That’s what I hear as I switched on the radio this morning and it still gives me butterflies when I think that The London Marathon – Sunday 28^th April 2019 – is getting closer…

I became involved in The Running Charity through a good friend Stephen (TRC Volunteer), we would chat about our week, the highs, the lows and what we’ve been up to when we were running. One key thing that we spoke about was how we believe that running can help us and how that both of us loved running in groups for that sense of community and belonging. It was following these conversations that I got in touch with TRC to get more involved.

My running story is that I currently see running as my happy place which may sound really strange to a non-runner…which a while ago I was. As a busy mum, part-time teacher/trainer, I seem to be juggling quite a few balls at the moment so running gives me the chance to press the pause button on the world – listen to music, a podcast or have a good natter to whoever I happen to be running with. Running gives me a chance to be in the moment, enjoy the view….the mud…the snow and I always feel so much better after.

My journey so far with TRC is that I have been so honoured to join group runs and run with some of the team, have attended a brilliant runners breathing workshop, and become part of TRC family.

My build up to marathon day, obviously involves lots of running….LOTS of running – but being a fundraiser too has meant that a lot of other fun things have happened too: friends far and wide have come forward to sponsor me, cakes sales at work, a breathing workshop with TRC, a Marathon Party – music event with the Mali Development Group, a Marathon Party Games Event (at my house) resulting in lots of awareness and hopefully lots of money raised too.

As we celebrate International Woman’s Day 2019 I was reflecting on the impact of running on me as a woman. To put it simply it makes me a stronger person firstly in my head, makes me a better mum and hopefully even a better wife/friend too. As I am now upping my miles I am definitely feeling stronger and hope other young woman may give running a go…..you won’t regret it!

#balanceforbetter

Anita is running the London Marathon for The Running Charity and the Mali Development Group – a fantastic volunteer-led charity supporting vulnerable people in Mali. You can support Anita’s marathon journey here