So I will admit that my summer blog extravaganza has maybe not got off to the explosive start that I was so hoping for but as everyone experiences, life got in the way a bit… BUT on Sunday it’s 12 weeks until the big run and I promise running training IS under way!
I have bought some snazzy new shoes and have been lucky enough to run in several parts of Britain so far, all of which are different in their own wonderful ways. The riverside path that winds around the watchful eye of Durham Cathedral quickly escapes into the countryside while the roads around Surrey are unpleasantly hilly but very pretty so worth it. My favourite so far has undoubtedly been in Northwest Scotland on a sunny day with hills and the glorious aroma of bog and sheep poo in the fresh air. A big shout out is definitely owed for the few loyal supporters who have accompanied me so far. I am improving and would be delighted if anyone else wishes to join a training run!
My heart sinks a little that since my last post in May, the USA has drawn out of the Paris Climate Agreement. Whatever your views on the agreement itself it was a global disappointment that President Trump could not endorse an all-encompassing approach to what is such a fundamentally international issue. So, all the more reason now for Britain to show who’s wrong and to support the efforts of others who are making productive steps to change. I’m on my way to my Fundraising target for my chosen charity, Renewable World, thanks to the legend that is my first rowing coach, but there’s a long way to reaching £1000.
It seems that opinions on running with music is comparable to those on Marmite, you either love it or hate it. Personally I can't run without music (and for that matter I love Marmite too). For years I have enjoyed making running playlists that I repeat until I’m sick of the songs but creating a marathon Playlist is no small task. Allowing for an average song time of 3 minutes and giving myself 4 hours 30 minutes to complete the distance, I need 90 songs… that’s a lot of top notch tracks for me to come up with all by myself.
This is your opportunity to contribute to the most eco-friendly, high quality marathon playlist of all time.
Pick your favourite song, if you’re a runner, the one that pushes you through the last km of your run, or if not, an all-time classic or favourite. If it makes you smile that’s twice as good. Through donating (as much as you like) on the BT Giving page, you are provided with an opportunity to write a message. This is where you can enter your song request and if you wish a message too.
Gradually I will compile the ultimate playlist to motivate me through the streets of Budapest on October 16th. The best bit is that I have provided a link to my Spotify account on my fundraising page which enables you to follow the playlist to enjoy on your runs too! If you don’t subscribe to Spotify then I will post the entire playlist in my final blog. This really is a renewable playlist that everyone can enjoy.
To get the ball rolling to raising £1000 for Renewable World, I have created a playlist on Spotify and added a current favourite of mine, “Rio, MIKA, No Place in Heaven”.I can’t wait to make the ultimate playlist of all time and to hear all the suggestions. Please follow the link on the fundraising page to donate and request.
Twelve weeks to go and plenty to write about. Keep your eyes peeled for my running/ fundraising/ blog writing progress!
