Why I took on the Thames Path Challenge for Alzheimer's Society

At the beginning of 2017 I noticed something wasn’t quite right with my mum.

Her short-term memory was poor, her personality started to change, and her diet changed to the point she would only eat sweets.

By October she had been diagnosed with frontal lobe dementia (also known as frontotemporal dementia) and the mum I knew was vanishing in front of my eyes.

In November 2019 I lost mum to dementia. Thankfully she still knew who I was to the end, which for me was a comfort.

During this time, I also watched my godmother slowly get worse with vascular dementia and we lost her in September 2019.

I remember at the end of 2019 thinking, 'well that’s the last of this horrible disease'. But then during lockdown my mother-in-law was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and the lovely lady she was, is no more.

Our main concern now is with my father-in-law and supporting him during this time. For me the worst thing with dementia is the devastating impact it has on the family, friends and loved ones.

The one place I found I could escape everything whilst going through dementia with my mum was running.

A challenge on the Thames Path

I have taken part in 10Ks and half marathons but decided I needed a different challenge.

Along with my friend and running buddy Alan, we decided to take on an Ultra Challenge and entered the Thames Path Challenge 100K. Alan had picked me up during runs when I was down and struggling with mum.

I also wanted not only to challenge myself but use it as a cause to raise money for a great cause.
 

Top training and running tips

My biggest tips are:

• Don’t beat yourself up and listen to your body. I have not yet taken part in a half marathon, 50K or 100K Ultra where my training plan has gone to plan. Training plans are great but don’t fret or worry if you fall behind. Go with what works for you.
• Your body may be saying ‘I need a rest’ and if that is the case, then give it a rest. You will feel so much better for it. On the day it’s going to be mental resilience that gets you to the finish line, not flogging your body.
• Snacks and fresh socks are your friends. We train with a 40 min run/ 5 min walk strategy. During our walk we take on fuel in the form of flapjacks and gels. Keep your energy levels topped up, rather than getting to a stage where your body is crying out for fuel.
• Also practice ‘rest stops’. Stop long enough to get in some additional fuel but not long enough to seize up, treat yourself to a dry top (if needed) and always fresh socks – you won’t believe how much difference it makes. 
• Finally I would also recommend joining the Ultra Challenge community on Facebook. This is such a supportive group, with everything from training tips to kit advice, through to motivation and buddy systems for the event itself. 

Ideas for fundraising 

Don’t be shy about reaching out and asking people to support you. What’s the worst that can happen? They can just say no.

I set up a Just Giving page. When I sent out messages asking for support, I always made sure I included a few lines about why this was so personal for me.

I soon learnt a lot of people had gone through or were going through similar experiences and really wanted to support me.

It also led to many conversations with others sharing stories and supporting each other, which was a completely unexpected outcome. 

You will be amazed at who comes back to you with donations.

I also reached out to friends, family, got my story in my local allotment newsletter and left flyers at my gym (checking it was ok first).

I was taken back by how many people supported me. I also sent updates on training and again included my Just Giving link.  

One big family for the day

Go for it. It is hard work but it’s so worth it. Your ability, your age, your fitness, or your strength don't matter.

Never doubt yourself. There will be laughter and tears, but the memories and sense of achievement are worth it all. You can do it.   

It is an absolutely amazing experience and well set up event. This is down to the support from Alzheimer’s Society, the amazing team at Action Challenge, and all the staff behind the scenes and those out on the event.

And, most importantly, it's down to all the other people out on the course with their own personal reasons for taking part. The support, the random chats, the people you meet…everyone looks out for each other, and it becomes one big family for the day.

The only downside is it becomes addictive and before you know it you have signed up for your next event.