Finding my pace

Back in October 2022, I got this email that, honestly, would've completely flipped the script for the next few months and, maybe even altered the course of my entire life and daily routine.

Can you imagine? It was like one of those dreams you never knew you had until it's right there in front of you. You know, those secret goals you stash away in the back of your mind for a lifetime without even realizing it? Shout out to those sneaky NY and Boston Marathon posters plastered on the walls of the gym where my mom used to work out during her pregnancy, and where I've been sweating it out for years. Talk about subliminal messaging, right? :D

But seriously, this email was about to make that dream a reality. Was I prepared for what lay ahead in the next six months? Absolutely not. Was I scared out of my wits? You betcha. But was I excited beyond belief? Oh yeah, 100%!

Over the last six months, I've pretty much been living in a cycle of sleep, eat, train, repeat. My whole world shifted, and I have been swapping out Saturday nights with friends for early bedtimes, popping magnesium and zinc pills, slathering on arnica gel, and carb-loading for those insanely long runs. And let me tell you, those runs have been eye-opening. I've pounded the pavement for miles on end, only to realize that London itself isn't even big enough to contain my 25-mile jaunts. It's been quite the journey, to say the least!

You know what's crazy? I've realized that I can run to brunch dates with my friends now. It's like a whole new level of freedom! And get this – I've started plotting my routes around the cutest bakeries in town. I mean, who wouldn't want to run for a croissant and coffee, right? It's become my ultimate motivation!?

Jokes aside...

The London Marathon is just around the corner, a mere 18 days away, and let me tell you, I am feeling a whirlwind of emotions: excitement, fear, anticipation, and gratitude all rolled into one. It's like I'm on this rollercoaster ride of feelings, you know? I'm practically living in my sports gear, constantly lugging around my foam roller wherever I roam, and finding myself ravenous for carbs at the oddest hours, day or night. It's a wild journey, and it's mine...and I can go at my own pace!!

You know, it's funny how things can change in just a year. I mean, if you had told me a year ago that I'd be willingly lacing up my running shoes and pounding the pavement for 26.2 miles, I would've thought you were joking. Honestly, up until then, I was not a fan of running – not even close. My sister used to try to drag me out for 5km runs, and I'd be whining before we even left the house, gasping for breath and feeling like my feet were on fire after just 10 minutes. I had a whole list of excuses ready to go. I was content with hitting the gym or playing team sports with friends, but running? No way.

But then something shifted. Maybe it was me. Maybe it was a heartbreak that lit a fire under me, propelling me to demand more from my body. I entered this whole "pushing my limits and seeing what happens" phase, and let me tell you, I've never looked back. Now, when I tell my sister about my 20-mile runs, she looks at me like I'm crazy and jokes about where I've hidden her real sister. But deep down, I know she's incredibly proud of my transformation. And hey, so am I.

Running has been an incredible journey of self-discovery for me. It's not just about pushing my physical limits; it's about delving deep into who I really am. Through running, I've rediscovered a version of myself that doesn't back down in the face of challenges – instead, I'm the one cheering others on, seeing if we can tackle obstacles together. I've learned to embrace the pain, the rain, and the sweat, and keep showing up, day after day. And you know what? I've even dared to document this journey on my Instagram profile, just keeping it real. It's been a revelation, teaching me not to take myself too seriously all the time and helping me find comfort in the uncomfortable. It's like I've discovered a whole new level of authenticity and resilience within myself. And I am in love with this new me!

For this marathon, the first one of my life, I've decided to do something meaningful and fundraise for London Sport . London Sport is dedicated to ensuring all Londoners have the opportunity to live longer, healthier, and happier lives through active lifestyles. Their primary focus is on supporting children and adults in the most disadvantaged communities who confront significant challenges related to inequality.

Recognizing that physical inactivity contributes to 1 in 6 premature deaths, London Sport is committed to empowering every Londoner to incorporate more movement into their lives. Supported by Sport England and the Mayor of London, London Sport collaborates closely with local authorities and various organizations throughout the city to enhance access to sports and physical activities across the capital.

If you're feeling generous and want to support me on this marathon journey, you can donate through this link.

And hey, if you're up for it, come cheer me on along the way! I'll be sharing more details soon, so keep an eye on this space. Or, if you want to follow along with the entire journey, you can catch me on Instagram, where I'll be documenting every step of the way. Thanks for all the love and support!

"Forward is a pace!"