Race report: Brighton 10k

The Brighton 10k was a great race in many ways - flat course, good views, not too crowded, many places for good food afterwards...

However I hadn't had the best preparation for this one, due to being a bit up a down, ill, working late at work and getting up early etc. All this  had affected my training plan somewhat, and I do think a lot of running is mental as well as physical!

Therefore I wasn't massively buzzing when my alarm went off at 5.45am last Sunday morning. However, a bit of a stretch and a coffee later, I was excited for the day. We drove down on the morning of the race, ready for the start at 9.30am. In the car I also had a cereal bar, a banana, some water and a vita coco - and stopped

drinking an hour before the race which is my normal routine. After a good while of searching Brighton and Hove fruitlessly for a free parking space (N.B every street is permits only or extortionate pay and display) we parked up along from the Marina. Actually I was dropped off first - as my hydration strategy meant that I was extremely close to having an accident in the car!

Thankfully I didn't have toilet access issues this time around - there were public toilets by a children's playground which weren't too busy. There were so many clubs at this event - and it seemed like everyone had friends there, club vests on, photos in groups etc. Aside from feeling like a bit of a Larry Loner, it made me think that it would be nice to get involved in a club that I could train and race with.

My mum and brother caught up, at which point I unfortunately discovered I had left my race number in the car - so they duly went back for that. Sorry guys! I shoved a few jelly babies in, posed for taken pictures (standard) and made my way to the start line.

There were just under 4,000 runners in this race, and it was pretty busy near the start. We didn't have starting pens, so being the competitor I am, I vaulted a barrier near the front to start with the big guns. Bit of a mistake!!

Unfortunately I then got carried along at (for me) a blistering pace, doing to the first mile in about 6 mins 20 seconds! I of course couldn't keep this up, so naturally slowed, but the early spurt had taken the last out of my tired legs. People started passing me quite easily which was irritating, and I basically had to talk myself round the race. The evil little voice in my head wanted to stop and walk, or stop and now out gracefully, but my pride powered me on - although it didn't feel easy! At least it was flat, which was a blessing. 

I crossed the line in 43 minutes, which was a personal best of 2 minutes, compared to the Brentwood 10k in July this year. I was pleased with the result - although wish the race had felt easier! I think it was a good learning experience though - prepare properly for a race, train more consistently, don't pretend you're an elite runner at the start, and train more speed work.

I think I'm going to book in some more races to keep me going - and I really need to get focused on fundraising now. Only around 5 months to go!! 

Progress update; November

Since the Royal Parks Half Marathon I have continued training with it's usual highs and lows! Here is an update on progress. 

I bought some compression socks just before the Royal Parks, as had heard good things about them in terms of aiding recovery. You can wear them pre, during and post run. I tend to put them on for my long runs, and then leave them on whilst I cool down and stretch out. I went for the More Miles brand, which are easily available on eBay, Amazon etc. These are very much at the cheaper end of the scale - but I think they do the job. They are a bit thin for me to wear on their own while running, so I layer them with my normal socks and this keeps me comfortable and blister free.

Talking of blisters - I also have been trying out different ways to lace my trainers lately, plus different socks! I have tended to suffer in the past with blisters along the arches of my feet, and also with pain at the top of my foot when my trainers were too tight. What has made this better, and I think this is very much personal preference by the way, is wearing a double layer of socks, as previously mentioned, and also lacing my shoes different. What I do now is lace all the way up to the second to last hole, and then put the lace through the hole on the same side - to make a loop. You the cross the laces, put then through the opposite loop, and tie! This has made my foot secure without being to tight on the whole foot. I think to be honest I was wearing my training to tight - and trying to run with proper form and my feel underneath me has helped with foot issues also.

I have continued using my foam roller, although I need to remember not to get complacent and neglect to roll! I roll before I go out on runs I the evening, plus when I get back (although haven't done this a couple of time as I've collapsed on the sofa - not ideal). I also try and do it when I get up in the morning as this is when I feel the most achy and stiff. I also bought a resistance band to use for stretching and strength. I do believe now that some of my knee problems were to do with my hips/feet. We were also taught some great exercises to do pre and post run at the Whizz-Kidz training day last Saturday. 

