by Rachel McElroy
Running and I have always had a love/hate relationship, mostly hate! I have periodically done small distances with friends or at the gym but never “got” the real running bug.
Doing a half marathon was then for me a stretch target but something I wanted to do for this wonderful charity. I think having a tangible goal in mind gives you a real focus. So I set myself a fundraising target of £3,000 and bought some better trainers!
My training started in the winter months. I live in a very hilly area, in fact my house is 1,225 metres above sea level. I set myself small goals at first. One mile, two miles, three miles… Before I knew it I could do 5k relatively easily and start to think about technique and getting a bit faster.
Sometimes I ran so far I literally left civilisation behind and this is where I started to understand the running thing. As much as I love to have a music soundtrack for running, it really is a head clearer and so good for your mental health.
I ate better, slept better and felt better, all whilst feeling like I had a really great goal at the end. The hills were brutal. No doubt that some of my favourite runs were along the canals in the spring, saying hello to the new little ducklings whilst hurdling over fishing rods and dodging mountain bikes!
The day of the race came and I was so nervous and unsure what to expect. I ran the first two miles with a couple of people I met in the queue and then continued. One of the most unexpected things for me was the crowd. The route was lovely and at every step there were people on the route, waving, cheering, playing music. I can’t even tell you how good that made you feel.
Crossing the finishing line with my family waiting for me and the compere shouting “Here’s Rachel, well done” was surreal as I didn’t really think I would make it at points. I am so glad I ran for CHSF and I raised £2,900 myself.
My medal hangs in my room as a reminder that you can do even things that are your nemesis!
My top tips for success:
- Sign up!! You have to be in it, to do it!
- Accountability – set yourself targets. Use ‘Strava’ and link it to your fundraising page so those supporting you can see how you are doing in your training!
- Post regularly on your fundraising page and social media with photos to engage people in your journey – it encourages people to donate to!
- Read up on some training schedules and tips to prepare yourself.
- Believe in the power of Jelly Babies!! They are great distractors and also make you very popular with other runners!
Grab your free place in this year’s race
CHSF have 20 free places available in the 2022 Ilkley Half marathon on Sunday 10th July. So whether it’s your first ever half marathon like Rachel or you’re a seasoned pro, challenge yourself in the beautiful Yorkshire countryside this summer!
There will also be heaps of activities in the Event Village on the day including a bungee trampoline, inflatable obstacle course, helter skelter, slides and climbing wall…plus lots more for the whole family!
Grab your free place in this year’s race
CHSF have 20 free places available in the 2022 Ilkley Half marathon on Sunday 10th July. So whether it’s your first ever half marathon like Rachel or you’re a seasoned pro, challenge yourself in the beautiful Yorkshire countryside this summer!
There will also be heaps of activities in the Event Village on the day including a bungee trampoline, inflatable obstacle course, helter skelter, slides and climbing wall…plus lots more for the whole family!
OTHER EVENTS
