Sophie’s ‘Brutal’ 5K Run page

My name is Sophie and I’m from the Isle of Wight. I decided to take on a challenge to raise money for Fertility Network UK for a couple of reasons. The first being that my husband Dan and I have just started undergoing some treatment for our difficulties with fertility, having been trying to conceive for over 2 years. We found out earlier this year that I have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and I have just started a course of Clomid to hopefully help us. I have found this journey incredibly difficult as all I have ever dreamed of is being a parent, and the feeling of being out of control is overwhelming. In order to start Clomid, I needed to lose some weight, which I have done, but my second reason for this challenge is to continue with my running and give me a focus. Our challenge will be on 28/01/17 and we will be doing a 5K ‘Brutal’ run through waist high water, mud and up steep inclines. I will be running with my Mum, who is my biggest supporter (aside from my amazing Husband) and will help ensure I make it! I have 2 stand in’s on hand, should a miracle happen between now and January! Fertility Network UK is a fantastic resource for those struggling with infertility and I can’t thank them enough for their support since I notified them of what I am doing. I’m incredibly thankful for all the support I receive every day, and especially in my fundraising. Thank you!

Update from Sophie:

‘My Brutal Run was like a physical representation of Infertility. When your journey starts and you’re given all the information, you either feel positive (I can do this!) or feel it’s going to be impossible. As time goes on you hit some bumps, then everything is smooth for a while before suddenly you fall down a ditch.  Then you pick yourself up again and things are a little easier for a while before your waist high in ice cold water or you’re wading through mud with no sign of the finish line. Now even the smooth, plain sailing parts are hard, nothing is easy. You can’t see the end, you can’t feel things getting easier, but you hang on to every hope that you’re ending is coming soon and you smile your way through. That feeling of elation when I reached the finish was what I can only hope and imagine I’ll feel if I ever get my miracle.’