I’ve signed up for my first Half Marathon - Edinburgh 2026!
Right… so it’s official. I’ve signed up for a half marathon. In Edinburgh in 2026. Buzzing? Yep. Nervous? Also yep.
The truth is, it only took one person to believe I could do it. And let’s be honest, it was probably more of a birthday bet than a heartfelt pep talk. But still, it gave me the spark I needed- so I signed up.
But this isn’t just about running (well, not just), it’s about something bigger. This whole thing has reminded me how much who you surround yourself with matters. Your people make a massive difference. In the past, I’ve shared ideas or goals and been met with, “Hmm, are you sure?” or “That sounds a bit much.” And when you hear that often enough, you start to hold back and you second guess yourself. So guess what? You play small!
But then someone says, “You’ve got this.” And suddenly, something shifts. That tiny bit of belief from the right person can change everything. And when you’re surrounded by people who actually want to see you grow- who lift you up, not hold you back, it changes the game completely.
When I say “find your people,” I mean those who want the best for you. Who push you in the right way, or want to do big things with you. A bunch of my lovely fitness friends have since signed up too. Now, it’s not just about me doing a half marathon. It’s not even just about the finish line (though yes, I am running for time!). It’s suddenly become this amazing shared experience.
So now, the whole process already feels different, it feels more connected and more fun. There’s something special about doing hard things together. You feel so much more motivated. You’re not just showing up for yourself anymore- you’re showing up with people who get it.
One thing I didn’t expect over the years in training and finding a community? How much being surrounded by the right energy would impact my physical health but also my gut. When you feel supported, your stress levels drop… you relax… you breathe easier. And that changes everything from your sleep, to your digestion, to your immune system. The gut and brain are connected (I’ll delve into this on another blog). And with the right people around, you naturally make better choices… You move more, eat better, show up more consistently etc. It’s not just mindset- it’s biology. And community plays a massive role in both.
Let’s be real, nothing changes when it’s easy. Growth kicks in when you lean into the challenge or when you go after something you’re not totally sure you can pull off. And it doesn’t start with physical strength- i’ve come to realise that it starts with mindset. The body follows what the mind believes is possible. That’s why psychology is everything and why “surround yourself with the right people” isn’t just some fluffy Pinterest quote. It’s real. If you’re constantly around doubt, negativity, or people who drain you? You absorb it. It chips away at your confidence, your drive, and your energy.
But when you’re around people who believe in you, who challenge you, who see you- your mindset grows stronger, and your self belief deepens. That leads to action, repeated action (there will be plenty of this) and that, my lovelies, leads to positive change. It’s not just about willpower- it’s about creating or finding an environment that helps you thrive.
If there’s something you’ve been putting off, like a race, a project, a new direction, this is your sign!! Find the people who lift you, who remind you who you really are when you forget, who cheer from the sidelines, and if you’re really lucky, they run the path with you (literally!!!!). You’ll know when it feels right. It won’t be perfect, but it’ll be real and that’s more than enough.
So here we go... Training begins soon! It’s not going to be easy for a good time (ha!), but I already know it’s the journey that will make it worth it.
Let’s go! (As we say on Send it Saturday!)
