A Monmouthshire student is running her first marathon to raise funds for Diabetes UK and increase awareness of Type 1 diabetes.
The London Marathon will see dozens of Team Diabetes UK runners take to the streets to run the iconic 26.2 mile course on 23 April 2017.
Chloe Peel, 21, from near Chepstow, is currently balancing her third year studies in dentistry at Plymouth University with a packed training schedule for the marathon. The student is running the London marathon to raise awareness of Type 1 diabetes, a lifelong condition which has affected her father since childhood. While no one knows exactly what causes the condition, it’s not to do with being overweight and it isn’t currently preventable.
Type 1 diabetes is serious and misunterstood
Chloe said: “Growing up with a father who has Type 1 diabetes has really given me an understanding of how serious the condition is and how misunderstood it can be. A lot of people think that it has something to do with being overweight or unhealthy lifestyle choices, which isn’t true.
“That’s why I decided to sign up to run the London Marathon for Diabetes UK, to help raise awareness and support people living with Type 1 diabetes. Before signing up I had done a few half marathons but this will be my first full marathon. My boyfriend has been a major motivator for me, cycling or running alongside me, carrying my drinks and pushing me to keep going.”
"My life has completely revolved around when I can fit in my next run"
In preparation Chloe has been training since Christmas by running three times a week, reaching 20 miles on her longest run so far.
She added: “It has been a fine balance between keeping up with my studies and fitting in running at the same time. For the last 3 months my life has completely revolved around when I can fit in my next run. Training has certainly been a challenge but nothing beats that sense of achievement when you get back from a run. When I run I can forget about everything else that may be going on in my life and clear my head. I love the feeling when you get back from a run and that’s what makes me want to go out again and push myself even more.”
After completing the London Marathon Chloe plans to take on another challenge, cycling 100 miles as part of the Prudential RideLondon event in July.
To sponsor Chloe visit herJustGiving page.
