Mary-Anne’s March of Madness Progress Update

The first week of the challenge got off to a slower start than I had hoped after picking up a left quadriceps strain, which meant taking a few days off running. I managed 20km across the week, which was disappointing, but thankfully the rest helped and the strain has improved. I’m hoping to make up the lost distance over the remainder of the month.

This past week has been much better, with 41km run in total. Running with friends has made a big difference, the motivation and company really help the miles pass more quickly. It’s a reminder that challenges like this are always a little easier when you’re not doing them alone.

My weekly goal of 36km represents the 36,000 people in the UK living with an inherited bleeding disorder. This includes my 4-year-old son, Daniel, who has severe haemophilia A, a rare condition where the blood doesn’t clot properly, meaning even small injuries can sometimes lead to serious bleeding.

Through this challenge, I hope to raise awareness of bleeding disorders and support Haemophilia Northern Ireland, a small charity that provides vital information and support to families like ours across Northern Ireland. Every mile is for Daniel and everyone affected by bleeding disorders. 💙