This is really happening!!

When I got my place last May I was completly new to running.  I went way for the summer and on my return in August I have been training since! I struggled to run even a mile back then without stopping but have stuck with the training and am now up to 18.5!!  I still cant believe I can run that far!! With the tapering stage just around the corner I feel like the hard part of the training is done! I cant believe I have stuck with this and come so far! Its amazing what your body can do.  My knees are starting too hurt a bit at the mo but they used to a lot at the begining too so I will return to doing RICE. Muscles a bit sore, so I have my first sports massage booked for tomorrow!  Cant believe this is really happening!!

Any other first times like to share there story?x

Hi there, much the same as you I'm new to running. I found out I had my place last August and have been training since September, just short distances at first just getting used to going out regularly each week. I could just about run 4 miles at that point. Since then I've run a 10 mile race, 3 half marathons and a 20 mile race and still can't quite believe that I can run these sorts of distances.

I lost my husband to leukaemia 2 years ago and having the marathon training to focus on has been such a positive experience and a lifeline for me. It's given me a new hobby to do in the evenings, a way to meet new friends, something to get me through the winter nights and even a reason to start eating again. It really has helped me to stop existing and start living this new life. Alongside this, so far I have raised £4400 for Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research with two more fundraising events to come still in March.  I have been overwhelmed and amazed by the support I have received from friends, family, work colleagues and even people I don't know.

I'm so excited now about the big day, hope I can do everyone who has supported me proud.

Thats really good well done! Sometimes its so over whelming talking to people who have done it years its easy to forget there our others who have started from scratch too.

Have you had any injuries? I am going  to have to rest off for a few days now till my knee sorts itself out but hoping now i had the sports massage it will.

Unfortunatly the sponsorship is the one thing that im struggeling with.  I need to get £1500 and only around half way.  Im feeling very unsupported by many peopl who I thought would help with this or at least show an interest in my progress, so far Iv been prooved wrong. Im hoping it will change nearer the time :)

Good luck with the race xx

I've had some niggles along the way as my body has adapted to the training but I've tried really hard to increase all mileage slowly.  My knees have been sore at times but I've iced them alot and rested at times and they've got better. I had a sports massage and she identified which muscle was pulling the knee and since then I've used a foam roller on it regularly and its really improved.

That's a shame that people haven't been more supportive to you. I was worried how I would manage to raise my target of £2000 but people have been fantastic. I know I'm really lucky with the support I've had but then most of the people know what I've been through and have seen me at my very lowest over the past two years. I also think that although its all we can think about to other people its still away off, so hopefully they'll come good for you when the time comes!

Good luck to you too!

Danidreamer82 May I suggest to help raise funds you let people know how they can sponsor you via this thread. It may help you raise the money you need for your charity even if you only get a few pounds it all helps.

Best of luck with the race

Maybe you need to do the North American version of RICE - Rum, Ice, Coke, Empty!!!

I like this..!~

Morning Flanks. How's it hanging this fine day?????