Day 77: A Refreshing Run to the Isle of Sheppey - Building Confidence for the London Marathon 2023

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 It was an early start to my day as I had to prepare bacon sandwiches for Kelly's Mother's Day breakfast. It was a small sacrifice as I knew I had to get out and embark on today's 3-hour long run. I didn't get to enjoy a sandwich myself, but the satisfaction of knowing that I had helped make someone's day special was worth it.

To keep things fresh and interesting, I decided to switch up my route and headed towards the Isle of Sheppey. I ran over the old bridge, which has to be raised for passing ships, and onto the island. The sun was shining, and the weather was perfect for running. As I ran, I took in the sights and sounds of my surroundings, from the boats on the water to the peaceful and calm life of the countryside.

My run took me through to Minster-on-Sea, and I have to say, it was one of the most enjoyable runs I've had so far. My legs felt good, and I was able to maintain a steady pace throughout the entire run. I even managed to put in 30 minutes at marathon pace towards the end, without any problems. It's a great feeling to know that my body is getting stronger and more resilient as I continue to train.

I covered just over 16 miles in total, which is a great boost to my confidence with only 5 weeks left until the race day. It's amazing to think about how far I've come since the beginning of my training. Starting from scratch, building up my endurance, and pushing myself to go further than I ever thought I could. It's been a journey filled with ups and downs, but with each passing day, I'm getting closer to my goal.

Looking back, I can see how much I've learned about myself and my abilities. I've learned that training isn't just about building physical strength but mental toughness as well. There have been days when I've wanted to run less, but I've pushed through and come out stronger on the other side. It's amazing how much our minds can influence our bodies, and I'm learning to harness that power to help me achieve my goals.

As I approach the final weeks of my training, I'm feeling confident and excited about the London Marathon. I know that the race won't be easy, but I'm ready to give it my all. With the support of my friends and family, and the knowledge that I've put in the hard work and dedication to get here, I'm ready to tackle whatever comes my way.

Lastly, I want to remind everyone that while there's no requirement for me to raise money to take part in the London Marathon, you can donate to the Sittingbourne Carnival Court via my GoFundMe page. Every donation, big or small, helps make a difference and supports a great cause.

Thank you for your support and encouragement throughout this journey. I can't wait to cross that finish line and show you all what I'm made of.

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