As I'm sure you have all seen by now, I am running the London Marathon for the Mental Health Foundation (click me to donate). I have been running for around 2 months now and have just completed my first 10k (finished in 58.16 - WOO).
In the past year or so, I've been a lot more open with speaking about mental health and it all comes down to the fact that it is something that is more commonly being spoken about. Unfortunately I've found that it tends to only appear mainly in the death of a well known figure, but regardless, this is still something that opens the eyes to those who may have had them closed.
I have applied to run the London Marathon every year since turning 18 but have never been successful. Now, despite people assuming I'm fit (because of my figure) I can assure you, I'm really not. I always found the idea of the London Marathon being a great personal challenge, but this year I thought it would be even better to do it for a charity that helps many others (maybe even myself?)
I applied in the early May, just after the 2018 London Marathon and waited... And waited... And waited. I would get occasional emails to say that I'd 'hear soon' but never did. Then I got an email saying there was something wrong with my application, so I had to reapply again - 1-2 months after I had originally applied.
Finally I got an email to say that I'll find out nearer the end of July. Then I received an email at the beginning of August asking me to give them a call, which I did... They wanted to know a little more of my ideas on how to raise money and then they told me that I would hear back in the next week or so.
I finally heard back on the 17th August. I had got a space.
Training started not too long after, and my attempt is to try 1 Mile a week with 10 minute Miles. I would ideally like to finish the marathon around 4hours 30 minutes and 10 minute Miles is the way to do this.
The first run I done was 1 mile and OMG this was SO HARD. I couldn't believe how hard I found it - I even stopped 0.8 miles in for a breather.
I have a great app called 'Map My Run' and not only can it follow where I run, give me the speed and tell me how far I've run, but it can also map routes for me. All I need to do is tell them how far I want to run, OR I can run a route that someone else has made themselves. There are so many great things about this app, but this post isn't to promote this app - I would highly recommend anyone training to get this app though.
I've also finally bought myself a new pair of running trainers which will be THEE marathon trainers - scary. They're New Balance and have a great spring to them, also a nice sole to help with my knee (which I think sometimes is beyond repair), but we'll see.
Not only this, but I bought a Nike arm strap to put my phone in, WHICH I LOVE. It keeps the phone in place, is sensitive enough so I can actually use my phone and I no longer have to hold my phone when I'm running. YAY.
These past two months have been stressful, but rewarding. I had 3 weeks off due to a knee injury and volunteering in South Africa, but despite that I have managed to bounce back amazingly. I'd ideally like to be running a half marathon by the end of the year and I'm so far on track for that, so wish me luck!!
I would also like to take this time to thank those of you who have donated so far to The Mental Health Foundation. I've had an overwhelming amount of support and I'm feeling hopeful that this target will be met. Please remember to take a thought and read of my just giving page if you haven't already.
(click link below)
https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/NikitaRunsForMentalHealth
No comments:
Post a Comment