Tracy Clark, CEO of Young Gloucestershire shares with us her tales of training for the Gloucester marathon.

3 June 2016

I am not natural runner; I can’t say the thought of pounding the pavements sounds like fun at all really. However, I ask young people on a daily basis to get out of their comfort zone and challenge themselves. I felt I should do the same. I have therefore committed to run a marathon. That’s 26 miles of pounding the pavements! All in the name of Young Gloucestershire.

I did try to run a half marathon once before – about five years ago. I half ran, half walked and hobbled across the finish line, not my proudest moment.  But this time I mean business. I have been ‘training’ for about eighteen months now but six months in I broke my foot trying to surf and had to take a break. It was tough getting back in training mode after it had healed, it felt like starting all over again.

I am not entirely convinced I can run 26 miles. Those who know me will tell you I don’t shy away from a challenge. I often take on things that others tell me not to. For some reason the thought of running a marathon is a bigger challenge for me than anything I have done before. Finding the time to train is a challenge in itself. But I have discovered I can take my running with me wherever I go. It’s proved a great way to explore. I recently did a training run during a trip to Newcastle and also in Spain. It was a great way to get around and see areas I wouldn’t normally.

I have two nemeses one is blisters – I have developed some impressive ones and with an allergy to plasters it can be challenging keeping them at bay. The other is I have lazy glutes! That means my knees can give me a little bit of trouble but I refuse to give up.

On the recent bank holiday weekend whilst my colleagues and friends were relaxing and soaking up the sun, I was running the trails. I find I enjoy cross country running more, even if I get stung by nettles and chased by cows. I can now run 15 miles and have about eight weeks to go till the big event.

There is one reason I am doing this and one reason only…. To help raise money to support a charity that I truly believe in. I have seen young people achieve great things in the face of adversity and I want to achieve something great for them. That is my motivation and the thing that keeps me going on the days when I am struggling.

If you have enjoyed reading about my challenge, feel inspired or want to help, please sponsor me www.justgiving.com/TracyclarkYG Every little bit helps to make a big difference for young people who are facing challenges in their own lives.