Extra, extra, read all about it!

There is a surprising amount of discussion in the running community about what makes a 'proper' runner. Is it about speed? Or frequency of training? Is running your primary sport? Do you have to love running to be a runner? 

After much pondering, I think I have the answer for you: It's all about the headgear.

This is based on a very scientific study with N=1 (me). I tend to sweat when I run, in a rather un-ladylike fashion, so to protect my eyes and keep my head cool at the same time, I've recently started wearing a headband. 

At first, I was worried that this was a bit too '80s cardio bunny' for East London, but rather than attracting smirks from the local hipster population, something amazing happened: Fellow runners started giving me "The Nod"! I've been trying to elicit this for some time, occasionally managing to get "The Smile", but this is new. I'm not running any faster, my form isn't any better - the only thing that is different is my headgear.

So: If you would also like to be a 'proper' runner, or whatever your exercise drug of choice may be, here is your chance! I got some fabulous lycra fabrics and am making headbands and scrunchies to raise money for the Ron Pickering Memorial Fund.

This is the headband:

 

Keep that hair in check!

Can be used to tie back your hair in a pinch (and if you have sufficient hair - I don't):

 Instant coolness!

 

 If you prefer a scrunchie, here it is!

I have four different styles:

• Rosie blue
• Oh so many dots
• Rather British
• Superhero kapow* 

 *this looks red in the picture, but is actually a lovely bright pink

Here's how it works:

• If you'd like a headband or scrunchie, please send me an e-mail with desired style (eva00unterwegs@gmail.com). 
• Once I've confirmed availability, please make a donation of at least 5 GBP at http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/evavlm. Shipping included.
• One size fits most, but do let me know if your head is abnormally sized ;-)
• Not in the EU but want one? E-mail me!

Thanks for reading, the promised post on training is in the works so check back regularly or subscribe (option in the sidebar).

Well... how did I get here?

I don't think people tend to look at me and think "I bet she's running the marathon!". And to be honest, I didn't think I'd sign up for it, either. There are a lot of reasons NOT to run a marathon. Here are but a few:

• 26.2 miles (just under 42.2 kilometers for the 'strictly metric' folks out there) is really, REALLY far. Like, far.
• If you're slow like I am, it takes a really long time to run that distance.
• If you're heavy like I am, it takes a lot of effort to run at all.
• You have to train for it by running oh so many miles
• While you're training for it, you basically stop being fun. You can't really drink, you have to be a bit 'particular' about your diet because you're running all the time, you have to get up early on Sunday morning for the great big slog known as 'the long run'.
• Did I mention it's really far??

 For all those reasons, when I found out I didn't win a place in the ballot this year, I was actually a little relieved. I had put my name in just because that seemed to be the logical next step, having finished my first half last spring. The thought of running on London roads without having to dodge traffic also appealed. But to be honest, my heart wasn't in it and I quickly forgot about the marathon. Until...

I've been following Julie Creffield's blog 'The Fat Girl's Guide to Running' since I got back into running in late 2013, and quickly joined the facebook community. It was great to have this source of support, like minded ladies who also aren't your 'typical' runners. But runners we are! We run because we love running, or because we love how we feel when we're done running, or we run so we can eat more cake. All equally valid reasons!

Just before Christmas, Julie posted a rather ominous message asking if anyone would like to run the London marathon with her. And then I heard about the plan! Julie had been offered places sponsored by the Ron Pickering Memorial Fund and was putting together a team of ladies she was going to coach all the way to the marathon! Now that was a very different proposition - surely as part of a team, and with a coach, I might just be able to do this?

I'll be honest and admit I'd never heard of the Ron Pickering Fund. When I looked it up, that seemed really embarrassing - they've sponsored every single British athlete who won a medal in the 2012 Olympics at some point in their career! I love that they focus on supporting young talent. A lot of my work is about children and young people, so this is right up my alley.

I got in touch with Julie, not thinking I'd be lucky - but I was!

So here are my reasons to run the marathon, even if it seems like a stupid idea:

• It's really far, but that just means we'll get to see a lot of London!
• It'll take a long time, but that just means we'll get to enjoy the cheers for longer.
• It'll take a lot of effort, but the feeling of accomplishment will be worth it.
• We get to explore new routes and try different types of training on our quests to become 'proper' marathoners.
• We're making loads of friends who share our passion for running, and who either share the same goal of running the marathon or are supporting us in every way they can.

It's still pretty far, though!

Next time, I'll bore you with a run-down of my training plan. Until then, please consider donating a few bob via my fundraising page (http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/evavlm). Anything you can spare will really make a difference - the Ron Pickering Fund is a small charity, but they put their money where it counts!