Danielle Hunter

Gratitude, Grit, and Glutes: A Love Letter to My Support Squad

Tuesday 15th Apr

As I drag my tired body through the final stretch of London Marathon training, eating my what feels like sixteenth protein hit of the day, I feel one overwhelming emotion: gratitude. (Okay, fine, two emotions. Gratitude and hunger.)

Training for the biggest challenge of my life has shown me just how powerful support and encouragement really are. So I’m taking a break from my social media begging - I mean fundraising - to say a big, sweaty THANK YOU to the absolute legends in my life.

To my gym community:

You magnificent beasts. After being MIA from the gym, never did I think I’d feel emotionally attached to a squat rack again, but here we are. You’ve seen me at my strongest and my most exhausted, and still met me with nothing but encouragement, support, and a shared understanding of the grind. In a space that can feel intimidating, you’ve created a space where showing up—on good days, sore days, and everything in between—feels like coming home. I couldn’t have done this without your strength (and your shared pain face on leg day).

To the women who’ve supported me:

Ladies. Sisters. Queens. Whether you’ve run marathons, cheered from the sidelines, or just nodded supportively while I showed you my new creepy toe socks like a proud parent, you’ve lifted me up. You've reminded me that we can do hard things—preferably while wearing cute gym outfits and dancing questionably to country music between sets. Every message, every “You’ve got this!” DM — I see you. I love you. You’re the Morgan to my playlist—soft on the soul, strong on the stride.

To my friends, family, and colleagues:

Thank you for pretending to care about my split times and for tolerating the new me—AKA the person who now schedules everything around "long run day" and talks about carbs like they’re currency. Thank you for understanding when I said no to plans because my calves needed a cold bath and an 8pm bedtime. And to my coworkers: thank you for not staging an intervention when I brought Soreen into the office and called it my dessert. You’ve all shown up for me in ways big and small. Whether it was sending an encouraging text, or simply not unfollowing me despite my endless sweaty selfies—your support has meant the world.

Finally, Adaaaaaam

Thank you for being my biggest supporter, even though I’m basically been married to marathon training - I suppose I’m just getting you back since I turn into a cricket widow every summer. We haven’t spent much time together, but you’ve been there through every sore muscle and long run, always ready to help, listen, or pick me up when I couldn’t go any further, figuratively and literally. Your patience and constant encouragement remind me that I’m stronger than I think, and I couldn’t have done this without you.

I may be running the London Marathon alone (well, with thousands of strangers), but I’m carrying all of you with me—metaphorically, of course, because I’m already carrying snacks, jellybeans, and the weight of my questionable life choices.

My tribe, I could not have done this without you

Love always,

Your favorite slightly deranged, banana-fueled, marathoner-in-training

D xx

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How I’ve Realized I’m Definitely Ready for the London Marathon (Thanks to Some Serious Girl Math)

Sunday 30th Mar

So here I am, after conquering what I can only describe as the Mount Everest of hills that litter the landscape around my house. The wind was fierce, the hills were steep, and my legs felt like they might just detach from my body near the end of my run. But, despite all that, I somehow managed to sustain a 5:47 per kilometre pace.

And that's when it hit me: If I can run that pace on these horrific hills, surely—SURELY—my dream of running a sub-4 hour London Marathon is not only possible, but inevitable. And you know what? I’m going to back this up with some flawless girl math, 

Enter: Girl Math

Now, let’s do some math. Girl math. This is where it gets real interesting.

