It’s been a funny month since my last diary update, with some big achievements tinged with sadness.
My Nan passed away this month – she was 93 and my inspiration – we were very close and one of my biggest supporters. I loved visiting her and telling her what I was up to. Earlier in the year when I was toying with running the marathon, she told me that I should grasp every opportunity and you know what – she was right. Training for the marathon is my chance not only to get fit and achieve personal goals, but also to help people by raising money for my charity, Diabetes UK.
As part of my marathon training, I completed the Tunnel 10k – the race is one of the first fitness assessments for all coached runners in October’s Marathon.
I was a little apprehensive as it’s the furthest I’ve run since the London Marathon in 2002. I also wasn’t looking forward to taking on the incline as you come out of the Wallasey Tunnel on the Wirral side of The Mersey, but in the end it wasn’t too bad.
Richard Othen, the Marathon Training Co-Ordinator ran alongside me, as well as one of my best friends Amy Corris who has also enrolled for the Marathon. I got into my stride pretty quickly and as I crossed the finish on New Brighton Promenade, I felt like I could have gone on and on – I was so happy!
You know, I’m really benefitting from having that personal input and don’t think I could attempt the marathon without Richard’s training programme.
My strength and stamina has improved but also my mental attitude has too – I’m believing more in my ability, pushing myself out of my comfort zone, and I’m planning to go along to the monthly marathon workshops he’s running at LJMU – on of the guest speakers is Prof Greg Whyte who trained Cheryl Cole and Gary Barlow when they climbed Kilimanjaro for Comic Relief. Looks like I’m in good company.
The other big challenge I’ve faced is trying to find time to run, with a crazy work schedule. I’m currently on stage at The Royal Court in Brick
Up The Mersey Tunnels and the 12-hour rehearsal days have made training tricky.
Late nights and early mornings have really taken their toll on Richard’s programme, but now the play has opened it frees me up in the daytime
to run before heading to the theatre in the afternoon.
My dressing room is at the very top of the theatre so I’m even making the most of running up and down all those stairs!
As you can see, all in all, it’s been quite a month – let’s see what August has in store!
Suzanne Collins is an ambassador for the RunLiverpool Marathon, which takes place in the city on October 9, and will be running for her chosen charity Diabetes UK in memory of her mother.
For more information on the available marathon training programmes and workshops please visit www.runliverpoolmarathon.co.uk