Opening a mysterious white envelope in my goody bag from  the Write This Run conference last November, I was met with the following words:

Eeeek! After the initial “oh crap” had faded, I realised that this was perfect 🙂

I had been thinking about entering a Half Marathon in 2014, had done a bit of research, umm-ed and aah-ed about which would be a good “beginner option”, and generally procrastinated on the issue…

And now everything was decided for me – it was fate!

The Royal Windsor Half Marathon Trail Run looks like a great option too – I’ve heard glowing reviews from friends who ran it last year, and the course is scenic and interesting, following the trail next to the river.

Even better I had a pair of entries, so the next task was to rope in a partner in crime…

I asked around and finally when I was visiting family over Christmas I broached the subject with one of my brothers. Both my brothers have developed a vague interest in running over the past year, dabbling in Parkruns and on-off training, but I didn’t really think they would be keen to sign up to the not-insignificant-challenge of a half marathon…

Fortunately I was proved wrong! Ben (on the left) jumped at the chance, and after suggesting we should persuade my other brother to join too, I now have a team of three!

Whether it was a case of “New-Years-Resolution-itis” or a desire to beat their big sister (very likely!), I am thrilled to have my family on board (sis and parents have already agreed to come and support and hand out jelly babies…) and am so excited to share the journey to becoming half marathon runners with them 🙂

I am also looking for a couple of intermediate races between now and May to keep me on track so if anyone has any suggestions for good 10ks in March/April time, let me know! I am hoping to do a series of posts documenting my training and various tips I pick up along the way so watch this space 🙂

Have you ever raced with family members?

Beki x