I'd never be the fastest, but I could make my marathons unique'
Tiggy Bailey, 56, lives in Gatwick with her husband and fellow runner, Totters.
Strutting in nothing but my running leggings and a pink bra, I grinned. It was May 2010, and I was taking part in Breast Cancer Now's MoonWalk. I was walking for my mum Doreen - she'd spent her life raising money for cancer charities before passing away from liver cancer in 2009.
My mum was my best friend, and I knew I had to do something to honour her memory and all the fantastic work she'd done. As I crossed the finish line, I felt elated. I was shocked at how manageable and enjoyable I'd found it, and knew I had to do it again!
READY TO RUN
After the MoonWalk in 2010, my mind filled with ideas. 'I want to do the London Marathon, I announced to a friend. They were shocked as I'd always hated running. At school, I'd dreaded PE lessons, and after damaging my Achilles tendons playing squash, running was too painful.
Working as an equine vet, I felt more at home riding horses than running myself. But thankfully I found a podiatrist who gave me special insoles, which really helped. So I applied and, amazingly, was accepted. Panting over the finish line, I was closer to the back than the front, but that didn't matter. I knew I'd never be the fastest, but I could still make my marathons unique.
Tiggy in for two marath A friend told me about the North Pole Marathon - set across more than 42km of sea ice. "That sounds incredible, I gasped. I knew I had to do it.
A few months later, I flew to the Arctic straight after completing the Brighton Marathon. Running across the ice in -40 degree temperatures, I was more worried about being ambushed by polar bears than beating my personal best!
Denne historien er fra February 06, 2023-utgaven av WOMAN'S OWN.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra February 06, 2023-utgaven av WOMAN'S OWN.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
'SEEING MY NAME ON TV IS SURREAL'
Loose Women newbie Olivia Attwood Dack on joining the hit show, marriage and career goals
THE MISSING PIECE
My earliest memory of my older sister Priya wasn’t one where she was present, but rather, the realisation of her absence.
WEEKNIGHT WINNERS
Rustle up these tasty family dinners with just five easy ingredients
SMILING THROUGH CANCER
Like most mums, when my kids are upset I’ll do almost anything to turn their frowns upside down, whether it’s making Max, 11, his favourite chocolate cake or putting on silly voices for Georgia, eight, when she’s had a bad day at school.
BRAVERY AMIDST SUCH HORROR
The Woman's Own columnist has her say on dinner time, posh grub and wet summers
RELAX & RESET
For farm-to-table food and a game-changing spa, head for the dramatic Dolomites
HELP! I'M TURNING INTO MY MUM
As the years pass, Heather Main, 39, realises she’s inheriting more and more of her mother’s traits
I WAS MISTAKEN FOR MY HUSBAND'S MISTRESS!
When Gemma Loveden, 38, lost l6st, a family member was convinced she was someone else...
Denise confesses I'MA MORNING SEX PERSON'
Never one to mince her words, Denise Welch is much-loved by fans for her refreshing honesty.
Cat & Ben SNUBBED!
Are the This Morning hosts feeling disgruntled after missing out on an NTA nomination in favour of Alison?