It seems strange that a week after writing about my September starts, I received news of my biggest challenge yet – the 2016 London Marathon. Out of the 247,069 people who entered, I am one of the lucky (if that’s the right word) few to get a place in the ballot. Despite a moment of panic, a frantic phone call to my marathon running brother and a text or three to my physio, the news has sunk in and I’ve accepted my place.

When it comes to choosing a charity, it doesn’t take me long to find a cause that will keep me pounding the pavements for 26.2 miles – Beat. An organisation run for those suffering with eating disorders, their families and carers, my Dad recalls being sat at work and calling the helpline as his daughter disappeared before his eyes.

A charity that found me a counsellor, a nutritionist and a determination to change, to give something back feels incredible. Most humbling perhaps, is the application form; the words ‘in memory of’ reminding me how important the research, support and help is to those caught in an all consuming illness.

With six months of training ahead, I am nervous, excited and terrified all rolled into one. Still recovering from an injury, I’m taking baby steps back into my running shoes and reminding myself it is indeed no sprint. Expect this to be first of many marathon related blogs – I’m looking forward to sharing the highs and lows with you all.