I decided to run the Dublin Marathon because running changed my life. Last year I went through one of the darkest periods of my life and never imagined I would be signing up for a marathon. Earlier this year, after going through a difficult time, I decided I needed to make changes in my life and started running. What began as a way to clear my head quickly became something much bigger. I set myself a goal of completing a 5K, 10K, half marathon and marathon. Over the last few months I’ve completed the 5K and 10K, and over the August Bank Holiday I completed my first half marathon despite carrying a knee injury into race week. Training has been challenging at times, but every run has taught me something. Running has given me structure, purpose and confidence. It’s shown me that even when life gets difficult, there is always a way forward one step at a time. The Dublin Marathon means more to me than just 42.2km. It represents how far I’ve come from where I was last year. My family, friends and children have supported me throughout this journey, and being able to stand on the start line in Dublin will be a celebration of everything I’ve overcome to get there. I’m also fundraising for LA519, a mental health charity. Having experienced difficult times myself, supporting mental health awareness through my marathon journey means a lot to me. Thanks again for the opportunity to share my story.