It's essential: Why I run to (and for) music

I work for Rhythmix and decided to see what it was like fundraising from the other side and run Brighton Half Marathon in February 2016 for Rhythmix. If I'm going to ask others to do things like this for my Charity, maybe I should know what they go through.

Having started a Couch to 5k app in April 2015 someone suggested signing up - seemed like a great idea at the time and a long time in the future. It's now getting rather close and according to my training schedule I have 25 runs left to do - that's right, just 25!

I've learnt a lot - people give you so much when they sign up to doing this for your charity. They go out in all weather, commit huge amounts of their time by going out four times a week, they buy the kit the need to run, they put themselves out there asking friends for support and they run miles and miles and miles and miles in training.

For me, one of the biggest lessons has also been how important music is for running.

You can't train without music. Music is essential, it supports you and keeps you going whilst giving you a sense of time moving forward. Music keeps your legs moving. Sometimes when you think you have nothing left a song comes on and you fly.

I'd never thought about the connection between running and music before I signed up to run for Rhythmix. I know about the impact music has and that it transforms lives. That’s the entire premise of what Rhythmix does. I don't, however, spend much time thinking about music in my own life.

Running has given me many things including reconnecting me to music in my life. A different beat can make me run faster or slower, make us energized or sleepy, happy or sad. Music has an incredible power, whether that is to get me from mile 8 to mile 9 or to lift someone out of a moment of severe sadness.

When I’m running, and supporting the runners who fundraise for us, I won’t just think about what great work the charity does but also how music transforms all lives - from young people to new runners.

I do need support though. Firstly, 170 BPM songs that aren’t techno are hard to come by. Tweet me at @Rhythmixmusic or comment on this with your suggestions of any songs. Secondly, if you can, please sponsor me at www.justgiving.com/Lucy-Stone7 please do. Songs and support both will help me run a little faster!