40 Miles Before I'm 40! . . . the challenge continues
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Why & how it started? My Story . . .
In 2009 I had a silent miscarriage. My baby had died and I didn't even know it, I was heart-broken.
Starting to run really helped me cope, mentally and emotionally. At first, it was just to get out and clear my head but it soon became a bit of an addiction. When I started, I could hardly run round the block, but things gradually picked up and I was pounding the streets 3 times a week - injuries permitting!
So, in memory of my child I never got to know and with a big birthday approaching, I decided to set myself a challenge in 2010, of running '40 miles before I'm 40' and raising lots of money for charity in the process.
The challenge included
the Virgin London Marathon (26.2 miles), Portsmouth Cancer Research Race For Life (both 10km & 5km in the same morning!) and the Great South Run (10 miles).
It was not easy. I am not a natural runner and certainly do not have the so-called 'running gene', but sheer determination got me through. Running can definitely be more of a mental challenge than physical one.
I raised over £2, 600 for three very worthy charities.
Action Medical Research for Children. This is a great charity dedicated to saving tiny lives and improving the health of babies and children. I couln't save my baby but hopefully I can at least help save someone else's.
Cancer Research UK. We all know someone who has been affected by cancer and every year I take part in this amazing race I unfortunately seem to be running for someone different.
Alzheimer's Society to help their fight against dementia. My lovely Nan suffered from dementia and I know how hard it can be when someone you love and know so well doesn't even recognise who you are.
And this year I am doing it all again! Sometimes, there are things you just can't control but by doing a challenges like these for charity, you do feel more positive and more in control.
06/04/10
I am featured in today's paper 'The News' - 3 pages - brilliant!! Full article PDF 
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My Sponsors
Email: courtneydesign@aol.com Tel: 023 92785546
26/04/10 The marathon!
Well I done it !!!!!!! 26.2 miles, well I actually ran 27 somehow in about 5 and a half hours, ignoring the queuing for toilets - I wish I was a bloke, much easier! (Official time 5.43). it was the hardest thing i have ever done but I absolutely loved it! Fabulous atmosphere. My highlights were running over Tower Bridge at about half way and the last mile along the Thames. spotting Big Ben and then up the Mall to the finish. Would I do it again? No, it was a once in a lifetime experience for me but I do recommend it to everyone, it was a day I will never forget!
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18/0710 - I Raced for Life twice!
9.00am - 10km Race For Life ( 58 mins)
11.30am - 5km Race For Life ( 29 mins.)
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26/10/10 40 and 10 miles to go!
Great South Run done and challenge complete! With the hangover from my birthday still lurking i completed it in a steady 1 hr 49 mins! Not my fastest time but a great race with lots of friends supporting on the way!
Congratulations to the other members of my family who joined in: my brother Gareth (1 hr 11mins), My brother Jason (1hr 16mins) and my amazing Mum (3hr 7mins)!
Thankyou very much to all my sponsors.