1. Hills = Extra Effort I’m working harder on these stupid inclines than I will ever have to work on a flat course, like the one in London. Right? So, if I can keep a decent pace on these treacherous slopes, then maintaining that pace on flat ground will feel like a walk in the park. Girl math logic: hill running = twice the effort, which equals half the work in London.
2. No Wind Resistance in London The gusts around my area could easily knock over a small elephant, let alone a runner. So, I’ve basically been running in hurricane conditions. Therefore, once I hit the streets of London, free from the chaotic winds of doom I’ll be gliding like an angel. Girl math logic = Wind resistance = slowing me down; no wind = fast speed.
3. The Crowds Are My Secret Weapon
   I’ve never run a marathon before. But from what I gather, the crowds are an absolute game changer. They cheer, they shout your name, they hand you water, and some of them even give you cookies. So, logically, if people are cheering for me, I will feel like an elite athlete, and the adrenaline will give me a superhuman boost. Girl math conclusion: Crowd energy = speed boost = sub-4 hours.
4. The Taper
   This magical period where you “rest” before race day. So, I’ll spend the last couple of weeks in a state of recovery, allowing my body to fully rest, repair, and then explodeonto the course in a blaze of glory. Obviously, I’m going to be running faster than ever before thanks to the supercharged muscles I’ve been building up (while tapering) and the sheer excitement of it all. 

The Final Verdict

So there you have it. If I can run a 5:47 pace up hills that are clearly designed to destroy me, and with the incredible power of girl math on my side, there is no reason why I shouldn’t crush the London Marathon in a sub-4-hour time.

After all, if my calculations are correct (and they definitely are), I’m basically already qualified for the London Marathon, and I’ll be finishing in a time so fast, the finish line will still be blurry in the distance by the time I cross it.

See you all at the start line, probably wearing a cape and maybe, just MAYBE running under 4 hours.

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Outfit Crisis: The Shorts Are Too Big

Friday 28th Mar Share

The Mini Menty B

Wednesday 26th Mar Life can be a little overwhelming. Between the chaos that has been work, an inbox that seems to be full of mini disasters, being a mum and trying to seem like a functioning adult, whilst training for a marathon - I’ve barely had time to breathe. Out of nowhere, the reality hit me yesterday: the London Marathon is only ONE MONTH away. Suddenly, everything felt like a LOT. Physically, I’m exhausted. The training has left my body super tired, and my mind constantly going backwards and forwards questioning if I’m really capable of this. Emotionally, I’m drained. The fear of failure is creeping in. I’m somewhere between “I’m going to crush this” and “Should I just nap for three hours and pretend I trained?” (Spoiler alert - I went and trained, got it done) But here’s the plot twist: the one thing that made my head stop spinning was also the thing that triggered the panic in the first place—the marathon itself. When I stopped to really think about it, I realized this challenge isn’t about being perfect or having everything figured out. It’s about pushing through, despite the doubts, the fear, and the exhaustion. So now, with just one month to go, I’m embracing the uncertainty and trusting that my body is stronger than give it credit for. And maybe, just maybe, I’ll make it to that finish line… whether that be arms in the air like an Olympic champion or crying in an emotionally exhausted heap on the floor 🫠✌🏾 Share

My mind started playing games with me this week

Monday 10th Mar

I’ve found even more so over the last week that running isn’t just a test of endurance—it’s a quiet battle between the mind and your body. My legs can push on, my lungs can fight for air, but my mind? It’s the hardest opponent. It whispers doubts, reminding me of every niggle and ache, convincing me to stop, to give up, to find relief in the easiest way possible.

The pain is real. The exhaustion is overwhelming. Steps start to feel heavier,  and the road ahead seems endless. 

I think back to when I first started, full of excitement and hope, but my last two runs all I’ve felt is dread and fatigue. I wonder, Why am I doing this? Some parts of me wonders ‘what if I just got injured?’

But even as my body begs for rest, I take another step. Not because it’s easy, but because I am stubborn and refuse to give in. Every mile, every moment, is a small act of defiance against my own doubts. Even when it feels pointless, I keep going, step by step, proving to myself that I am stronger than I think.

And when it’s all over, when I’ve pushed through the pain and silence the voices telling me to stop,I’ll realise that the fight wasn’t just about running—it was about showing myself that I am capable of more than I ever imagined.

