Helen absolutely loves running. And we mean ❤ LOVES ❤ running.
She can be seen at her local park runs in Gedling and Colwick, depending on whether she fancies a hilly or a flat run. She’s also done tough mudders and completed the Great North Run in Newcastle a couple of times in her years as a student dentist.
The start line for the Great North Run was basically right outside my house so there were no excuses to get out of it. Seriously though, running has always been something I enjoy; even in the rain. In fact, especially in the rain. I don’t mind it. The muddier the better.
Helen is competing in the Virtual London Marathon, which means she has 24 hours on 3rd October to do the marathon on any route she chooses but she will be looking to complete it all in one go.
I’m looking at completing it in around 4-5 hours. I’m not a fast runner but I’m steady. I just keep ongoing.
And being the sociable person she is, she’s drafting help from family and friends to keep her motivated. They will be joining her at different places on route to break up the 26 miles.
Music is another thing that keeps her motivated and she’ll definitely be tuning in to the Smile Spotify playlist that is being developed by the BDA Benevolent Fund to help the marathon runners.
I love all different types of music and get bored if the same songs come on, so having a big variety is good for me. I’ll need lots of choice to keep me going for 5 hours! I also like to vary my routes. It’s more exciting when you’re exploring new runs through the countryside.
As well as being motivated by her personal goal of running a marathon, and the joy she gets from running, Helen is delighted to be able to raise the profile of the Charity For All Dentists.
I’ve only recently become aware that a charity exists to support dentists, and everyone should know about it. This year has been incredibly tough for our profession. The self-employed have been hit hard and the financial struggle affects people’s mental health too. I expect many people will reach out if they know about the Charity and I’m honoured to be able to raise funds and awareness for them.
Helen, like many, was considering a huge variety of professions before she settled on dentistry. Cosmetic dentistry has become another passion and her creative flair is put to great use.
I absolutely love my job, my patients, and the dental team I work with. I’m so lucky and happy to have chosen this profession.
Helen is training hard, and running half marathon distances on her long runs, as well as ‘short’ 5k park runs.
When thinking about the route she’ll run for the virtual marathon, there is further evidence of her creativity as she explains a sort of petal loop effect, circling back to her home as a centre point. That will look great on Strava.
We’re sure that her love of running, her family and friends, and support from the dental community will keep her going and get her across that marathon finish line.
If you’d like to donate visit our fundraising page.
Take a look at how Helen got on.