Another think I have had to think more about is being careful when running in the dark! With the evenings drawing in, by the time I get home from work it is pretty dark! I was happily sprinting around a couple of weeks ago, when I went to cross a road and completely misjudged the kerb...falling flat out into the road! I managed to get up an hobble to the other side, but I was seriously panicking. The pain was pretty bad. I was thinking broken ankle, torn ligaments, all sorts. I also wasn't wearing reflective gear and I didn't even have my phone with me- luckily I wasn't too far from home. I quickly put my ankle in iced water with frozen peas when I got in, and kept it elevated. It was quite painful that night and the next morning, but I was happy I hadn't done something major and could still walk at least. However, after a day at work the next day it literally turned into an elephant foot (please see below)!! 

Luckily after icing it that night and keeping it up, most of the swelling went down by the next day, and there was no pain. I feel very lucky as it could have been much worse - and now I am really careful when running in the dark and negotiating kerbs.

I've been so busy at work recently that I haven't had much of a chance to fundraise, although I did do a cake sale in the office, and have started posting more on Instagram to raise awareness of what I'm doing. Sadly, the school where my Dad used to work can't help me by holding fundraising events, as they are currently fundraising for something else themselves. This is quite a big blow to me - however I will just need to think carefully about who else I can approach. My Mum's school are also unable to help for a similar reason - so I really need to stay positive and get asking! Any ideas gratefully received.

I recorded a video at the Whizz-Kidz training day about why I chose Whizz-Kidz, and I was so proud to do it. I think they will use it to recruit other runners. I hope dad is looking down on me and I will do my best to raise lots of money and complete the marathon to made him proud. 

My nephew is now crawling and has two teeth! What a clever boy:)

Race Report: Royal Parks Half Marathon, 12.10.2014

I felt really excited about this race. It would be the biggest half marathon I had participated in with around 16,000 runners, it was a brilliant flat course around some of the wonderful sights of London, plus I had heard that the atmosphere was amazing. 

I had completed my final long run the Sunday before the race and clocked 1hr 45 - which was quicker than my half marathon PB of 1hr 47, so I was hopeful of a decent time. However, I wasn't sure of how other factors might affect me, such as getting up ridiculously early to get to the start line and how busy the race might be - which may make it hard to run a fast pace.

I got everything ready the night before, and felt a mixture of nerves and excitement. The combo of my Nike sports bra and Lululemon vest are so comfortable, and make me feel good, stay cool and avoid painful chafing!

My alarm went off bright and early at 5.30am and along with my faithful groupies (Mum and boyfriend) we got the train by the skin of our teeth (why does that always happen?!) and got the tube to Knightsbridge, where we encountered quite a few other nervous and excited looking runners. Upon leaving the tube by Harrods, I pinned my number on and tied my shoes, then we just followed the pack of runners to the festival area by the start line.

There was music, stalls selling food and snacks, runners warming up, and a great buzz of excitement in the air. I began the pre race ritual of queuing for the portaloo and I unfortunately must have chosen the  longest and most frustrating queue EVER. It seemed as though each person was taking literally ten minutes in the there - and seriously, why would you want to spend any more time than was necessary?! After half an hour of waiting and getting more and more anxious, it was 8 minutes until the official start. 

There were about 6 people still in front of me. By this point I was struggling to control my annoyance, "let's hurry this up a bit guys, or we'll miss the start!" I tried feebly. Luckily a few people had the same  thoughts as me, and quickly went in, did their thing, then got out. Two people in front of me, and the start was imminent. One person was a race marshal and not a runner - and I naively hoped that he might let runners that needed to start the race pop in front of him. Unfortunately, he  motioned smugly for a fresh roll of toilet paper, and settled himself down for the long haul. As I heard the start klaxon from the portaloo queue, I felt the chance of a good run slipping away. For one, I was pretty stressed out, and hadn't stretched properly. And even though it was chip timed, I had wanted to start in my rightful place which was with the 1.30-1.55 runners. 

This guy really was taking his sweet time - and a lot of people around were complaining about it. With my anxiety reaching breaking point, I lurched forward and banged hard on the door, and then accosted the poor guy when he emerged . "That was so unfair!" I blurted out, to which he looked confused. When I then added "you're not even running" he realised I meant his selfish toilet decisions - and to his credit he did apologise...!

I then ran through a haze of rage to the start line, where I was now in a slower group than I wanted to be in. Luckily the lovely wide roads of London and the fact everyone went off extremely fast meant that I didn't have any problems with being stuck in a group, and I bashed out the first mile in a way-too-fast 6.45mins. A few people had mentioned the 1hr40 time, and I knew that I would have to beat my PB by 7 minutes to achieve this - but at that moment I decided to do just that.  I knew that if I ran roughly 7.25min miles, and I should be able to maintain that on this flat course, I might be able to do it.

