Why I’m fundraising...
I’m taking part in the London Landmarks Half Marathon 2025 to raise funds and awareness in aid of Target Ovarian Cancer, the UK's leading ovarian cancer charity. They target what’s important to stop ovarian cancer devastating lives – that means symptoms awareness, life-saving early diagnosis, better treatments and support for everyone affected by ovarian cancer.
Please support my fundraising, and together we’ll transform the future for everyone diagnosed with ovarian cancer.
My Updates
5 miles completed
Tuesday 11th Mar Mid week run tonight I kept this one very consistent. I completed the run none stop. I really wanted to get this one done in 55 mins however I completed it in 56.17 which is under an hour so I am happy with that 😁. Share
8 mile run completed on 8/03/25
Tuesday 11th Mar Well the long run was a tough one I am not going to lie. The weather was lovely however I am not used to running in heat more of frost 😂. However I completed it even if I did think I was going to pass out and be sick in the last mile. It was slower than I wanted but it's another long run done ready for the actual event. Share
5 miles none stop! Completed!
Wednesday 5th Mar Well this one I have to say I was dreading just the thought of running for 5 miles no stop sounded terrible! I have to say it wasn't as bad as i thought it was going to be even if the route we did started on a uphill 😂. I have learnt tonight I need to be kinder to myself and if I have to slow it down a little to achieve what I want then so be it! The only down side to this run was my watch died 1.5 miles in meaning it didn't record my full run, I didn't even get my target steps for the day 😂. Oh and as we finished Rob was saying how proud he was of me then said I needed to cool down and proceeded to squirt water on me straight in my eye 👁 😂. Share
7 miles completed
Sunday 2nd Mar Went for a long run today while the sun was shining. I have been saying to Rob for ages now I can't wait to run when the sun is shining and it's a bit warmer, wow what a difference a few degrees makes! Went out in a t-shirt today it was nice to run in the light but those few degrees warmer didn't half make it harder. However I completed it and to say I'm am proud of myself is an understatement. Share
4 miles completed
Tuesday 25th Feb Been out for a 4 miles training run tonight none stop. If you would have said to me at the start of my journey that I would be able to run this distance without stopping i would have laughed so hard. Just need to keep putting the miles in now to get me to that finish line. You think entering an event like this is just doing the race and it's done. Never did I think that you would need to put this many miles in to just to get you to the start line. Training is hard the legs feel tired but we are nearly there now and just need to keep going for a few more weeks. Share
Another 5 miles completed 🙌 💪
Saturday 22nd Feb Another 5 miles completed tonight. If I'm honest I didn't want to do a long run this week. However I went and did my fastest 5k and not just beat my previous time but shaved over a minute off my previous time. While running I wasn't trying to beat this time however I looked at my watch and saw it was achievable and said to Rob please can we keep going to beat my 5k time as I saw I was on for beating it. I didn't feel I put the amount of effort into this run as I did the last time I beat my 5k time. It just goes to show sometimes you may not feel like doing something but great things are achieved by just showing up 🤭 Share
4 miles completed 🙌
Wednesday 19th Feb Well the plan was to log out of work and go straight out for a run 🏃♀️. So had a bigger lunch then warmed up and went for 4 mile run. How the same run can look different in the light who knew 😂. I said to Rob I wanted to do the 4 miles in in 45 mins. Well my running buddy Rob became injured 2.5 miles in. I kept going but looked back and was just about to stop my watch, then I just heard a voice saying keep going 📣. I carried on to complete the agreed 4 mile run and did it in 44.29 so I was chuffed I beat the 45 min target. 🏆 Share
5k done after a cold and pulling my back
Monday 17th Feb Just been out for the first time in over 2 weeks and completed another 5k. I had a cold or flu that wiped me out for a week, then I pulled my back out trying to lift a bag of plaster 😂. This has set training back a few weeks however back to it again now. Tonight was a cold one and feeling the chill in the chest is not great but on to the next one. 💪🏃♀️ Share
7 miles completed
Friday 31st Jan Wow what a run! To say I went through a number of mixed emotions is an understatement. Started off amazing and got my fastest 5k, super proud of myself 5.5 miles in pain in my hip was terrible 😢. I wasn't giving up though knowing I am doing this for this amazing cause. As I have done the long run tonight it means I get an extra day rest over the weekend to recover, ready to do another 4 miles on Monday 🤭 Share
4 miles completed
Wednesday 29th Jan Well another 4 miles completed tonight. Felt much better than the last one. Need to get in my head some runs are harder than others. Really wanted to beat my fastest 5k tonight missed it by a few seconds, maybe next time 😂. It's not about times but about being consistent and keep getting out and clocking up the miles. Thank you all that have donated so far to this amazing cause. I will try my best to do you all proud ☺️ Share
Another 4 miles completed.
