Sunday, 2 March 2014

Happy to be alive




After 12 weeks of training, today was the day of the Reading Half Marathon! I've raised over £500 for The Duchess of Kent Hospice in memory of my grandma as they cared for her in her final days of her fight with cancer.

It was an early start, a challenge for me, but I had so much adrenaline I was able to get up in time; a miracle, I know. Had a good breakfast and got to Madejski stadium nice and early but it did take us about an hour to find the start line! But I'm very proud that I was able to run the whole time, didn't have to stop or walk, kept a good pace and finished in 2 hours, 45 minuets and 18 seconds; which is shorter than 3 hours so I'm happy!

When I finished my dad forced me to get a massage and Sue Ryder were so supportive, not just during the race, screaming "GO ON LOUISE" "DON'T GIVE UP" but before and after too! Such an emotional day.

This has been on my bucket list for a while, I've never been good at long distance, in PE at school, I was just always better at short distance. This was going to be a push and a challenge, I did it all on my own and I have to say, I'm so proud of myself and today has really made me happy. Not just for my achievement but everyone else's as well. There was fancy dress, couples crossing the line holding hands, friends and family crying, it just made me feel amazing to be alive and healthy.
If you've ever felt this way, I'd love to hear from you in comments.

What has made you proud to be alive and brought you happiness? 

Thanks for reading,

-Lou-