Two years ago I walked through Hyde Park on my way to watch a performance at the Royal Albert Hall. It was a cool, but beautifully sunny October day. The park looked stunning with the colours of Autumn and I could see people busily setting up for some kind of event. I wondered what was due to take place in such a stunning setting, with the gorgeous weather as an extra bonus. After some googling I discovered it was a half marathon, which route takes runners through several of London’s royal parks and past some iconic landmarks in the city - Westminster Abbey, Trafalgar Square and Buckingham Palace to name a few. I decided there and then that I wanted to be part of it.
Fast forward almost 2 years to the day and I did indeed do just that - I ran the Royal Parks Half Marathon - my first half marathon and at the age of 44. It took 2 attempts to secure a place in the ballot, 6 months of training, a few obstacles along the way (hello tenonitis!), some physio, an expensive pair of new trainers (so important) but I did it!
I am so proud of myself for having a goal and sticking to it. It was an unforgettable experience running through central London on closed roads. Running up the mall towards Buckingham Palace was a highlight, as was running past the Cenotaph, Westminster Abbey and the Serpentine in Hyde Park. The weather was perfect, the route stunning, the crowds amazing and the sense of achievement afterwards was incredible. I think a half marathon might just be the perfect run - definitely a challenge but absolutely achievable with a training plan and a desire to push yourself. And a good pair of trainers!