The race itself was a mix of highs and lows. I knew I hadn't stretched as much as I would have liked to, and my hip and knee kept reminding me of this. Also, I hadn't really tapered properly at all, which I something I need to really get better at. I'm really bad at resting and often can't resist the chance to get out and run. There were some points where I found it hard to keep up the pace I'd set myself, but with two doses of lucozade, jelly babies and a SIS Gel, I managed to keep my energy up enough. The atmosphere around Hyde Park with the supporters and charity stations really helped too. I found myself able to overtake people nearing the latter stages of the race which felt good - apart from when I looked behind to overtake, and then upon looking forward again I had a plastic boob in my face which was attached to someone's back! Not ideal.

Seeing the 11 mile then the 12 mile signs gave me new hope and new life in my legs. I knew my mum, boyfriend and brother (who had travelled in to meet them) would be waiting to see me cross the line, and thinking of that always gives me a push at the end. When I spotted them with a few metres to go I somehow broke out into a sprint, and the noise was deafening down the finishing straight. I crossed the line with my arms in the air!

We were shepherded to the festival area, where we got our lovely medal, much needed water and a banana, and they filled or bags with goodies such as Bounce Protein Balls, a mini deodorant, and sweets! I then received this text which made all the effort worth it: 

I had a real mix of elation and mental and physical exhaustion after the race, and felt really sick and drained. It did make me contemplate how I would feel on the day of the London Marathon, and how hard I had to work with my running and fundraising before I get to the start line in April. However, it was a great experience and definitely a race I would recommend people to do if you can. Just suss out the best portaloo queue before you invest time standing in it...

Next race for me is the Brighton 10k on the 16th November. Please if you can - donate to my fundraising for Whizz-Kidz: https://www.justgiving.com/Eloise-Smith2

Race Report: Les Witton Dartford 10 mile race, 21.09.14

I didn't feel particularly good or confident the day before this race. I spent the majority of the day foam rolling, stretching, stuffing my face, drinking water and moaning/worrying about my knee. Even though I had got in a couple of nice fast session that week, it was aching a bit off and on. The phrase "runner's knee" was on repeat in my head...!

After a fitful night's sleep, my alarm gaily went off at 6am, and I was ready to (foam) roll. I packed a bag full of supplies - coconut water, lucozade, snacks etc and got into the running attire. We had to leave the house at 7am to make the ridiculous early start time of 8.30am, booo! I had a banana in the car plus some jelly babies beforehand.

Vita Coco obsession

We arrived in good time, and I collected my race number and spent a long time queuing for the toilets. I noticed that a lot of the people around me were 1. quite a bit older than me and 2. professional looking. There were a lot of people in running club vest who knew each other - I felt slightly like billy no mates! They were  all very friendly though. I did some stretching outside whilst waiting for the start. They announced a lady was there who had done 500 marathons...what a gal!

And we were off! The first mile of the course was downhill and then pretty flat, and I got carried along with the other runners. I remember thinking I had gone off way too fast. However, what goes down must come up. And come up we did! It seemed to be long hill after long hill, followed by a steep hill! I'm not sure how I managed to keep my pace fairly consistent, but I felt ok considering the inclines. There were some lovely marshals along the way who shouted encouragement such as "nearly at the top" and "there's a nice downhill bit after this". It helped at the time! 

I gave in and turned on my iPod around mile 5 - just to give me an extra boost. I also had a (sticky and melted) jelly baby which I had stashed in my pocket! There were 2 water stations on the course with people handing out plastic cups (most of which ended up down my front) which was enough for me. I had taken the advice of Whizz Kidz coach Phil and tried  to hydrate for the last week beforehand, so I didn't feel thirsty at any point. Coming up to mile 7, we ran along a long pavement which was a bit frustrating as it was single file, but when the road opened up I was able to overtake - god knows how I had anything left in my legs. I just think I was fixated on finishing, and finishing without feeling injured! 

There was one more mean hill right near the end, and then the finish was in sight. I tried to push for the final sprint finish, and was relieved and happy when I crossed the line. I was proud of my splits and time, especially on a tough course.

