A New Chapter

It's been a long time since I last wrote on here. But a few days ago I was offered a charity place on the Brighton Marathon on 12th April 2015, which I accepted. Which really marks a whole new chapter in my running journey. It's strange to read back over blog posts from when I very first started running, when I've now completed several long races and running is very much a central part to my life. A marathon is a huge undertaking, but I'll be running for a charity that's very close to my heart, and hopefully help raise lots of money and awareness.

I have no idea if 6 months is enough time to get myself shape. It's the Birmingham half marathon next weekend again, which I'm running for the 2nd time (although I'm seriously under-prepared). So  have 6 months to step it up from that to a full marathon. Right now, April seems so far away that I don't think the enormity of the task I have set myself has fully set in. I haven't even written a training programme yet.,

So we shall see how things go I guess. Just got to hope I don't injure myself in next weeks half marathon like I did last year!

Time to Marathon: 6 months and 3 days

Setbacks and illnesses

Most people will know that I spent the majority of August in China. Whilst there I became quite ill from the food and spent approximately 3 weeks unable to keep food down. As a result my strength and fitness has deteriorated hugely. I've lost weight and muscle, and my energy levels are hugely depleted. It's been a huge set back. But it just means I have to work harder. I've got to train everyday now, and do all that I can. Maybe I won't be able to run all 13 miles, but I'll run as much of it as I can. And I will cross the finish line. It's almost like going back to the start of training again. But I'm even more determined now.
If you can donate, please do, it will only motivate me more :) https://www.justgiving.com/Abigail-Nicholls

Time to Half Marathon: 1 month and 4 days

Health, Zombies and Fundraising

Many people say that running is pointless unless there's something chasing you. Or unless you've just checked your watch and are about to miss the bus. I much prefer to take the view that by running regularly I'll less likely be caught by the zombies during the zombie apocalypse:

Whenever I mention to someone that I'm training for the Birmingham Great Run, I get a very similar response every time: "Oh, I couldn't do that, I can't run." Which in most cases is completely untrue. You may think you can't run, but almost anybody can. When I started on this journey, I couldn't run for more than about a minute before I was so out of breathe I thought I was going to die. I couldn't even walk for long periods of time without my lungs tightening and my asthma playing up. After just 10 weeks, I can run for half an hour, fairly easily. I'm no sprinter, and I never will be. But I can run. And all it took was some perseverance.

I have barely had to take my inhalers recently. And my Peak Flow is the best it's ever been in my life. My lung capacity is almost that of a healthy person. Running has actually really cleared up my asthma. This is just one of the many health benefits I've noticed since training began.

Feeling so healthy is amazing. But it reminds me that not everyone has that luxury. The reason I decided to put myself through all of this in the first place was to help those who have bad health. The children at Birmingham Children's Hospital are among the sickest in the country. And they are always desperate for funds to improve treatment and survival rates through research and trials. Now I'm a student, with little money. As one person I cannot do much. I want to raise £500 for the hospital, and I can't do that by myself. But if everyone who reads this blog post gave just £1 it would be a great start. If you want to know more about where your money will go, head over to their website at http://www.bch.org.uk/index.php. Maybe £500 could be what saves a child's life. It could give a mother the chance to see her daughter grow up and go to university. So please, head over to my fundraising page at http://www.justgiving.com/Abigail-Nicholls and give whatever you can, I'll really appreciate it. In the meantime, I need to build up my current 3 mile record to 13 miles.


Time to Half Marathon: 2 months, 2 weeks

2.5 miles complete

Today I ran 2.5 miles. In one go. Non stop. That is the farthest I have ever run in my life. The best part is, the first 1.5 miles were easy! It was only the last mile, particularly the last half mile, where I struggled. I also did 1 mile of walking. I am amazed at my success. I've never felt so good. As I was running, I didn't want to stop! I felt unstoppable. It's a feeling I've never experienced before from running. It's the feeling I used to get when I swam. And it was awesome.

Now I'm a little sore, I'll admit. But after a lack of training over the last week, I'm pleasantly surprised at my ability today. I can see myself getting stronger still. I've got a long way to go still, of course. But right now, it's not looking like such an impossible task after all. For a girl who used to have asthma attacks running 400m, being able to run 2.5 miles is incredible. And it just shows what you can do when you really put your mind to it. If you want something bad enough, and work towards it, there isn't anything you can't achieve. Except flying. Maybe that will be my next quest...

Time to half marathon: 3 months and 11 days

Baby steps

Source: weightlozzandrecipes.blogspot.com via Abi on Pinterest

Today I completed a 2 mile circuit. No, I did not run the whole thing. But I ran more than half, and power walked in between. It's a small step, and I struggled. But it's one more step on my journey. Even if I'm never able to run the entire 13 miles, I'll be able to complete it somehow. Even if I walk half of it, I'm going to complete it. But I've got months left of training, and I'm getting closer to my goal every day. With my daily training sessions, and healthy diet, I can feel my body growing stronger and see myself becoming more and more able.

Like the photo above says:
I may not be there yet, but I am most definitely closer than I was yesterday. And each day I get another step closer.

Time to half marathon: 3 months, 3 weeks and 5 days