Samia Islam

Feeling the pressure 😤

Things are looking serious now! Only 2 weeks to go and my training has intensified. Although I am happy to say that I completed my 1st 10K during the May Bank Holiday weekend! For a complete beginner like me, a big milestone achieved!

How it started

The Run2Paris event sounds like it's only for experienced runners, right? Well, I have never really run outdoors and stopped going to the gym after covid hit…4 years ago. To avoid the winter blues of January and get fitter I gave 'Couch to 5k' a try this year. But to motivate and push myself, I needed something more. I knew about Run2Paris, but never considered it as I couldn’t fathom myself taking on such a massive challenge. When the opportunity to take part with TEAMSSAFA came, the events team assured me that I still have time to prepare for the May event. Upon enrolling, I established a regular routine of running, even though it’s hard mentally and physically. I have learnt so much about running - endurance, pace, posture and most importantly, running shoes!

Why raise money for SSAFA? SSAFA helps the Armed Forces community in a number of ways, though the focus is on providing direct support to individuals in need of physical or emotional care.

Addiction, relationship breakdown, debt, homelessness, post-traumatic stress, depression and disability are all issues that can affect the members of the Armed Forces community. Many of these problems only become apparent when an individual has to leave their life in the Forces and join ‘Civvy Street’. SSAFA is committed to helping our brave men, women and their families overcome these problems, and rebuild their lives.