No 3 & No 11 - Complete The Half Marathon & Raise Money for Charity

On the 29th May 2011 I set off to do the one activity that in it's own way inspired this whole thing.  I was sat watching the full marathon in 2009 seeing all these people of various shapes, sizes and ages running, jogging, walking the miles for charity, for themselves, for the fun of it.  And I thought "Well I can do anything I put my mind to". So I decided I could do a Half Marathon!

In my Broadreach T-Shirt I got ready and set off with hundreds of other runners, lots of whom looked extremely fit and like this was just going to be a walk in the park.  After the first 3 miles I realised that my fitness levels were ok but I was not going to be able to keep up with the main crowd for very long.  I had a few bouts of walking vs jogging and then succumbed to doing the second half at a brisk walk. 

The people along the way were very supportive and I am glad I kept going.  I finally completed the 13.1 miles waaaay behind most of the runners, but for me what was most important was that I had persevered and done it! My friends and colleagues were waiting on the finish line and I ate the BEST cheese pasty I think ever created!  I also benefited greatly from the free sports massage they provide, and I think this is what saved me from being unable to move for days afterwards.

I raised over £300 for Broadreach House - thus also hitting number 11 on my list of Raise Money for Charity.  And very pleased with myself I was for doing something athletic which is so different to my normal lifestyle as a whole. And I got a medal!!!