My mile splits, plus the medal

Everyone was given a medal, and around the corner there was a table with cups of water and bananas. I then saw my Mum and boyfriend walking over from the car park...unfortunately they thought I would be slower and so missed me cross the line! To be fair, I was  surprised at both my stamina and the capability of my dodgy knee.

We waited around for the presentation of trophies for the fastest 3 in each category, and I found out I had come 5th in the Senior Female category, which I am delighted with.

 All in all, this was good race experience and I'm glad I took part. Next up for me is the Royal Parks Half Marathon on the 12th October. 

Whizz-Kidz September training day

I really enjoyed the training day that Whizz-Kidz organised last Saturday. It was held at the University of Greenwich buildings near the Cutty Sark - which I went to gawp at because I arrived too early!

After wondering around lost for a bit and peering at the campus map, I came across someone in running gear who was also running for Whizz-Kidz and thankfully had more of an idea where we needed to be. 

The events team were so organised and friendly - they had bought our training vests along for us to take (which I wore with pride - see below!) and had some goodies such as bananas, cereal bars and coconut water - which was ideal as I'm obsessed with it! I had to reign myself in from asking Coach Phil a million questions about my dodgy knee, and we all sat in a classroom to listen to the talks.

It was useful to hear from Stacey, who has done a lot of fundraising and events for Whizz-Kidz in the past, including the London Marathon. She have some good tips on what works fundraising wise, and how to train smartly. Just listening to her describing the race gave me goosebumps - I can't wait to experience that feeling. And hopefully cross the finish line with my legs still intact...

We also heard from a beautiful little girl called Grace, who has severe cerebral palsy. Whizz-Kidz have provided her with a motorised wheelchair which has given her so much more freedom and independence. She was so happy and cheeky, and it was humbling to think that fundraising such as mine could help children like her.

We also listened to a great talk from Coach Phil - about everything from nutrition to training and recovery. I think it's so brilliant that Whizz-Kidz offer Phil to their runners - he really is invaluable and so knowledgeable. It was great to get the tips in early, and hopefully it will help us all avoid injury. The main things I took away were to keep stretching, foam rolling and strengthening exercises, to make a training plan, and to look more into nutrition and hydration. He mentioned about mixing training up a bit with temp runs - where you run at a faster pace than you normally would for the duration of your run. I tried this on Tuesday....it hurt!! But I can definitely see the benefits of this type of training.

The last part of our training day was to have a group run round Greenwich park. The route was 1.5 mile laps, and we could choose the number that we completed. Unfortunately the first part was a rather painful long incline (the same one that left me half dead at mile 12 of Run to the Beat I might add) and also unfortunately, I am too competitive for my own good! I did 3 laps and attempted to out sprint someone at the end. Then felt a bit silly as he clearly wasn't racing! Coach Phil suggested I foam roll my hips as well as leg muscles, which seems to be relieving tension. I'm trying to foam roll twice a day.

Thank you so much to the events team for organising a brilliant day. They were all lovely, and made the effort to get to know us and be really helpful. It was really good to meet some of the people who I will be fundraising and running alongside for the London Marathon.

The team before the run!

Backpacks, injuries, recovery and lessons learned

Not for the first time since I started running, I fell out of love with it slightly during the past couple of weeks. This is usually down to frustration with myself caused by a niggle or injury, and this time was no exception. 

Having moved jobs, and trying to sneak a few more miles in wherever I could, I bought myself a Karrimoor running backpack (pink of course) and set about running from Farringdon to Victoria, where I could then get on the train home. NB: I learnt the hard, very painful way that you should invest in a backpack with padded straps for comfort, and chest and waist straps so there is mimimal movement as you run....the first jaunt with a little Primarni number gave me a very nasty friction burn on my shoulder!! 

So everyday after work for a week, I launched myself out the door, pack on back. By the end of the week, I noticed my shin was a bit sore. Having suffered with shin pain before, I ignored it, hoping it would go away. On my long(ish) run at the weekend, without backpack of course, I noticed that my knee was feeling a bit odd. Not painful exactly, just kind of like it needed to click. Again I ignored it, and threw myself into another week of post work backpack runs. No warm up, no stretch before, no stretch after. Not sensible!

By that weekend, it was clear to me that something definitely wasn't right. I still ran that weekend, but my shin was sore and my knee felt very odd...like it was unstable. I began to worry, and when I woke up that Monday morning my fears were confirmed. Something definitely wasn't right, and I couldn't keep running when my legs were feeling like this.

