I’ve lost 10 stone, started running and now I’m running the London Marathon for Caudwell Children.
From running just 60 seconds at a time to completing races, an ultra and now training for the London Marathon all in one year. I’m so grateful I found running and for everything it has brought to my life. Caudwell Children
14/08/2026
The weather is playing havoc with my running so this morning I was up at 5am and met up to run at 6am with this crazy bunch! We took it slow and steady, as despite the cooler air, it still felt excessively warm and sticky. But it was a lovely run nonetheless. 4 weeks until the Worcester Half 😬
The summer solstice run was hard. It was one of the first days of the heatwave so the heat and humidity hit hard. I can’t thank the other runners enough for their encouragement and for keeping me going. The medal took a while to arrive by post and I was worried I’d be over it by the time it came. But it reminded me of a tough run where I had to dig deep and keep going. Thank you for organising it and for being such a supportive group of people to run with.
16/07/2026
Carys struggled to run for a minute
12/07/2026
I tried something new! I went to a callisthenics class omg that was hard 😓 but equally so much fun! These ladies were so welcoming and I was buzzing! Can’t wait to really build some strength and maybe develop a bit of flexibility too. I’m not very bendy. 🤣
I don’t want to be too predictable…but of course I bought a paddleboard! Choosing the right one was tricky but I think I got the right one. Link in the comments
Caudwell Children
04/07/2026
When Strava gets fully on board with your shopping addiction. Sooooo, what to go for? Any recommendations?
25/06/2026
🏃♀️ WE’VE GOT A LONDON MARATHON 2027 SPACE! 🏃♂️
Yes, you heard that right… for the FIRST time EVER in 10 years of Abby’s Heroes, we have been given ONE London Marathon spot 😍🎉
We are beyond excited! Every year we receive so many messages from our incredible supporters asking for a place, and now we can finally say… YES! 🙌 We are absolutely buzzing!
To make this as fair as possible, we’ve created an application form for anyone who would like to be considered. We want to hear all about why you’d love to run for Abby’s Heroes and how you plan to reach your fundraising goals 💜
⚠️ Please only apply if you are 100% committed to taking on the marathon
📝 Make sure you complete all questions on the form
We genuinely can’t wait to read your applications and hear your amazing stories! Woop woop, let’s do this! 🎉 - https://forms.gle/WESNQ6DsRzd9o74G7
25/06/2026
Three years ago I couldn’t run for 30 seconds and was getting closer and closer to 20 stone.
Now I’m training for the London Marathon.
Life still looks nothing like the Instagram version. I’m a mum in a neurodiverse family, training to become an Educational Psychologist, permanently behind on the washing, and usually squeezing runs in around studying, taking the kids to swimming lessons and occasionally spending time with my very supportive husband.
The photos tell one story. I’ve lost over 10 stone and become a runner.
But the biggest change wasn’t my body. It was finally believing I was capable of doing hard things and starting to trust my body.
I’ve spent years living with endometriosis, fertility battles and fibromyalgia. For a long time, my body felt like something I was fighting rather than something I believed was capable of amazing things. After having a hysterectomy and beginning a weight loss journey, my health improved. I found an energy I never knew I had and started to see strength and power in my body.
Now, one of my favourite feelings is seeing what my body can do. I still get frustrated that I’m a slow runner or not as strong as I’d like to be, but then I remember how far I’ve come. According to Strava, I’ve run over 1,000 km since starting Couch to 5K last August. If you’d told me that a few years ago, I’d never have believed you.
I’m so excited to run the London Marathon for Caudwell Children and incredibly grateful they’ve entrusted me with one of their precious charity places. They’ve supported our family, and every disabled and neurodivergent child deserves someone in their corner.
If you’ve followed my journey, cheered me on, or simply enjoyed watching me accidentally sign up for increasingly ridiculous distances… thank you. ❤️
If you’re able to donate, I’d be incredibly grateful. Every penny helps support families like ours.
(And yes… I still can’t quite believe the woman in the first photo is the same person as the one in the last.)
https://www.justgiving.com/page/carys-thurlby-1?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL
Caudwell Children