Our senior account executive Leanne Seward recently embarked upon a half marathon to raise money for a cause close to her heart. Read all about it here in her first blog for Turn Key:
There have been a few tragic deaths of undiagnosed heart conditions in my local community, including one of my friend’s neighbours who was only in his late 20s. I decided to run the half marathon in Bridlington to raise money and awareness of Cardiac Risk in the Young ( CRY ) as it can happen to anyone at any time, no matter how fit and healthy they are.
Training began with a few 10Ks around my local park and with my running club, Pontefract FC. However, stepping up the pace to seven miles resulted in an injury to my neck. I had to rest this for about three weeks prior to the half marathon and could only do the odd spinning class at my local gym!
On the day of the half marathon I was very nervous, this being my first ever attempt at 13 miles!
Everyone piled down to the sea front wearing running club tops and their best running trainers! Myself, a friend and a few other people were the only ones wearing charity t-shirts.
The gun shot indicated the start of the race and we were off along the sea front until the crowds were no more. Â As this is an up and coming run, none of the roads were closed and the cars, tractors, police and ambulances were building up behind us until we started running down the country roads.
We ran through the countryside via Sewerby, Flamborough and Bempton before returning to Bridlington. One more loop out to Sewerby passing through Sewerby Hall’s grounds before returning to the sea front.
The first four miles of a run are always a struggle for me as I find my feet, but after six miles it wasn’t getting any easier!
Reaching the four water tables along the way was like reaching a goal in itself, I grabbed two cups of water which proved difficult to hold, run and drink all at the same time, I think most of the water ended up down my front rather than in my mouth!
The last mile was a big push as I could see the finish line along the coast, the crowds were shouting at me to keep going and telling me I didn’t have far to go.
Passing all my friends and family, plus Oscar my dog, I ran over the finishing line and a rush of relief washed over me, I had just ran 13 miles!
Out of breath, I was handed a cup of water by one of the team who took another look at me and gave me a litre bottle!
I placed my medal around my neck, I had done it, my first half marathon!
From the 816 people who took part in the race I came a proud 795 th with a time of 2 hours 36 minutes and 23 seconds.
I am very pleased with my time but that night I was struck down with the 24-hour sickness bug so this may have been the reason I found running more difficult.
A big thank you to everyone who sponsored me. I reached my goal of £500! My fundraising page is still open so if anyone would like to give to this worthy cause please visit my page at:
WELL DONE!!! very proud of you! xxx