We have been overwhelmed with the ongoing generosity and support from people over the last few months and we are delighted to introduce you to one of those people, Tracy Hickson.
Tracy is taking on a half marathon challenge in August in support of Home-Start Hampshire and here she tells us a little more about herself and the challenge…
Share a little about you
I started running in March 2019 when I was 50 as part of my weight loss journey with Slimming World. I started using a free app called Couch to 5k (you may have heard of it) and really enjoyed the challenge (most of the time haha!). I completed my first 5K event a few months later in June 2019 and ran my first 10K event in November the same year. I had lots of 10k events booked for 2020 but of course then everything was cancelled!
Why this challenge?
During lockdown I have been going running regularly and setting myself little targets to keep me on track. When some friends said they were training for a half marathon to take place the week before my 52nd birthday and would I like to take part at first I thought it was a challenge too far, but they assured me I had time to prepare and that I could definitely manage it!! So….I said yes! It is a ‘virtual’ half marathon, as the original event had to be cancelled so we will be running our own route and will use an app to record the route and time as proof that we completed it!
Why have you chosen to support Home-Start Hampshire?
One of my friends raises a lot of money for Home-Start Hampshire in the New Forest and another is a trained volunteer. I really love the ethos of what the charity provides and that I can support a charity that operates so close to home. I remember as a young mum how tough it could be, even with a support network in place! I know many people have really struggled through lockdown and it occurred to me that some people who might need Home-Start’s help may have found things even harder than normal, so it seemed like a great charity to support and one that could really make a difference to children who have been isolated as well as their parents.
What’s the longest distance you’ve run before
I have run 9 miles, once! I run 6 or 7 miles regularly! So this challenge will really be pushing me as it’s a big step up! Double my normal distance and with only 8 weeks to prepare!
What do you think will be the hardest aspect of the challenge
There will be two aspects that I think will be hard: sticking to the training plan which involves running 3 to 4 times a week, every week for the next 8 weeks, however hot or wet the weather and however tired I am! Also I have set myself a HUGE fundraising target of £1300 as I understand that is how much it costs to support a family for 1 year and also ties in nicely with a 13 mile challenge!
How will you celebrate when you’ve finished
With cake! One of the provisos for accepting the challenge from my friends was that they make me a birthday cake to enjoy at the end and I am looking forward to it already!
Good luck Tracy and thank you so much for supporting Home-Start Hampshire with your challenge.