So I Decided To Run A Marathon!

After facing my fears last summer and returning back to regular training in the gym after 2 years post Meningitis, I decided to set myself a goal!

I knew the moment from attempting a 10 minute run on the treadmill, when my lungs were burning and I couldn’t breathe this was going to be challenge, a physical & mental one.

To keep me accountable I decided to run a for a charity ‘Heads On’ a small Sussex based charity helping people with mental health problems to achieve their ambitions.

I slowly began building my endurance up by running regular 2 to 3 mile walk/runs on the road, road running is completely different to running on a treadmill. This was my foundation to then go onto to following a 22 week beginner’s marathon programme.

I surprised myself how much I enjoyed the training and that my chronic fatigue responded pretty well, in fact the more I trained the less my symptoms were.

As well as the physical aspects, I learnt how important it is to fuel and keep your body hydrated, which makes a massive difference to how you feel mentally and physically. I learnt what trainers worked for me and what to wear as chaffing it not a pleasant experience when out on a long road run.

I set up my Just Giving page in the New Year and announced to everyone what I was doing, as up until then I had kept it pretty low key. That was it, I had put it out there and there was no going back.

I was really honest on social media and on my charity page how much your mind-set can affect you, there was times when I thought “what am I doing, I cant do this, I cant be bothered ” but I kept myself positive and remembered why I wanted to do this.

One thing that really helped me was visualisation, when I was out running I visualise running the marathon, being in Brighton, hearing the crowds and crossing over the finishing line.

So the BIG DAY arrived…….

It was a beautiful but very cold morning when we left to go to Preston Park.

Went over to my starting point & had to wait half an hour or so, by this time I had put my hoody on the lorry & was feeling COLD but excited.

Off I set slow & steady out of the park trying to kick off the mud from my trainers, think I looked like I was doing some funky dance.

I was determined to enjoy the whole experience & keep things mindful to how my body was feeling, especially my knee, as unfortunately I had picked up a small injury days before.

The atmosphere was electric, steel bands, dj sets in people’s front gardens, kids high 5ing you, opera singers, dancers.

Didn’t check my Run keeper until the 18 mile marker, I had no idea on time but body was starting to feel tired although mind was positive, the cheering crowd really helped calling our names & commenting on my Happy Pants!

22 miles in probably the bleakest part of the course because of the location, checked Run keeper again & then knew I was in with a chance to finish under 5. Ego did take over a bit then; Come On PD you Can Do This!!

The final 2 miles the pier was getting closer & closer, the crowd was louder & louder, I was still smiling like a cheshire cat, although I was beaming all the way round as I wanted to enjoy the whole experience.

I can’t put into words the feeling off crossing the finishing line, tears were rolling down my face, I felt overwhelmed, overjoyed all at the same time.

Then I had to walk, OMG legs felt they had been injected, took me about 5 minutes to put my flip flops on.

I staggered around to the Heads On charity tent, it was so lovely meeting them & to be greeted by my wingman Mr D, sister & father in law.

Had every intention to go in the sea & ice my legs but even after running 26 miles I was still cold!

Would I do it again?? Definitely

BELIEVE AND YOU WILL ACHIEVE!!!!!!!!

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Paula-Denvir2

#running #marathon #mindset #positivity #brightonmarathon