As I set out early on a Saturday morning it seemed like any normal Long Slow Run.... or at least that's what I told myself. However, this was never going to be normal lsr. This was for @marathoninaday in conjunction with @Mindcharity. My partner in crime was setting on her 13.1 in Portsmouth. Our brief was simple; run a combined 26.2 in 24 hrs. 

Running solo is tricky. It takes a certain mindset which, a lot of runners possess and actually embrace. Running a solo 'race' puts a whole diffferent spin on it which might not be for everybody. 

Firstly there are no marshals, no drink stations, no first aid, no spectators. You have to be entirely self sufficient. I run with a camelbak so hydration isn't a problem. The bottom line is BE SAFE!!! I wear an ID bracelet and have my phone/debit card handy. 

On virtual runs you pick the course. That's nice. I picked a nice, flat, interesting course which meandered from North to south Leeds, picking up the Leeds 10k course just for fun. So far sounds easy, right? It should be, however something gets in your head. Something eats away at that bit that mumbles 'PB, go for a PB'. So i did. You do feel the pressure. You know people will see your run. It's the Strava effect. 

So I finished the run with a massive PB and shared my success with.... nobody. THATS the down side. You are done and chances are nobody will know. 

If, like me, you are time challenged due to family commitments then virtual racing is a wonderful way to get involved with the running community. If it's for a wonderful cause then so much the better. Could I do a virtual marathon? Watch this space. 

An amazing event that spread the globe.

The support between everyone that took part was amazing. Definitely an event that I will take part in again.

I did this virtual race splitting the distance with someone from Scotland, each covering 13.1 miles each. The atmosphere on twitter encouraged me to take on the distance in 1 run, helping push me to complete my furthest ever run of 14 miles. For that I am forever grateful

I've never been a big fan of virtual races because I don't really see the point. After all, does somebody give me a medal every time I go out and do a training run? But I liked the marathon in a day concept, and when Stuart from #ukrunchat suggested I join in as part of a team effort, I decided I liked the idea of completing it as part of a team so signed up. Part of the attraction was that it was all for Mind charity too. Antony from #ukrunchat was our spreadsheet ninja, who kept tabs on how far we all wanted to run for the challenge, then matched us up with team members. Originally I was due to be doing a half marathon race that day, so I was paired up with Carmen, but then at last minute we decided to form a Team UK to try to get the most distance in to compete with a huge team from the USA. We decided to do our joint marathon effort on the Sunday, and I did 16 miles as I didn't end up doing my half marathon. The communications from the MIAD team were great, and the build up to the weekend was really good fun as we all planned what running we would do, and gave other teams banter. I'm currently waiting for my medal, but I really enjoyed being part of this challenge for a worthwhile cause. 

I was invited to enter this event by friends from the world of Twitter.

So pleased to have taken on the challenge.

Rules were simple enough.

Run or walk 26.2miles within a period of 24 hours. This could be done solo or in a team.

Sounds easy but it's actually more tricky than many realise.

All profit goes to MIND charity- such a great cause.

I chose the solo marathon option.

My marathon was done in three sections.

Part 1-

10am- 13.13 miles in Fleetwood. (01:45:57)

Part 2-

1:13pm 8.18 miles Fleetwood to Blackpool. (01:13:02)

Part 3- 

7:03pm 5.19miles in my home city of Leeds. (0:46:58)

26.5miles in total. 

Believe me, it wasn't easy but it's been a wonderful thing to be part of.

The camaraderie amongst our group on Twitter has been fantastic. 

Seeing people work together as a team, progress and have a laugh in the process has been brilliant. 

It sums up what a special bond there is in the running community.

There's been fantastic efforts right across the board.

It's been such a rewarding experience. 

Massive well done, everybody. 

This event is perfect for those who are dreaming/have a goal of running 26.2 miles but are put off by the thought of doing it all in one go.  Marathon in a day encourages not only plenty of rests in between your runs but allows you to test your limits mentally and physically. Even though it's no race day pressure and you don't have the atmosphere of running alongside dozens, hundreds or thousands of other runners.There is an incredible community online supporting and helping you along the way; whether it's on your own or a part of the team this event is something pretty amazing! 

As this was a virtual race, and in my case a relay, it was pretty hard to go wrong. There may not have been aid stations or crowds lining the road, but the online support was excellent and we could run however far we wanted as long as the miles added up for our team. 

It was good value for money as it was only about £15 and it went to the Mind charity. Only downside was communication. There wasn't much info on the website, I had to keep asking the friend who'd asked if I wanted to join his team in the first place. 

It was all for a good cause and people chose to run in some cool places and do some wild distances.