I've never really had to stop running for a prolonged period of time since I started training for races. I've had a couple of niggly pains and had to make myself have a day or two's rest, but this felt like something altogether different. I panicked.

Unfortunately, I made the mistake of browsing the very knowledgeable Google. And diagnosing myself with everything under the sun. And convincing myself I would never run again. I also ate A LOT. And I mean a lot. My normal careful healthy diet to fuel my running, became a stuff my face with everything full of fat and sugar diet. I was wallowing in self pity and mourning my loss of running ability. And making things a lot worse than they needed to be!

While there was a lot of scary things on the internet relating to runners and knees, there was also a lot of helpful things too. Forums of people in the same boat offering advice and support, and reems and reems of advice, tips, and possible reasons for the injury. I read so much, possibly obsessively...but it did make me thing very long and hard about my form, stretching, recovery, and my attitude. So I:

-started icing and elevating as soon as I felt any pain or discomfort (morning and night)

- got some ibuprofen gel and freeze gel to massage into affected areas

- read up on stretching and started stretching properly!

-read up on strengthening and started some exercises for the surrounding leg muscles

- read a lot about form. And asked advice from people. Am trying my hardest to adopt more of a barefoot/natural running technique, where I have good posture, my foot lands underneath me not in front, my hips and feet are pointing forwards, and I have an increased stride number and decreased stride length

- invested in a foam roller and started using it religiously, in the morning and before and after exercise.

I'm not going to lie, I have felt rubbish not running. I was so jealous of every runner I saw. I hated all of them and their functioning knees. I feel like I've put on 2 stone, which I may well have done as have found it hard not to eat everything in sight! And the foam roller is REALLY painful at the moment as my muscles are so tight. Which I believe to be part of my problem. But, my legs felt quite a bit better on Sunday, so I couldn't resist trying a run! I had no pain, and just a little bit of discomfort, but nothing that worried me. I was so happy- even though I felt massively slow and heavy! It just felt good to be out and running again. But I still have the makeshift ice bath (below) on standby...

It's now Tuesday and I've kept religiously to the foam rolling, stretching etc, and at the time of writing my legs feel ok. Like they're getting stronger. To summarise my lessons learned from this experience:

- don't make a big change to your training before looking into it properly, thinking about it carefully, and starting slowly! Suddenly launching myself into running with a heavy(ish) backpack every day was not my best idea! 

- listen to what your legs and body is telling you! It knows best. You need to accept this, and even though there are people who run hundreds of miles a week without injury, everyone has different limits! Although it's tempting to run through it and hope it will go away, it's not worth the risk. My body was telling me I needed to rest, and that was the best decision. 

- turn setbacks into a positive thing, and use the rest wisely - This doesn't mean slob around feeling sorry for yourself and/or stuffing your face. Have a bit of wallowing time but try and snap out of it quickly. Which brings me nicely on to...

- look after your legs - stretching, foam rolling, icing, massage, strengthening exercises and generally being sensible will be my plan from now on. I can't believe I wasn't doing a single one of these properly before, and I think they all have a place in good marathon training and recovery
- ask for advice and make yourself knowledgable about the subject (but don't scare yourself with self-diagnosis on Google). It is likely many many runners have been in you position before, so seek comfort from that if you can.

Me and new bff - the foam roller

Although I thought that all hope was lost, I am now getting towards being able to run the Dartford ten miler (not this weekend but next) - although I very much doubt it will be a fast race for me. For next steps, I am going to continue the strectching, foam rolling, and listening to my body and ability. I am looking into a sports massage. I have also ordered some joint tablets on the reccommendation of a friend - Glucosamine & Chondroitin.  Some studies say this helps rebuild cartiledge and keep joints healthy - I'm willing to try anything! Hopefully I can try and prevent any problems as much as possible - life without running was not enjoyable!

Trainers, technique and cakes!

How is it mid August already?! Time flies! I've stuck with the routine of gym classes and a few short runs during the week, and then a longer run in the morning at the weekend. I got up to 15 miles a few weeks ago which I was pleased with - especially as training near home involves a fair few inclines! The Garmin that I was given for my birthday is  so so good! I really like seeing how far I've managed to run, and it tells me my pace every mile. This has really helped me try and even out my pace on the longer runs, and realise that I was charging off too fast and then flaking out! 

