To feel proud, terrified and excited? Part 2

[WeMeetInFairIthilien]

Evening all,

Tomorrow, I'm doing it all again!

Context.

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/am_i_being_unreasonable/5332503-to-feel-proud-terrified-and-excited

Tomorrow, I will be running a half marathon, in my home city, raising funds for my children's school.

2 years and 10 months ago, my 2 year old DS ran away from me in the supermarket. I could not catch him. A random member of the public managed to stop him. Had a moment of "I can't carry on like this'. Size 22/24, almost 120kg

Next day (Coronation Day, May 2023), I went out in the dark (so no-one could see me), in walking sandals, and attempted the first of the Couch 2 5K runs. 8 x 1 min runs. I thought I was going to die!

Refused to be beaten. Carried on later that week, with my first pair of trainers since school, 20 years previous, and completed C25K in July 2023.

Repeated it in early 2024, and then moved up to 10k runs, and even a 10k public race. Laughed at my friends who said I should try a half marathon.

May 2025 (my previous thread), I completed the Bristol Half Marathon. The support on the thread was really on my mind in those difficult km, and helped me keep going.

Tomorrow, yes, Mothering Sunday, I am running the Bath Half. There is a hill at the end 😱 There are going to be friends from school, church and work WATCHING!

I've lost nearly 40 kg, dropped to a size 14/16 and can run for 2h and 30min without stopping. I can run and play with my children. My eldest can wrap me in her arms 🥰

Never, in my wildest dreams, 3 years ago, did I think I could do this!

That is amazing. Well done 🙌 regardless of how the half goes, you’ve changed your life and your kids’.

What an example of determination! You are showing your children, your family, your friends and strangers that the saying 'where there's a will, there's a way' is not just a wish but a reality.

You should be massively proud because to get there, there's must have been a lot of sweat, doubt, pain and wanting to quit but you persisted.

It's refreshing to read stories like yours on MN. Give them hell tomorrow 😉

Thank you @Passaggressfedup

It's really kind of you to say that.

Yes, it has not been easy. The 5:30 starts, so I can still get to work on time. The blisters, the cold.

But, it is all worth it, to be able to play, run and be active with my lovely DC. It is sad to say that I didn't value Me enough to want to be healthy, but I did value my DC.

You are amazing xx

This is the nicest thread I've read in ages, well done OP
and congratulations on such an incredible achievement!

What a fabulous post to read - congratulations and good luck for tomorrow x

This is so heartening. I’m really happy for you, you did so well for yourself and your children.

It does sound scary, but you know you can run for 2.5 hours and can do this!! You’ll do so well, all those people there supporting you, urging you on. You deserve to feel proud. Well done and good luck!!!

I remember your previous thread @WeMeetInFairIthilien and was cheering you on (possibly under a different username 🤔)

Totally agree with those who've said this is such a refreshing and uplifting thread. Well done on all you have achieved and good luck for tomorrow 🙂

@WeMeetInFairIthilien what a great story. All the very best for tomorrow - and please come and join us on the running thread (It's in the exercise topic, we're a friendly bunch!)

Super 🌟 💓

Congratulations OP, it's amazing to read such a happy thread!
I'm sure it's been hard at times, but you've proved to yourself and your children how important you are!

It's today!!!

Thank you for your messages

@OhOneOhTwoOhThree I will have a look for the running threads. Have been in a couple of C25K ones, but not found a general running one

Surprisingly, I slept really well.

Last year, the Bristol was about me facing down my fears - I don't like lots of people around me, I didn't know the terrain, or the route.

This year, the Bath feels different. It's familiar roads, I've run most of it in training.

But, there are going to be lots of people I know watching, there are more hills and there is the pressure of fundraising.

The weather forecast can't decide if there is going to be rain for the entire thing, or just once I've finished (🤞)

This is fantastic, well done on getting to where you are, and hope you enjoy the run today! As they say, this is your victory lap after all the hard work.

Have images of me running with a flag, round my victory lap 🤣

We've got gusts of 40mph wind forecast - it could either help as a sail, or really hinder, depending on the direction!

30 mins until I need to leave and walk down.
This is happening!

Wow, what an inspiring story. Bloody well done, OP, and good luck for today!!!

Truly honestly amazing.
Such a total grind and you kept going.
Enormous sincere, congratulations.

I just want to say well done! You should be proud of everything you have achieved and I really hope it goes well for you! 🏃‍♀️

You're a star. Good luck OP. You'll smash it 💪🏻🤩

Amazing! Well done OP & good luck

What an inspiring story, OP. Good luck and enjoy yourself! 💗 and happy Mother's Day!

Thank you all!

It has been difficult, there is no denying that, but worth it, to be healthy and set a good example to my children.

I did it!

2h 16mins, without stopping or walking.

A significant PB (more than 19 mins off previous)

Sorry, that should read 10 mins off my PB

Congratulations, great work!