Running for Cambridge Community House - Dr Shelley's Ultra Marathon 52km

I'm Dr Shelley from The Chiro Lab in Cambridge. About 10 months ago, after a passing comment by someone doing a half marathon I thought maybe I could train for a small running event.

Terribly unfit, not a natural athlete, 40yrs old (plus change), I was unable to run for a full minute. I 'walked/ran' for about 4 weeks, wondering if it would ever get easier.

Slowly since April 24 to today, I have gained not only physical fitness, but greater mental resilience and a new outlook on life.

I have only done 4 minor running events to date. The longest being Queenstown Half Marathon (21.2km) in November. Along the way, I heard of people running extreme distances called Ultra Marathons. And an idea was born to see how far I could go. I felt the Tarawera 50 (52km and 1150m vertical gain) was a good introduction to the world of Ultra and...here I am! The event is 15th of Feb, now under a month to go.

Running to fundraise for Cambridge Community House is a privilege for me.

This is a group of exceptional people, doing so much for Cambridge. Their important services include counselling, whānau support, assisting with family harm incidents, budget advice and transportation to medical appointments. They help find school uniforms, they help with CV's and jobs and assist with food needs. And much much more.

Fundraising provides the necessary resources to offer these essential services. I am proud to help them in any capacity I can.

https://cambridgecommunityhouse-inah.rocketspark.co.nz