Monday 27th Jan Another 4 miles completed, none stop. I'm not going to go into it to much tonight as I found it really hard tonight, even if I was swearing alot 😂. However I completed it and also had a extra buddy with me. Mr Leo came with us tonight, it was nice to have the extra company. Share
6 miles completed 🙌
Saturday 25th Jan 6 miles completed! As promised I said I would update you all on my progress. Tonight we did 6 miles the last mile was tough but I stayed consistent. Tonight was the coldest I have been while out 🏃♀️. Maybe this is why I kept so consistent to keep warm 😂. I do have to say i feel I am getting better at this running malarkey. I am not aiming for a time to finish the half marathon in as at the end of the day we all get the same medal 🏅 Share
Another 3.5 miles completed 💪
Wednesday 22nd Jan Well tonight was a little tougher than Monday's run. However another one done! Seeing improvements and proud of how far I have come. Tonight there was a little more traffic about that was testing to make sure I was alert 😂. Next one is a long run of 6 miles I will post an update on how that one goes. Share
5k completed oh and a little bit more
Monday 20th Jan So tonight was a great run 3.5 mile completed none stop. I have to say Rob really pushed me tonight with our route 😂. Lots of up hills on tonight's run but you know what I absolutely smashed it 💪. If you would have said to me at the beginning of this journey I would have been able to do this is would have laughed in your face 😂. I really believe that keeping consistent makes things achievable. I need to remind myself of this on the tough runs 🏃♀️.
12 weeks till race day
Monday 13th Jan So it's been a while since I posted an update on here, so what better time when the official training plan begins! Tonight was a 3 mile run. It felt good, anyone who says running is easy I take my hat off to them. Running sounds and looks much easier that it is. But the mindset for me now is this is the shortest run I will do in a while while I build on training for race day. Need to keep the momentum going now for at least the next 13 weeks to get me through this. Also I need to keep reminding myself this is all for raising awareness and vital funds for an amazing charity 😊. Share
Run 12
Wednesday 6th Nov Well having taken Layla to alton towers on Sunday and walking around the day after my last run and walking 12.8 miles my shins were not feeling great to get back out on Monday, I allowed myself to skip this run to heal the sore shins. Went for a 2 mile run tonight Rob pushing me to be the best I can. This was a slower run compared to any of my previous runs. However at the moment it is not about speed it's all about building on the endurance to allow me to complete my victory lap, I'm sure the speed will come (I put this down to not taking my coat but i don't think Rob will agree 😂). Another increase in time before having a short rest. Need to keep building on what I have started and I'm sure the time and distance will come. Share
Run 11
Wednesday 6th Nov Well this run was actually completed on 02/11/24. This was a run to test to see how far I have come. I managed to run 15 mins without stopping. 15 mins to someone doesn't sound much but when you are a total beginner like me I have to say it's not as easy as it sounds. I completed my fastest mile even when people insist on walking in a line of 3 when they have seen you coming ensuring you have to run on a busy road! Having said that I am proud I managed this but must say I did feel really downbeat even though this was the longest I've run 🏃♀️ Share
Run 10
Wednesday 30th Oct Well I have to say I feel really good after this run. It was my furthest run yet and proud of myself is an understatement. To see how far I have come over a short space of time considering I was injured after my 3rd run and that took me out for 4 weeks, the progression is massive. I have to give Rob credit where credit is due he encourages me all the way and keeps me going in the right direction. On to the next one now going to challenge myself to run for the longest period I have yet without stopping for a little walking break. I have no doubt that Rob will encourage me to keep on going even if it's hard. Why does running look so easy? 😂 keep believing and keep on achieving the little wins 🏆 Share
Run 9
Monday 28th Oct Well the run was really good tonight. Running for longer periods tonight. I have to say it felt really good and super proud of myself too. The only down side is I didn't start my watch so I didn't manage to record it all. Having said that had my boy with me today for moral support to keep me going. Need to learn to tie the shoes so they don't keep coming undone 😂. On to the next one, I got this 🏃♀️➡️. Share
Run 8
Friday 25th Oct Well today is the first time I have really wanted to go out and run despite the rain 🌧. Even though I wanted to run tonight was the hardest for me to be honest. The bonus is that I didn't give up and carried on even though it was a tough one for me. Just need to keep building on what I have started and not all runs are going to feel good. Here's to the next one and building on the consistency 👍 Share
