Blonde Ambition – Web Design Portfolio by Leanne Norris

I can’t quite believe it but I am running in the Sony Ericsson London Half Marathon this Sunday!

It all started with an email I recieved back in January, advertising “Run to the Beat” – London’s Music Half Marathon. I only really started running about a year ago and have completed a few 5K charity runs for Cancer Research UK and High Wycombe 10K last July. A half marathon would be a huge challenge but the email grabbed my attention and I thought what an excellent idea, so I signed up. I decided early on that I would run to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support – A charity that means a lot to me personally and a great reason to get motivated for the long period of training that was about to begin.

Training started the very next day with a 2 mile run along local country roads. As I hadn’t been running on a regular basis for months, I started to feel out of breath during the first mile. This wasn’t going to be about finishing in a certain time, it was going to be about actually managing to get to the end in one piece!

Nevertheless, as time went on and training got tougher, I became more and more motivated to complete the 13.1 mile course in good time and without stopping to catch my breath. Soon, Macmillan were sending me my runners vest and regular updates on training tips and sponsorship advice. My online sponsorship form has recieved regular donations after promoting my charity run via email and Facebook.

Training has been enjoyable but tough. Training periods have gradually increased over time and my diet has had to change in order for me to sustain my energy levels and run greater distances. I have completed a couple of 10 mile runs in preperation for the race and regularly run 6-8 miles now with my breathing finally under control.

13,000 people will be taking part in this Sunday’s London Half Marathon. 200 of us will be running for Macmillan Cancer Support. We are hoping to reach our target of £80,000 – enough to fund a Macmillan nurse for 2 years.

It’s nearly time and I think I’m ready for the challenge!

If you would like to sponsor me and help raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support, please visit: http://www.justgiving.com/leannenorrisfundraising

For more information on the ‘Run to the Beat’ London Half Marathon, please visit: http://www.runtothebeat.co.uk/