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A birthday surprise with a special meaning

Sunday 2nd Mar Birthdays are a time for celebration, for the joy of being surrounded by loved ones and the excitement of unwrapping gifts. This year, however, my birthday surprise came in a form I wasn't expecting —the arrival of my official ALUK race t-shirt, right on my big day (or two for those of you that know me well) While I don’t have asthma myself, I signed up for this race to support those who do and to raise awareness for lung health. The shirt isn’t just a piece of clothing to me; it represents the fight for better research, treatment, and support for people with respiratory conditions. Receiving this t-shirt on my birthday felt like the perfect reminder of the importance of community and raising awareness for such a vital cause. I’m proud to wear it, and I’m even more excited to be part of something bigger than myself — working toward a healthier future for everyone. Share

I Anger Myself Because My Brain Won’t Let Me Do an Easy Run

Tuesday 25th Feb A touchy subject for me. The same thing happens every week. I know that easy runs are crucial for marathon training—they help build endurance, prevent burnout, and let your body recover. But somehow, every time I go out for one, it turns into a full blown tempo run. My brain just refuses to accept "easy." Instead, I’m cruising along enjoying the pace and suddenly I’m getting faster and faster, my Runna coach is in my ear telling me to slow down, I’m a minute faster than I should be but I can’t seem to make my legs go slower! So, before I know it, I’m sweating, absolutely fuming, wondering why I can’t just take it slow. Easy runs are supposed to be the key... but my brain’s still trying to unlock the "marathon beast mode" instead. Share

🚨BREAKING NEWS🚨

Sunday 23rd Feb

I’ve officially hit £500 in donations! 🙌 Which means I’m quarter way to the official fundraising target and halfway to needing a nap from all this fundraising energy. 😅 A MASSIVE thank you to everyone who has already donated—you're officially part of my "I owe you coffee for life" club. ☕️

But WAIT! The journey isn’t over... I still need another £1500 to hit my goal. If you haven't donated yet, let’s be serious - the universe isn’t going to send a carrier pigeon! Now's your chance to make me even more grateful (and probably send me into full happy tears mode) 

Let’s do this! 

#StillNeed1500 #SendMoneyNotJustGoodVibes

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Sweaty Chronicles - a marathon training tale

Friday 14th Feb Marathon training is less about running and more about sweating—a lot. The moment I start, it’s like my body transforms into a sprinkler system. By mile 3, I am not running, I am swimming. Seriously, my eyebrows sweat now. And don’t even get me started on the puddles. I’m pretty sure I left behind a small ocean at the track yesterday. But hey, at least it means I’m working hard… or maybe just really bad at pacing. Either way, it’s a victory, right? Share

Leccy lytes aka my new best friend

Monday 10th Feb So, here’s a little secret about me; well actually, probably a well known fact. I’m terrible at hydrating. If drinking water was a competitive sport, I’d be the person who shows up, drinks a sip, then promptly forgets about it for the next six hours. My body probably thinks water is an urban legend. It’s just a concept that sounds nice but doesn’t really exist in my world. Enter: Leccy Lytes, my new best friend in marathon training. If you’ve never heard of Leccy Lytes, let me break it down for you. They’re chewable electrolyte tablets. These little tablets are single-handedly saving my marathon training from the tragic consequences of my inability to drink anything other than coffee. To be honest, I know I should hydrate better in everyday life, but if it weren’t for Leccy Lytes, I’d most likely be crawling to the finish line, parched, dehydrated, and deeply regretting my life choices. But now? Thanks to these chewy little heroes, I’m a hydration powerhouse. Well, at least until I forget to drink water again… in which case, I’ll just grab another Leccy Lyte and pretend I’m a marathon pro. So, yeah. If you see me out there, chewing away, know that I’m not just satisfying a snack craving. I’m fueling Share

The Run That Almost Didn’t Happen

Sunday 9th Feb

Getting out the door for a run sometimes is like trying to escape a villain’s lair. The villain? Your couch. You start with “I’ll just rest a minute,” and next thing you know, you’re watching cat videos and contemplating whether “later” really exists. The struggle is real. It’s like your brain thinks you can’t survive without the cozy comfort of your blanket fortress.

But then, you get that tiny spark of motivation—a whisper from your inner coach (or maybe just the ghost of your future self, desperately needing you to go outside). Finally, you put on your shoes, drag yourself out the door, and boom—you’re running.

