Why am I running?

Why am I running the 2017 Cambridge Half Marathon?

The main reason I chose this personal challenge is to improve my health and fitness AND raise funds for Rowan. 

I decided that 2016 was going to be the year I got back into running. I was going to train to a 5km distance, something I’d done for the Race for Life quite a number of years ago, do a Park Run, then train for a local 10km race in September followed by the 2017 Cambridge Half Marathon.

By September I hadn’t done much, certainly not 5km let alone being ready to run a 10km distance. When applications for the half marathon opened in October, rather than admitting defeat I did the sums and realised I had just enough time to train so I entered regardless.

In early December I ran a 5km, then this January I ran just under 8km, the furthest ever. The thing is, every week from now until I’ve completed the half marathon I need to run further than I have ever run before. I’d be ready to run a 10km now but it’s onwards to the big race of 21.1km (13.1 miles). By entering this event I have to train, run (well jog) in the rain, cold, when I have a sniffle no matter how I’m feeling. 

I’ve held back until now on creating a fundraising page because it means that then there’s no turning back but I’m putting it out now and committing, so please help keep me going by donating to a wonderful cause!

Who am I fundraising for?

Over the last 3 years I’ve worked part time at Rowan doing arts administration as well as completing an MA, working for NHS Counselling in evenings and raising small children! Rowan is a lovely arts centre where learning disabled people work with artists to produce amazing work for themselves, for exhibition, sale and for commission.

Rowan subsidises every student place through fundraising and that’s where all the money I raise will go, supporting the day-to-day work and all the great things that happen there. The confidence, self esteem, choice and creative outlet that Rowan provides for its students is made possible through people’s generosity. If getting me out running wasn’t enough incentive to donate then I hope supporting Rowan will be.

Check out my localgiving page and consider supporting such a valuable and vital charity. Also follow @RowanCambridge on twitter, RowanCambridge on Facebook & Instagram where you will see updates on my progress.