Marie runs a half-marathon

When my daughter’s friend, David, ran the Bristol half-marathon last year, we were at the finishing line to congratulate him. What I never imagined for one moment was that twelve months later I would be running with him!! It was just a throw-away comment (something like….”I’d love to be able to do that!”) and before I knew it I was on the Downs in all weathers, puffing and sweating and trying to convince myself that I would improve!

I had a few dark thoughts when I realised that 13 miles was the distance from Southmead Road to the Severn Bridge (the edge of England!!). However, things improved when our sponsorship forms came through and David agreed that we should raise money for Young and Free and that gave me an incentive to try harder. So, on Sunday 17th September, we completed the half-marathon course in 2 hours, 17 minutes and 22 seconds, which wasn’t a wonderful time, but much better than I expected!! We even had T-shirts printed with the Young and Free logo (worn by our loyal supporters too!!) which attracted some interest.

The event itself was a fantastic experience and really quiet emotional with people running for so many different reasons. It was very satisfying to take part, so much so that I’m going to have another go next year……after all I now have a personal best to beat!!