That is certainly the question when one hasn’t ever run a half marathon before.

But for Julie Haigney from Webheath, Redditch the thought of making an
important contribution to Macmillan Cancer Support by running the Shakespeare Half Marathon in Stratford-upon-Avon on 25th April, was more than enough for her to get her running shoes on.

Julie works as a sales negotiator for Redditch estate agents and Mayfair Office members Allan Morris & Burford, and it is the Allan Morris Group who are encouraging her to the hilt with sponsorship and moral support.

Why is she doing it? “It’s for the experience and with a chance to get fitter; also to see if I can do it.” Julie, who is married and is a mother of two young daughters said, “I’m really running to my little bit to help change lives, and this is a terrific opportunity to do this. I know that when I put on the famous Macmillan green vest it will add, in a small way, to the vital work that Macmillan do in helping the two million people living with or beyond cancer in the United Kingdom today.”

Julie, who will be running with her good friend, neighbour and training partner Joanne Vanes, will be getting huge support from her fiance, children and friends who will be out in force cheering her on. Joanne started her training to get fit for her wedding in Mauritius which is two weeks after the run.

If all goes well Julie and Joanne have a goal to enter the London Marathon in 2011.

But that is a decision best made after crossing the Stratford-upon-Avon finishing line and a long hot bath!