Memoires of a First Time Runner - The Hydro Active Challenge 

The Women's Hydro Active Challenge is an excellent day out for experienced runners and amateurs alike. In September 2006 FSID sent nine of its female members of staff on the run. Amongst them was Fundraising Event Manager Pam “I Never Even Run for a Bus” O'Brien. Here is her version of events.

What made you decide to participate?

Part of my job is to encourage and support others doing running events for our charity. I have never been a willing sportswoman and running is just about the last thing I would do for pleasure but it was about time to practise what I preached. I also get such positive feedback from runners about the incredible feeling of achievement you get when you do a race that I though I had better give it a go.

How did you feel in the run up to the event?

I was not looking forward to the day at all. I thought I would probably start out jogging for a few minutes and then my poor level of fitness would force me to walk the rest of the way through sheer exhaustion.

How did it actually go?

I really surprised myself. I managed to jog the whole way without having to break into a walk at any point! I think this was more bloody mindedness than any kind of level of fitness because it nearly killed me, but the main thing is I did it.

What was it like to be part of such an event?

The atmosphere was great. So many women of all ages and abilities just doing it at their own pace. It was good to do it in the FSID team and to have so many of us from the office taking part, and now I know it’s true what they say about finding a mysterious energy from nowhere that allows you to speed up when you finally catch sight of the finish line ahead of you.

So would you do it again?

I never thought it would happen to me but I think I have been “bitten by the bug”. I plan to do a 10k run next summer but I think for that one I will definitely need to do some training.  And the fundraising is definitely addictive – it is such an exhilarating feeling to see that total rise.

How did you raise money for the event?

I set up a justgiving page (just like a sponsor form only it’s online and people sponsor you using a credit or debit card). I emailed the details of this page to all my contacts and people were incredibly generous. I raised £700 and I was over the moon! Many of these sponsors were people who had done runs, treks or other fundraisers for us before whom I now know personally and who continue to support FSID so generously. I would like to extend a massive thank you to all of you who sponsored me and contributed to such a fantastic total.

Do you have a message for anyone out there thinking of doing a run for the first time?

Do it! If I can do it anyone can and it’s all worth it to know that you’re raising money for a good cause. But don’t make my mistake - do some training!


So you see you don’t have to be a Paula Radcliff to get involved. You too can take part in a run for FSID. Click here to find out what runs are on offer with FSID.