The Challenge

I am aiming to break the current Guinness World Record for the fastest lady pushing a pram with a child over a half marathon.  The current record stands in the USA set in 2000 of 1.30.51 (6.56 per mile).

It has been difficult to find the right race at the right time.  Trying to attempt this challenge too soon would possibly be unsuccessful as I wouldn't be at peak fitness.  Leaving the challenge too late means Archie will weigh too much, also the right course is essential.  If you have ever run with a running buggy you will know any minor gradient really knocks your pace down as does uneven surfaces and sharp turns.  I really need to work on my buggy navigational skills too.

Once you find the right race date and course the next challenge is to be accepted by the race organisers.  This isn't easy as there are numerous issues to overcome with health and safety.

After much research I had the pleasure of meeting the organisers of the Ramathon in Derby held on 5th June.  The course is flat, the roads are closed to traffic with a strong field of 5000 runners.

With course approval my application has gone in to Guinness World Records which can take up to 12 weeks to receive the thumbs up.  However the training needs to begin now as I need to be in the shape of my life to be in with a shout of breaking the record and bringing the title to England.

Why?

Last year had it's highs and lows, the highs being the arrival of our first baby Archie James born on the 24th September who is my number one training partner.  I ran with him up to the week before giving birth so he is used to bouncing around.  Unfortunately the lows were losing my mum suddenly to cancer in April, she never got to meet her grandson.

Cancer has touched everyone's lives whether you have experienced it first hand or have cared for family or friends battling with the fight.  My mum was a fighter, she never once complained even though I could see her pain.  Nor did she feel sorry for herself when she had every right to.  If I can have the strength and determination she raised me up with then I know that I can achieve this for her and others going through tough times.

Here is a picture of my mum, sister and me after London Marathon 2011:

Raising money and awareness

So this is the best opportunity I may have to raise both money and awareness for two amazing charities close to my heart.  Macmillan and the Rotherham Hospice both who have provided so much care and support to people with cancer and their loved ones.  You can find out more about the good work of these two charities by following these links:
Macmillan and Rotherham Hospice

The Journey

So follow my weekly journey where I will be blogging about the lastest news, training and life in the fast lane with Archie.

My view of Archie on the run

Christmas Day Parkrun
Archie in the sleigh

January in Lanzarote, training begins

Archie asleep again while mummy runs 8 miles