My running journey - 5k to Half Marathon!
As most of you will know, I took up running in April 2026 to help me get through a particularly hard chapter in my life. When I first started, the thought of running outdoors was a pretty scary concept for me and I found that signing up to races and events was really helpful way to keep myself motivated!
I did my first 5k Race for Life in May and quickly discovered that running was something that I really enjoyed and wanted to stick at! Since then I have completed a second Race for Life 5k and an Inflatable 5k, before challenging my self to run my first 10k race in Bath!
A couple of weeks ago I ran the Sheffield 10k and next month I am looking forward to taking on Leeds Abbey Dash 10k! I have booked these longer races as stepping stones towards my biggest challenge yet - London Landmarks Half Marathon in April 2027!
It's honestly crazy to think that just 6 months ago, running a 5k felt like a crazy concept to me, and now i've signed up to run a half marathon!
Ballot places for London Landmarks Half Marathon are notoriously difficult to get, so after an unsuccessful draw, I decided to take a charity place and run in aid of London Air Ambulance. Since I am a student paramedic, I thought this would be a very fitting choice!
I have pledged to raise a minimum of £350, so I would be super grateful to any of my friends, family or colleagues who would be able to support me as I challenge myself both mentally and physically to reach my goal!
Every donation, no matter how big or small, will mean a lot to me and help me get one step closer to the start line, whilst also supporting the amazing work that London Air Ambulance does!
Thank you all so so much for reading and supporting me on my running journey! <3
I'm running to help save lives in London
London’s Air Ambulance is the charity that delivers an advanced trauma team to London’s most seriously injured patients. Your donation will help save more lives by keeping the helicopter in the air and the rapid response cars on the road, ready for when they are needed most. By providing intervention as quickly as possible after injury, London’s Air Ambulance Charity aims to give patients the best chance of survival, and best quality of life, after trauma.
I will be running in London Landmarks Half Marathon for London's Air Ambulance Charity. Please give what you can to help save lives in London.
Best of luck Rachel! I’ll be there to support you every step of the way! You’ve got this!