One of the stand-out moments in my running career was the feeling I got approaching the finishing line in my first marathon. It was a feeling of extreme elation with the thought “I’ve actually done it!” and that memory even brings tears to my eyes today. Fundamentally, this is the reason I run.
As my watch today turned to 9.90 in the KM count, it wasn’t quite the same but nevertheless I feel pretty good at finally completing my challenge of running at least 10K every day for a month.
When I started out, I had no idea if I would be able to do it. It was a bit of a whim, a case of “why not?”, to raise money for a cause I care about in my local community. I had heard about someone else who had done it and it set my competitive side tingling! Blogging is something I enjoy so adding this to my challenge made it all the more interesting.
So, how did I find it? Well to be completely honest, I didn’t find it as hard as I feared. Yes, there were some moments when I felt I had to go out for a run when I really didn’t want to and other times where it felt like I was wearing lead running shoes. I also got absolutely soaked on two occasions. Through all of this though, I haven’t had aches and pains, no injuries and through it all I feel strong. I have found all my friends, both running friends and other who have been so supportive, encouraging and generous in the monetary donations to get a public access defibrillator at Rothwell Baptist Church. As far as donations are concerned I am overwhelmed. On my online justgiving page there is now a total of £255 and with other payments and pledges, the total reaches £433! Thank you so much everyone; this will make a material difference to the task to raise a total of £2,000 to install the device.
What next? Well guess what? I am NOT going running tomorrow! I do have a 5K race on Tuesday (The Jane Tomlinson Canal Run) and a 10K (the St Aidan’s 10K) on Friday but most of the week is going to be a rest (those two races might be the only two runs I do all week). Longer term, I am going to carry on building my stamina with the aim of doing a marathon next year. I have told myself there is no point in doing a marathon unless I have a fighting chance of beating my PB (it’s too much effort) so I’m only going to do it if I feel fit and able.
“When he had received the drink, Jesus said, ‘It is finished.’ With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.” John 19:30 NIVUK
Richard ran 10K every day during June 2019, to raise money for a public access defibrillator to be situated at Rothwell Baptist Church. To sponsor him and make a donation, please visit his Just Giving Page.
Marathon Mann 
I have followed you every day with your 10k a day you are a true inspiration to meny runners out there and what a great achievement keep up the great work and I have now dowt as a fellow AVR Ambassador that you will smash a marathon next year .
Well done you from me to you x
I salute you 🌟🌟🌟🍻🍻🍻🍻
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Thank you so much Sarah, you are very kind!
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