Run 7
Wednesday 23rd Oct Tonight I didn't want to go again to be honest, I really don't think the dark nights agree with me. However I got up and went and did my best ever run and felt really good for doing it. Improvements made again tonight the part I really need to work on now is my mindset to get out there and be more consistent. I always have a reason not to go and never a reason just to get up and go. So going forward I am going to work on this and get some consistency going. I got this 🏃♀️➡️ Share
Run 6
Friday 18th Oct This run I have to say I was really scared to do as after the last 3rd run I became injured. I am so glad I did this tonight. I am beginning to feel better doing the runs but my muscles are still really tight. With a bit of luck and getting used to running regularly they will begin to ease. On to the next one progression is key and I have to say I'm really proud of myself tonight 🏃♀️➡️ Share
Run 5
Tuesday 15th Oct Well as I said in my first post I am no runner. I am finding out I have muscles I didn't know even existed 😂. Been for a run tonight and to be honest with it getting cold outside I really didn't want to go but I did it. When people say you feel better having done it are 100% right! At the time I just focus on getting the job done but the sense of achievement once I have done it it's worth it. I'm not running miles but finding my feet and what works for me. The aim is to keep on progressing to complete my victory lap. Rob came with me again tonight and his encouragement really keeps me going I must say 1000 times I can't do this and he really keeps me on track and even says I am to hard on myself and should be proud of what I'm doing. I am proud to share awareness of this horrible cancer and WILL do this for this amazing cause! Share
4th run after injury
Saturday 12th Oct So what happened to the knee was hyperextension. I ended up going see a physio after 3 weeks of pain. I was given a number of exercises and stretchs to do, I went for my first run after 4 weeks recovery. The run was good. I ran for the longest I have so far without having to stop. Rob was kindly my encouragement to drop the couch to 5k and just see what I am able to do. Now I just need to ensure I keep up with the strength training to prevent the knees from becoming bad again. 😬 Share
Couch to 5k 🏃♀️ 3
Tuesday 10th Sep Well what can I say I am so disappointed with myself! I have an injured my knee already, who knew you can get injured so quickly! I didn't quite manage to complete this session with the pain I have in my knee however I tried to push through the pain. Hopefully a few days rest and back to it. Share
Couch to 5k 🏃♀️ number 2
Saturday 7th Sep Well to say I really didn't want to go tonight and was trying to make excuses. I decided to just go for it seen at it has given rain tomorrow. Not going to lie it was no easier tonight as it was the first time, if anything it's a little harder I can really feel the muscles working in my legs tonight. This one down now rest till Tuesday ready for run 3. Let hope this gets easier with time 🥵 Share
First run 🏃♀️ and so it begins.
Thursday 5th Sep Well for anyone who knows me knows I am no runner, so I thought I would start with couch to 5k. I have just been for my first run. To begin with I thought this was too easy, how wrong was I? At the end on my first run out of breath is a understatement! Day rest for tomorrow on to the next one 💪. ShareThank you to my Sponsors
£6.11
Lyndsey Shardlow
£10
James Dutton
Congrats on completing the half Marathon Steph. And for a great cause too! :)
£5.30
Cara
You'll smash it 💪🏼
£5
Holly
£28
Kyle, Emilia
Congratulations on hitting your target from Kyle and Emilia
£21.20
Cathy Boast
You'll smash it Steph so proud of you 🏃♀️🏃♀️🏃♀️xx
£50
Steph
Need to get the donations coming in and backing myself is the way to start it.
£21.20
Rich Hancock
Keep up the great work! From a Vale fan
£4.02
Joanne Rowe
Good luck Steph!
£5
Vicky Jackson
Good Luck Steph! 💪🏼
£20
Kyle Simm
Do it in under half an hour and I’ll give £5000
£10
Lilly Mills
Good luck🩷
£3
Stephanie Harding
£21.20
Laurie Tams
Amazing Steph! You'll smash it, good luck!!x
£10
Anonymous
Good luck
£5.30
Cara
Great cause, good luck 🍀
£10
George Bosson
Good luck Steph, you’ll smash it!!
£5.30
H Hussain
£20
Zoe Pennill
Go on Steph! You can do it 💪🏼
£20
Angela Voce
I know you can do this ha xx nothing beats you xx
£10
Holly Brown
Good luck Steph, you will smash it!
£11.33
Sharon Powell
£10
Mandy Lewis
You can do this Steph and you will really enjoy the experience in London. Good luck. As a runner myself I understand what you are going through.
£20
Chad Stirk
Good luck Steph, a great cause and an excellent effort.
£10.60
Liam Mccambridge
£20
Gillian Simm
£5.30
Georgina Richards
Well done Steph! X
£20
David Harding
Good luck
£5
Bethan
Good luck ducky x
£10
Dave Harding
Good luck
£10.60
Anonymous
Running in the rain ? Talk about dedication ( or maybe you love wet socks) .. either way you’re smashing it! Keep those legs moving, you’re making the rest of us look bad 😂 Good luck Steph 😊
Good luck Steph go smash it xx