ourselves, that little bit of extra pressure to raise money will hopefully keep us on the straight and narrow.

smoothie

For the next 4 months, Fridays on the blog will now be given over to fitness posts as I talk about the training I’ve done that week plus developing a more healthy lifestyle which can only help to continue my recovery from gluten intolerance. Last year mostly passed in a lot of discomfort and worry that I was seriously ill, and after months of tests and finally some surgery earlier this year, a gluten-free lifestyle is proving the catalyst to a brighter future. I’m armed with a stack of clean-eating cookbooks that are crying out for use, as well as my trusty Nutribullet, #EauGood water infusion bottle from Black & Blum and my weekly Pilates. Plus, any excuse to invest in some new running clothes right??

#EauGood

I’ll try not to turn into a fitness bore but to be honest the existence of chocolate will probably ensure that doesn’t happen. I can’t wait to get going and am really determined to look after myself and keep in tip-top condition. I’d be so grateful if you could spare £1 to get our sponsorship going, we have £1,000 to raise so if you would like to help, please click here. And any training strategy tips gratefully received!

Fitness 4 Mamas

My colleagues & I are running the Richmond Half Marathon in Richmond for the NSPCC. PUR-LEASE donate a penny or two #kisses

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11 Comments

  1. Alice Bayfield
    May 13, 2016 / 10:12 am

    Wow this is amazing! I’ve been running doing #MyMarathon for the British Heart Foundation during May, and although you don’t do the whole lot in one go, or even half, I’ve surprised myself with a few 5 milers and actually how much I’ve enjoyed them, rather than just feeling exhausted!
    Definitely needed as reading your post you linked, I’m even heavier than you at your heaviest! Though I would love to be thinner, I know I exercise a lot and eat well most of the time (just perhaps too much of it- plus I definitely have the same issue you did with sweet treats).
    Having a running goal, such as a half marathon is such a great achievement, I watched the runners come into the finish line of the Plymouth half a few weeks ago and it really spurred me on to want to do it!
    Alice xx

    http://www.woodenwindowsills.co.uk

    • Lins
      May 24, 2016 / 9:08 am

      Thanks so much Alice for your lovely comments, I definitely agree that finding motivation can be the hardest part but once its there it really helps Xx

  2. May 17, 2016 / 12:07 pm

    Sooooooooooo proud of you lovely! I know you will ace it, and will reach your target too. $ months gives you plenty of time to train, take it easy, and give me a shout if you need anything! Off to sponsor you now x @Fitness4Mamas #FitnessTuesday

    • Lins
      May 24, 2016 / 8:55 am

      Thanks so much lovely, that’s very kind of you. Come off the rails a little bit this week so need to get back on it! Xx

  3. Andreea Sandu
    May 17, 2016 / 1:34 pm

    Well done for signing up and raising money for charity! I left a small donation, but I can probably help more with running advice. Do let me know if you need anything! andreea@pennyplainfit.co.uk

    • Lins
      May 24, 2016 / 8:54 am

      Thank you so much Andreea, I really appreciate your kind donation, I’m off to check out your site now X

  4. Stephanie Robinson
    May 17, 2016 / 9:08 pm

    Ah well done Lins – love that you’re excited and nervous but also determined. I know you’re going to do well, and looking forward to seeing more of the Friday posts. Thanks for linking to #PoCoLo

    • Lins
      May 24, 2016 / 8:46 am

      Thank youuu, it’s definitely great having a target to work towards X

  5. May 22, 2016 / 2:42 pm

    Well done you! You’ve done so well already and running a half-marathon is quite an achievement. I’m looking forward to reading about your progress. Good luck honey. Thanks for linking to #PoCoLo

    • Lins
      May 24, 2016 / 8:25 am

      Aw thanks so much, sadly this week things seem to have ground to a halt a bit but must get back on it tout suite! X

  6. May 26, 2016 / 10:21 am

    Good luck to you! It sounds like with your new healthier lifestyle you should nail it!
    I’ve run 8 half marathons in my life – 2 of them 20 years and 6 more recently. I’ve got various niggles on my left leg which I’m hoping to overcome so I can run another half marathon this September.

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