Running 160k in 30 days for Alzheimer’s Society
In May 2024, I decided it was time to challenge myself. As a novice runner, I thought participating in a running event would be the perfect way to push my limits. Not long before this, I saw a running challenge called “Run for Dementia” which was organised by Alzheimer’s Society, the challenge I was signing up for was to run 160k in 30 days. As this charity was very close to my heart, I thought this was the perfect opportunity to participate and make a difference. When I told my family and friends about my plan to take part in Run for Dementia, they were extremely supportive of me. I signed myself up as a participant, made by fundraising page and began to collect donations for this amazing charity. To my disbelief, I hit my donation target within the first day of my page being live! The support I received before I even began the challenge was overwhelming and motivated me even more.
At first, the distance didn’t seem too overwhelming, with 30 days to complete the challenge, 160k seemed simple to tackle. However, as 1st of May rolled around, the challenge officially began and the reality of 160k in 30 days started to sink in. For someone who was still trying to get the hang of running regularly, it felt like this challenge would be a real test of both physical and mental ability. In saying this, I set out on my first run. My initial plan was to run at least 5 kilometres every day which would slowly but surely build up my distance. The first run was tough! A warm sunny day made my first 5k really challenging and the reality of what I committed myself to suddenly hit me, although, I knew my experience would only get better. Nevertheless, I knew I was fully capable of carrying on the challenge and that’s exactly what I did. Day by day I completed my 5k run with the odd 10k or 12k to boost my distance covered.
Throughout the month, I posted regular updates on my instagram with my fundraising page attached to try to raise as much money as possible for Alzheimer’s Society. As the donations kept flooding in, I couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of pride and accomplishment. Each contribution, no matter how big or small, reminded me what I was doing this challenge for.
As the month went on, my kilometres added up. However, running everyday definitely began to catch up on me and some days, motivating myself to get my running shoes on was the hardest part. Despite this, I kept going and reached my last 5k run which finally completed my 160k in 30 days!
Overall, I’m incredibly proud of myself for taking on this challenge, even though it turned out to be one of the toughest things I have ever done. It built my resilience and stamina but more importantly, it showed me that I am capable of anything I set my mind to. In the end, I raised £500 for Alzheimer’s Society. It is a challenge that I will always be proud that I completed, not just because of the physical challenge but also the support provided for a great charity.
Kirsty x
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