My activity tracking
42
miles
Why I am fundraising for Parkinson's UK
Our friend James was recently diagnosed with Parkinson's, a progressive neurological condition for which there is currently no cure. I've been thinking about him and his family a lot and have decided that raising money for Parkinson's UK is a small thing I can do to show them my support.
I am training for and (hopefully!) running the Loch Ness Marathon at the end of September. It'll be the furthest I've ever run.
Please help by supporting this cause, which will also have the wonderful effect of motivating me to cover the training miles.
All money raised will help fund breakthroughs and support the Parkinson's community.
My updates
Signing Up and a Battlefield Dance
Sunday 8th Jun I'd always said that running a marathon was not for me. Too far, too much training, too hard. But just over a year ago, something changed. Despite feeling absolutely awful the evening after last March's Inverness half marathon, a conversation with a runner at a party in May 2024 left me feeling excited by the idea of 26.2 miles. "I'll sign up for the Loch Ness marathon and train in the summer holidays," I thought.Those holidays came and went, with a lot of time spent scrolling Instagram and watching Netflix (I read a bit too, obviously), and not a lot of time in my trainers. It seemed to me that my running days were over.
However, while summer 2024 was maybe a little lethargic, small changes to my diet and mindset that started then, motivated by podcasts and books I listened to while walking Bella, as well as conversations with my brother, slowly yielded results. Again, I felt that frisson of excitement when I thought about a marathon.
Still, I knew I would struggle committing to the training, even though - if I signed up for the Loch Ness marathon - the bulk of it would take place in "quieter" terms and the summer holidays. I needed something to prevent my initial enthusiasm from fizzling out. As I scrolled the charity places available, I noticed Parkinson's UK was listed. Our friend James has recently been diagnosed with Parkinson's and he and his family had often been on my mind. So, with his backing, I clicked on Sign Up.
The race is 16 weeks today and I've just finished my first week's training: three runs, one workout and my usual squash practice. I've enjoyed it, especially a run at Culloden Battlefield, followed by a walk with a friend (we entertained the tourists with her daughter giving me some Highland dancing lessons in front of the visitor centre's windows) and hope I can maintain my commitment to the programme. Knowing people are pledging money to a great cause will be fundamental in keeing me dedicated.
If you've made it this far in my ramble, you're also committed! Please, if you haven't already, make a donation to Parkinson's UK.
Thanks for your support.
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Thank you to my sponsors
£10
Sandra Macsween
£21.84
Alison Crawford
Good luck Suzy, you’ll absolutely smash it ❤️
£21.84
Linda Mcateer
Good luck my sweet! Xx
£30
John Smith
£27.05
Mum
Run for your life, Suzanne. So proud of you doing this for a wonderful cause and lovely family. XXX
£53.32
Graham Thomson
Go Suzanne !!
£32.23
Ruth Mcconachie
May the wind always be at your back and the sun shining on your face, my wonderful friend! Let's run together again 🤩
£25
Morag Evans
Go Suzanne! Love you lots 4M&D xxxxx
£20
Your Wee Dancing Teacher!
Very proud of you!! You will love it 🥰 xxx
£21.84
