The running season is most definitely in full swing with the Brighton Marathon last weekend and the London Marathon just days away, thousands of people will be taking on the 26.2 mile challenge. After months of training and hard work, it all comes down to that one day!  Some can never imagine running a marathon or the reasons why people want to do it. It would be difficult for me to put a finger on the exact moment which I felt inspired to transform into this state of insanity where I enjoy running for several hours at a time- yet I am addicted to running Marathons.  

 The weather in Brighton on Marathon day was beautifully sunny but yet not too hot for running. As I stood at the start line I was thankful for the weather and the possibility of getting a sun tan! Amongst the nerves and emotions I was eager to start running and looking forward to seeing my friends (including Nicola and Holly from the Feather & Black team) and family waiting for me around the course. The countdown began 10..9..8..7..6..5..4..3..2..1, with everyone counting down it strangely felt a little like New Years Eve. With my pop music pumping I started on a high knowing it was all downhill from here!

This year I ran in aid for St Barnabas Hospice a local charity close to my heart; this was a great motivator throughout my run with the cheering teams spurring me on. Despite my initial anxiety of previous injuries haunting me whilst running and numerous self-pep talks ‘COME ON STEPH’, I was feeling good!

There were many moments when I wanted to stop running and walk, I kept thinking at 16 miles I’ll walk for a while…16 miles passed, and then 18… 18 passed…and before long I reached 20 miles. It was then that I realised I was on target to finish with a great time and I decided to run the whole thing! I crossed the line with a big cheesy grin and my thumbs up knowing I had beaten my time of last year and had done my charity proud. My final time was 4 hours and 57 minutes and I raised £300 for St Baranabas Hospice.

I would recommend the marathon experience to anyone, it’s a fantastic achievement and once you get past the pain it is truly an enjoyable sport…

Good luck to all London Marathon runners on Sunday!

Steph xx