And guess what? It’s actually fine. Your legs start moving, the air feels refreshing, and that voice in your head starts chanting, “I’m a champion!” The best part? The couch is still there when you get back, but now you can feel superior to it because you’ve just earned your right to binge-watch with a clear conscience.

Moral of the story: the first step is the hardest, but once you’re out there, running is way easier than convincing yourself to stay on the couch. Plus, you get to call yourself a superhero for the rest of the day. So, get out there, defeat the villain (your couch), and feel good about it!

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The Struggle of 'Easy' Runs in Marathon Training

Sunday 2nd Feb

“Easy” runs. They sound simple enough, right? Just a slow, relaxed jog to recover. But when you’re training for a marathon, they become the hardest part of the whole plan.

You start out thinking, “Okay, I’ve got this. Nice and easy.” But before you know it, your legs are speeding up, your heart rate is spiking, and your GPS watch is giving you the side-eye like, “Is this your idea of easy?” Suddenly, you're questioning everything—am I even going slow enough? and why does this feel like a sprint?

Then there’s the competitive side of you. A random jogger zooms by, effortlessly gliding along, and suddenly you’re in a race you didn’t sign up for. “I could totally catch them... right?” Spoiler: You can’t.

And those tiny hills? They feel like mountains when you're trying to keep it chill. Your body wants to go faster, but your brain’s like, “Hold up, remember, you’re training for 26 miles” It’s an internal battle of willpower, constantly reminding yourself to just slow down.

In the end, “easy” runs aren’t so easy. It’s like trying to take a nap, but you keep getting interrupted by your own brain. But hey, I’ll get there —one confused stride at a time

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How My 17K Achievement Made Me Feel Unstoppable (Or Is It Jelly Beans?)

Thursday 30th Jan

I recently crushed a 17K run, and honestly, I felt like I could outrun a cheetah. It wasn’t just the distance—it was the overwhelming sense of "I’m unstoppable!" But here’s the kicker: I’m starting to think Jelly Beans might be the real MVP here.

After that 17K, I went and hit  personal bests in both the 5K and 10K. And let me tell you, those jelly beans were definitely involved. I popped a few mid-run for an energy boost, and suddenly, I was running like I had a jetpack strapped to my back.

So, was it my dedication, my mental strength, or just the sheer magic of jelly beans? Who’s to say? But one thing’s for sure—I’m feeling like a superhero... fueled by sugar.

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Why I fuel my runs with jelly beans (because gels are GROSS)

Wednesday 29th Jan Let’s be honest: gels are the worst. They’re like eating baby food mixed with regret. The texture? Feels like you’re swallowing a tiny tube of confusion. The flavor? It’s a lie. Who thought this was the "ideal" fuel for running? Not me. So, what do I turn to instead? Jelly beans. Because, why not? They’re colorful, they’re chewy, and they actually taste like something you’d want to eat, not like a science experiment gone wrong. Here’s why jelly beans rule: Texture: I can actually chew them without gagging. Revolutionary. Flavor: Each bite is a gamble. Will I get the good flavors? Will I get the weird black licorice ones? Who knows—but that’s half the fun. Convenience: No tearing open weird packets or squeezing goo into your mouth like a toddler. Just grab and go. Energy: Sugar is sugar, people. Jelly beans deliver the goods. So, next time you’re out on a long run, forget the gel and pop some jelly beans. You’ll feel like a kid again—and, bonus, you won’t have to fight the urge to spit out gel goo. #JellyBeansForTheWin #NoGelsAllowed #MarathonFuel Share

How I have learned to believe in myself during marathon training

Wednesday 29th Jan Share

Week one complete

Sunday 10th Nov 26 weeks to get ready for 26 miles (and a half) safe to say week one was a success. 22k over three finished off with a nice easy Sunday run in the rain. I really enjoyed training this week. I’m not sure if starting my plan has given me some new motivation or if having a couple of weeks to rest did - but I can’t wait for next weeks sessions already 💪🏽🏃‍♀️ Share

Friday 13th

Friday 13th Sep I’ve always thought Friday the 13th brought me luck NOT bad luck. The last 24 hours has proven that. I wouldn’t say it’s luck though, I think I am just surrounded by so many supportive people.  Share