Marathon Magic and the start of my running adventures

Today Marianne and I went to London bridge to see the Marathon. A woman in the crowd asked us if there was someone we knew running in it. There are probably a person or two who might have been but no - I was there to cheer everyone on. My friend who ran in it before said the only thing that kept her going was hearing her name shouted from the crowds. If I could give that same support, I was going to.

Here, in London, on this sunny Sunday, men and women of all ages and abilities are taking to the streets to run for charities around the world. They have spent their weekends, their mornings and their nights slogging it out. Taking their spare time to run for this day. They may lose a toe nail or two, be unable to walk the next day, feel exhastion like no other but they have achieved something many have not.



My eyes teared up more than once as I watched the sea of runners hit the halfway mark. Especially the ones running for family members and friends taken by disease too early in their lives. Or the ones experiencing a life long dream for the first time as they cross the tower bridge.

I keep flirting with the idea of running. I stop start, work and sleep being my greatest excuses. But it’s time to start again. I’m going to start with a Race for Life in July - you can donate here: www.raceforlifesponsorme.org/heatherannetaylor. I’m running for my Auntie Cathy who died 5 years ago today of liver cancer. Sadly she was in her 50s when she passed. Much much too young. We all miss her every day, a Cathy shaped hole in our hearts. I want to make sure that money is raised to help other families in their battles against this disease.

My friend Marianne is going to run too and if you want to join us, we’d love to have you along. Next is 10 K, then we’ll work to a half marathon with the goal of marathon in mind. I was once told I wasn’t built to be a runner, so here’s my chance to prove that I am! I may not be Olympic material but I can help raise money for good causes (and get fit in the meantime!)

So will you take up the challenge? Who’s going to run with us?