If the shirt fits.... Well, now that we're well into the new year and my marathon journey is definitely underway, for the first time ever I've actually signed up to a lovely athletics coach, Andy Matson of AM Activ who is putting me through my paces and certainly taking me out of my comfort zone! However, even though he has only been coaching me for the last few weeks, he's already had to put up with me being beset with challenges...
Unfortunately, for the last 2 years, my mum of nearly 93 has been suffering from acute macular degeneration, causing her major sight impairment. Reading... one of her favourite pastimes is now sadly impossible. Very poor eyesight combined with her impaired hearing at such an advanced age has made even the simplest of everyday chores a complex struggle for mum, leaving her feeling very frustrated and isolated. This has more recently affected her mental health causing acute anxiety and depression, resulting in trips to the GP, A&E and mental health crisis team.
Supporting my mum through this difficult stage has been my absolute priority over the last few weeks, therefore, focussing on my marathon training has been particularly challenging and often curtailed... as my coach Andy has discovered! Nevertheless, he has been both patient and encouraging, despite my lack of focus.
However, in my mind, I've just reached a major milestone... and successfully completed the first of my long races in preparation for the London Marathon! Whilst the run was gruelling with several steep inclines I was so pleased with my performance as I managed to knock 4 minutes off my target time and several minutes off the same race I ran back in 2015 which was also part of my marathon training at the time.
Whilst it has been extremely difficult to focus on my marathon training over the last few weeks, I now feel like my head is engaged and ready for the challenge.
Unfortunately, for the last 2 years, my mum of nearly 93 has been suffering from acute macular degeneration, causing her major sight impairment. Reading... one of her favourite pastimes is now sadly impossible. Very poor eyesight combined with her impaired hearing at such an advanced age has made even the simplest of everyday chores a complex struggle for mum, leaving her feeling very frustrated and isolated. This has more recently affected her mental health causing acute anxiety and depression, resulting in trips to the GP, A&E and mental health crisis team.
Supporting my mum through this difficult stage has been my absolute priority over the last few weeks, therefore, focussing on my marathon training has been particularly challenging and often curtailed... as my coach Andy has discovered! Nevertheless, he has been both patient and encouraging, despite my lack of focus.
However, in my mind, I've just reached a major milestone... and successfully completed the first of my long races in preparation for the London Marathon! Whilst the run was gruelling with several steep inclines I was so pleased with my performance as I managed to knock 4 minutes off my target time and several minutes off the same race I ran back in 2015 which was also part of my marathon training at the time.
Whilst it has been extremely difficult to focus on my marathon training over the last few weeks, I now feel like my head is engaged and ready for the challenge.
The reality of losing your sight at an older age is challenging, but fortunately, my mum has been well supported by Huntingdonshire Society for the Blind, with access to their products, lovely outreach workers who visit and help both with the practical matters and pastorally.
They work tirelessly for people in the local community and it is, for this reason, I would like to use the opportunity to raise funds for such a hard working charity helping blind and partially sighted people in the Huntingdon area.
For those of you who would like to make a donation, I have set up a fundraising page with Virgin Money Giving.
I will also be leaving a sponsorship form in the clinic. However, unlike last time I am not undertaking my mammoth bake...! I just simply don't have the time. Thank goodness some of you might say! ;)
Anyway, roll on my next hurdle... the Stamford 30K in February! Even now I'm still wondering how I will be able to complete the 18.6 miles... so watch this space!
They work tirelessly for people in the local community and it is, for this reason, I would like to use the opportunity to raise funds for such a hard working charity helping blind and partially sighted people in the Huntingdon area.
For those of you who would like to make a donation, I have set up a fundraising page with Virgin Money Giving.
I will also be leaving a sponsorship form in the clinic. However, unlike last time I am not undertaking my mammoth bake...! I just simply don't have the time. Thank goodness some of you might say! ;)
Anyway, roll on my next hurdle... the Stamford 30K in February! Even now I'm still wondering how I will be able to complete the 18.6 miles... so watch this space!
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