Run the Month 2021, is a virtual running event in aid of Prostrate Cancer UK. The goal is simple, run 50 miles in April. Prostrate Cancer UK's aim is to fund research in order to stop prostrate cancer killing those affected. They invest millions in order to find better treatments and better tests that will find fast growing cancer signs early and could be used in a screening programme which could save thousands of lives. In my 22 years, I've known two people with prostrate cancer. Luckily, both of these men are still here to see me run 50 miles in April today. So what exactly did happen?
Firstly, I've been regularly exercising and using the gym for a year (when Covid-19 allows), it has become a passion and lifestyle of mine. I've become an addict for it. I started running in November during the second lockdown with two of my university friends in an aim to keep all three of us fit. It was safe to say running was certainly not a sport I enjoyed, especially as I only ran for a minute before I had to slow down as I thought I was going to be sick. My friend suggested that I begin the Couch to 5k training app in order to improve my fitness (and keep up with them without becoming nauseous). My expectations certainly weren't high. I didn't think it'd work but by week nine I was running 5k with a new found confidence. I decided therefore I wanted to improve my fitness even further and started using the 10K runner app. It was midway through my training that I discovered the Run the Month challenge.
After some debate as to whether I could even possibly achieve this I decided to go ahead and take on the challenge. I realised that if I ran three times a week and hit six kilometres each time over a period of four weeks then it was attainable. By pure luck I started this challenge mid-way through April so my training had already covered some ground. To help keep track of my goal I used the Strava app which tracked my progress over the month.
So how did it go? Well with exams, a thesis for a masters degree with lessons and just general jobs in life my runs have become something of a sanctuary for me. It's my time to be selfish and just focus on me. I put my headphones in, play my music and just unplug myself from the world. It wasn't easy though, my body ached and sometimes I wondered if I could physically complete the challenge. However, after 4 weeks I did it. I reached 50 miles. To say I'm proud doesn't cover it. I wanted to scream "I RAN 50 MILES THIS MONTH FOR PROSTRATE CANCER" to everyone I passed. I raised over £300. The generosity of those around me is what astounded me the most. People who I don't even consider myself close too donated money, whether it was £10 or £100. Every like I received felt quite simply amazing, I was receiving so much support from those who I didn't think would even look at a post. So overall, yes I completed my challenge, it was hard work, my body ached and screamed at me but I'm so proud of myself and I'm so thankful for the wonderful community of people who gathered to support me.
Comments