In February this year I saw advertised a running event along the Canals of South Leicestershire ( my local patch for running) to run 13.1 miles along the canal, untimed and with a cake stop at 8 miles and I really wanted to do it but I was scared and doubted my ability to do it having normally only run 4 miles. I voiced these fears to my run group (Emotive- lead by Emma Andrew) who thankfully said do you want us to do it with you - yes please I said and four of us booked on to do the run in 18 weeks time.
with their support I started to do longer runs of up to 7 miles and found myself believing that I could do it.
sadly I didn't do all the preparation that I could have ( I wanted to run up to ten miles before the event) but life gets in the way and I lined up at the start line in Blaby knowing it would be a challenge. The first miles ticked by nicely, even up to 8 mile quick refreshment stop ( I did get some nice squares of cake) the next mile was ok, but then after nine miles my back was stiff, such an uneven terrain along the canal paths and my feet were sore and I was starting to take more walk breaks. My friends stayed with me all the way and motivated me ( even singing 'come on Claire potter' to the theme of come on Eileen ! ) and I did pass the finish line with a smile.
when I saw my husband Tim I was crying as I felt it was so bad! I was last to finish and I was exhausted with sore feet.

It wasn't until the next day and I saw this saying in a shop window "The most effective way to do something is to do it" (Amelia Earheart) that I allowed myself to feel proud that I had ran a half marathon, yes it wasn't pretty, I didn't finish as fast as everyone else, but I allowed myself to do it and I did. I could have so easily passed up the chance to do this event, but my friends by my side I did it! So please don't compare yourself to everyone else, you are an individual and have a go - if you want to do something- do it !