My Journey – From A Run Around The Block To The Brighton Marathon by Melissa Mungovan

Hello, my name is Melissa and I am a Children’s Nurse from East Sussex. In September I am running the Brighton marathon! I started running in my mid twenties; I had a stressful job and getting out in the fresh air with some clear head space was just what I needed. I was terrible, I could barely run around the block, but slowly, over a long period, I kept improving, and before I knew it, I was regularly 5km. Running was my time, my therapy and my escape and it has helped me through some difficult times. What I love about running is that I can go anytime, anywhere and on every run the view is different.

In 2018 I ran my first 10km race, this was the furthest I had ever run and the feeling of crossing the finish line was amazing. Since then I have run numerous 10km races and the Eastbourne half marathon in 2019. In a moment t of madness in 2019 I signed up for the Brighton marathon, I thought it was a great challenge for the year I turned 40! Little did I know that a global pandemic was beginning and that I would have to train 3 times over due to 2 cancellations! 3rd time lucky, right? I am following a 16 week training programme and I am focussed on that finish line!

I decided to run for charity and despite there being so many charities I would love to support, I wanted to choose one with a personal connection, which is why I chose the British Heart Foundation. My Husband Lee had life saving heart surgery 9 years ago and has a replacement heart valve, and his ‘ticking’ reminds us every day of how lucky we are. My Dad died in 2011 due to heart disease and my Step Dad has had more than his fair share of heart issues and procedures. I am running for my family, for every heart beat!

Running has never come naturally to me, I am not built for speed and I could really do with longer legs, but I am training hard and I will get to that finish line! I’m excited, I’m dedicated and I am committed to raising money for such an important cause.

If you would like to follow my journey or support a fantastic cause, please click on the link to my Just Giving page;

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/melissa-mungovan

Thanks for taking the time to read my story; wish me luck!

Melissa