This post is totally unrelated to work, but just to let you all in on one of the reasons why I’ve been so busy lately…
In approximately 4 days, 20 hours, 14 minutes and 18 seconds… or next Sunday if you like, I’ll be running the Brighton Marathon.
It started as a way to lose weight a few years ago, but quickly turned into something a little more time-consuming. I have run 5K, 10K and Half Marathons, some for charity, some just for me, and about 8 months ago I thought it was time to think about the big one. London Marathon was proving difficult to enter, even as a charity entry, so Brighton was the best option. It’s also a lot flatter than where I usually run, which is a huge plus!
I have run for Cancer Research UK before, and to be honest, in the last few years I have known too many people diagnosed with it, so it was a no-brainer as to whom I would fund-raise for.
The challenge was to raise £650+ and to get myself fit enough and ready to run 26.1 miles in one go. I ran a half marathon last year in June, in 2 hours 12 minutes – not a bad time, so I was confident that with training and hard work I could get to a level where it would be possible to run the distance. Spurred on by the need to drop a dress size or two for my upcoming nuptials in October, I started running more and training for the longer distance. Christmas, and more recently, my 30th birthday and Easter have both had their toll on my diet, but none the less, I am generally a bit smaller and much fitter than I was a couple of years ago.
My longest run to date was 18.5 miles (it was supposed to be 20 miles, but my maths was a bit out when converting to km) and whilst it hurt, and I cried, and I lost the feeling in my toes, I did it. And I felt like I could go on and do more…
My last few 8 mile+ runs have seemed like a breeze – which is amazing as a year ago, 8 miles would have felt like a huge challenge! I don’t feel like it will be easy to run a marathon by any means, and I don’t even think I’ll get a particularly good time but I think I should be able to do it. All in one go, before the time limit.
The fundraising bit wasn’t a walk in the park either… I started canvasing people about 6 months ago, by March I had raised about £400 from online donations and from leaving a sponsor form down in my local pub. I organised a Poker Night and a Quiz at aforementioned pub, and managed to raise £200. I then started to ask more people, put more messages on Facebook and Twitter, and at the last count, I am at £830.75. Already £180.75 over my pledged target!
So for the next 4 and a bit days, I will be eating much pasta and other carby treats, carrying on with my alcohol-free lifestyle (it’s been 2 weeks now) and running a few short distance jogs… and then on Sunday I’ll be running the longest distance I have ever run in my life. I’ll try to keep you updated on Facebook and twitter throughout.
Many thanks to all of you have supported me so far with sponsorship and encouragement, and if you would like to sponsor me, you can do so here: http://www.runningsponsorme.org/laurapakora
For more information visit http://laurapakoradesign.wordpress.com/2012/04/10/brighton-marathon/