Find out why Danielle is running not one but six half marathons for Kidney Care UK!
Q: Tell us about the charities you support through realbuzz running
“I chose the SuperHalfs series because I wanted to take on the challenge after becoming a kidney donor to my husband who suffered from kidney failure last year. polycystic kidney disease (PKD), after months of testing I finally confirmed the match. We were initially told this was extremely unlikely, but the gods were on our side and we successfully performed the transplant on August 30th. Throughout the tests and daily dialysis, I took up running to help my mental health but also to make sure I was as fit as possible for the surgery. To celebrate our upcoming kidney care competition and to help others through this devastating journey, I have chosen to run for Kidney Care UK.
Q: How has your running experience been so far?
I have been running on and off for many years and about 10-15 years ago I was very active and even completed the London Marathon! Getting back into running and finishing has brought me back that feeling…the excitement and nerves of race day, coupled with the energy flowing through all the runners, is always a very exciting and rewarding way to spend a morning Way. There really is nothing better than looking around at the faces of thousands of other runners and seeing the determination on their faces. Everyone has a story and I am campaigning for my hero, my husband. His grit and determination last year was nothing short of heroic and if I could help one person then I would lace up my shoes and go out and crush every game!
Cardiff will be my first ultra half race and I’m super excited! I signed up for a lot of 10K races and hit the streets of London early in the morning for long runs. Next month I will be attempting my first full half marathon in years at Richmond Park.
Q: What have you been doing to stay on track?
I’ve been using the Nike Running App to help track my runs, which is great because they have a free dedicated half marathon program. I don’t consider myself a runner, I just enjoy the freedom and feeling of getting stronger physically after achieving the impossible last year. I’m very proud of my body and what it has accomplished so far and what it will continue to accomplish, and running will always play a big part in that.