I've really tried to work on my technique too, and read lots of articles and opinions on this - as I have suffered with shin pain in the past. I've found that concentrating on trying to run as lightly as possible, making sure my feet don't turn in when I run, running more on the mid/forefront of my foot and concentrating on posture has sorted this out for now. Of course as I continue to build the miles it may return, but I'm hoping that keeping good form will help. I recently had my gait analysed, and was told I don't over or under pronate - which is good news!

I've also got another pair of trainers to swap in for training runs, as I read that changing up your trainers can help avoid injury. I now have two pairs of Asics, and my beautiful pink Nikes for speed and gym work! 

I also started my first bit of fundraising for Whizz Kidz, with a cake sale at work! It went well...

Since the 15 mile a few weeks ago, I haven't managed to go any further, mainly because I've had plans at the weekends! I think sacrifices will have to be made when I get into training properly...I think the fear of race day will get me going!!

Running history

I started running after university in 2011 as a way to keep fit and to challenge myself! The first long run I completed was a 6 miler in London with my team from work - in around an hour and in my old cheerleading shoes!

Almost straight after this I entered the Reading Half Marathon, which my sister was already doing. I got some new shoes  - Karrimor as these were the cheapest I could find in Sports Direct - and set about building up the miles. I ran almost every day after work, then did a long run at the weekends.
 

That year, it poured with rain and didn't stop pouring the whole way round! We squelched round in 1hr 56, holding hands at the finish! I still remember the runner's high at the end, and I still had a bit left in my legs! After this race I also purchased my first pair of Asics, and haven't looked back since!
 

 

I then completed a 5 mile run at the Olympic Park. There were a lot of bottlenecks on this course...and it possibly wasn't the right choice for competitive people like me!! I did this in 42 mins.

 

Run to the Beat came next, my second half marathon. Having not trained as much and with hot weather and a crowded course, I managed 1hr57 which I was pleased with.

I also ran the Gosport half marathon that November. I found this really tough - and it taught me that you shouldn't be complacent! My training was wrong - not enough long runs, my fuelling wasn't great, and I struggled with the no headphone rule. This is the first time I have "hit the wall" during a run. My legs just felt like they could go on, my chest felt right, my breathing was ragged. My legs were so heavy. I remember shouting at my friend that I couldn't carry on, and she was trying to shout encouragement back at me, whilst looking very fresh herself! I ultimately overcame it by focusing on my breathing and completing  one step at a time, and struggled over the line in 1hr58. Then nearly passed out!
 

After this setback, I booked myself onto Reading Half for the following year, and learnt from the experience. I started mixing long runs with gym strengthening classes, interval training and learnt more about pre and mid race nutrition. I finished in 1hr52 and was delighted, web managing a sprint finish at the end!
 

 

I improved on this time in the Milton Keynes Half Marathon, where I got myself up the front at the start to try to stick to pace! Although struggling slightly with the muggy weather, I finished in 1hr47 which I was really pleased with.
 

 

As I had been doing more speed work, I entered the Harvel 5 miler, a race with hills, woods, and beer on the way round - which I declined! I finished this race as the 4th fastest woman, in 37 minutes.y lovely little Nephew (pictured) gave me the strength for a sprint finish! Although my old faithful Asics have me blisters along the inside of my arch! Time for a new pair...

 

The Brentwood 10k is my latest race, which I completed in 47 mins as the 5th fastest woman. By then, I new I had a place in the marathon, so was trying to build up miles as well as keeping speed and strength work up. 

Booked in so far race wise up to the marathon I have: Les Witton Dartford 10 miler, Royal Parks Half Marathon, Brighton 10k, and Reading Half Marathon 2015. Fingers crossed training goes to plan...!

Introduction

Hello! And thanks for reading. I've started this blog to track my training and fundraising progress to the London Marathon 2015. On 26 April next year, I will be running 26.2 miles for the charity Whizz-Kidz, for my friends and family, for myself, and for my Dad who we lost in 2011. I've no doubt that it's going to be really hard and sacrifices will have to be made...but I can't wait!

Here's my Just Giving page http://www.justgiving.com/Eloise-Smith2 where I have a target of £1600 to raise. You can read more about my story on the link above, and I am proud to be raising money for such a fantastic cause. If you are able to donate to my fundraising I would be so so grateful - whatever the amount. Thanks for visiting my page! I'm also on Twitter (some running related content, other more random content!) https://twitter.com/Eloise_Smith and instagram http://instagram.com/eloise_life_and_running 

 Eloise x