Why I'm running for Cancer Research UK

I’ll be running the Brighton marathon to help raise funds for Cancer Research UK (CR UK), so I thought it was about time I wrote about why I support this charity.

Cancer has occurred many times in my family, both in my immediate and extended family. Having had so many relatives affected really makes it personal to raise funds for a charity which supports those affected by cancer. When Mum was diagnosed, CR UK was an invaluable source of information for us at a time when we were all on a steep learning curve about the disease and its treatment. Thankfully, we’re six years and counting since her diagnosis.

Cancer Research UK also funded the labs where I did my undergraduate, postgraduate and post-doctoral research. Although none of my projects were directly funded by them, two went on to clinical trials funded by CR UK. Working in CR UK funded labs meant I had access to great researchers, facilities and training and without them I wouldn’t be where I am today. Raising funds through running the marathon is just one way in which I hope to repay CR UK for supporting the work I’ve been involved with. More importantly, raising money today helps CR UK funds tomorrow’s research projects and clinical trials.

I’m sure you’re all familiar with Cancer Research UK funded campaigns, which highlight the incidence of the disease. 1 in 3 people will be affected by cancer. Think of two of your friends. Chances are, one of you will be diagnosed with this disease. I often say that “life is too short” and for many people cancer is the reason why life is too short.

I would be really grateful for your support for my training towards this marathon and for supporting Cancer Research UK. Every donation, no matter how big or small, helps their life supporting and life saving work. Please visit my fundraising page at http://www.justgiving.com/Jaynesmarathonbrighton2013

Alternatively, you can text a donation by texting JDBM70£## to 70070, where ## is the number of pounds you wish to donate. The amount will be added to your phone bill.

Thank you for your support, it really does mean a lot to me.

First weekday run

This morning, when the alarm rang at 5:55 I admit I snuggled down under the duvet and pretended it wasn't time to get up for my first weekday training run.  10 minutes later I admitted defeat and crawled out of bed to start my day.

This week I'm increasing both the total mileage (to seven miles) and number of runs (to three in a week) and so this morning's run was only two miles.  Consequently I thought I could get away with running on the pavements, as opposed to driving to the park and running on softer trails.  So, at 6:45 I was out in the street, ready for my run.

It was dark - it would be another hour before the sun rose.  It was quiet - no people or cars in the street at that time of the morning.  There was one bird singing.  I set off on my run - and it was wonderful!  I've always enjoyed being out in the early morning, literally seeing the world in a different light, slowly coming alive.  And so it was this morning.  After a short warm up walk, jog & stretch I set off with surprising enthusiasm and verve.  It was great to be out - I found it really invigorating.

So tomorrow morning, whilst you're getting ready for your day and it's still dark outside, peek between the curtains and take a look at the world out there.  Really it's not dark and horrible.  It's the dawn of a new day - and that can be exciting.

Why run a marathon?

I've been asked this question several times in the last week so I thought it was time to post my reasons why I'm doing a marathon.

I'll be following the training programme in the book "The Non-Runner's Marathon Trainer" and here's their textbook answer as to why someone would run a marathon:


"Each of us has a completely unique set of life experiences, yet as humans we share the desire to test our personal limits in search of how far we can go.  The avenue of testing is limited only by one's imagination, fear threshold and financial resources.  Some people dive out of airplanes, others climb mountains, still others explore the depths of the sea.  But for most of us, the arenas of challenge are less grandiose and a lot closer to home. ...

Along with the need to grow by testing and expanding our personal limits, we humans desire what psychologists call 'peak experiences'.  Peak experiences are positive happenings that have a profound and lasting impact.  They are life-changing, and in retrospect are often considered the finest moments of our lives.  They are experiences we value and memories we cherish.  Some people actively seek peak experiences, but most of us rarely get beyond weddings, births and the occasional vacation."


So why do *I* want to run a marathon?  Because I think I have the ability to do so.  I know, in my heart of hearts, that if I don't at least attempt it I'll be letting myself down.  Why on earth wouldn't I want to achieve all I can?  Why wouldn't I want to get as much out of life as possible?

Afterall, Life is too short.

Training Workshop

Today I've signed up for a training workshop run by the marathon organisers.  It's a half day session in November aimed at beginner marathoners - I guess that's me!  Topics include:

• Running your first marathon - how to get started with the training,
• Injury prevention,
• Practical stretching session,
• How to fuel my running, and
• What is the Brighton Marathon experience.

It sounds like it could be a really useful day - plus it'll be an opportunity to meet other people who are also taking on the same challenge.

I also spoke to a colleague who's run marathons previously.  She spoke about the energy in the crowd at the start line, knowing that the thousands of people you're stood with have also spent the previous 16 weeks focusing on getting ready for the same event - the shared experience.  As she spoke I got goosebumps!

I'm in!

At the moment, it feels as though "I'm in!" relates to the surprise at being able to log back into my blog account!  You wouldn't believe the number of pages and forms I had to go through in order to remember my log in details...

Anyway...

"I'm in!" actually refers to this:

I have a place in the Brighton marathon!!!

186 days to go, apparently!

It is with some trepidation and an equal amount of excitement that I've signed up for this.   On the one hand I've thought about running a marathon since I started running in 2004 (that's 9 years in the making!) but on the other hand I have the usual doubts about making it through the training (especially with respect to staying injury free, or at least with minimal injuries).  However, one of my strengths is definitely organisation so my strategy at the moment is to assemble my support team.  So far they look like this:

Chief supporter: Chris
Physio: Jennie

Bring it on!

Testing, testing

Is this working? :-)