Dominique Fish

🦌 Reindeer Run Complete – And Then Some

That’s a wrap. I’ve officially completed the RNLI Reindeer Run, and somehow gone beyond it too.

My original challenge was to cover 24 miles throughout December. I ended up completing 29 miles, and thanks to the incredible generosity of others, I also smashed my fundraising target, raising £253.92.

In total, 20 people donated, and I genuinely can’t put into words how grateful I am. Every donation, message, like, and bit of encouragement kept me moving, especially on the cold, wet, tired days.

This challenge started as a way to build my fitness through Couch to 5K, but it’s become so much more than that. Along the way I ran my first ever 30-minute non-stop parkrun, finished the final week of Couch to 5K, and discovered that running is now something I actually enjoy. I feel stronger, more confident, and incredibly proud of myself.

As someone who works for the RNLI, this challenge has meant a lot. I see every day the dedication and bravery of our volunteer lifeboat crews, and knowing that the money raised will help support their lifesaving work makes every mile feel worthwhile.

Thank you to everyone who supported me, whether you donated, shared my page, or cheered me on quietly in the background. This challenge has reminded me how powerful encouragement and community can be.

Reindeer Run complete 🦌
Miles smashed ✔️
Target exceeded ✔️
Confidence gained ✔️

Here’s to whatever challenge comes next. 💛

🦌 Reindeer Run Update: 20 Miles In - I Think I’m a Runner Now

This week feels like a big one. I’ve officially reached 20 miles in my RNLI Reindeer Run challenge, and I’m finding it hard to believe how far I’ve come, both literally and mentally.

On Saturday, I did parkrun, and for the first time ever, I ran non-stop for 30 minutes. No walking breaks, no stopping, just running. That was a huge moment for me. Somewhere around the halfway point I caught myself thinking… I feel like a runner now.

I’m currently on the final week of Couch to 5K, which feels surreal. When I started this programme, running felt uncomfortable, intimidating, and honestly not very “me”. Now, it’s something I look forward to.

Alongside the running, I’ve been going for a walk every morning before work, come rain or shine. It’s become one of my favourite parts of the day, a calm, grounding way to wake up, clear my head, and start the day feeling positive and energised.

With just 4 miles left of the Reindeer Run, the finish line is finally in sight. I’m so grateful to everyone who has supported me so far, your encouragement and donations have genuinely kept me moving on the days when my legs felt tired but my determination stayed strong.

Almost there now… 🦌✨

🦌 Reindeer Run Training Update: Halfway There!

Tuesday marked a big milestone in my Reindeer Run challenge - I officially hit the halfway point of 12 miles! 🎉

To get there, I’ve settled into a rhythm that’s working really well for me: a 1-mile walk every morning to start the day moving, and a 2-mile run every other day. It’s become part of my routine now, rather than something I have to force myself to do, which feels like a huge win in itself.

Tomorrow is another exciting moment - I’ll be starting week 9 of Couch to 5K, the final week of the programme. When I think back to how daunting running felt at the beginning, it’s hard to believe I’m here already.

I did start to notice some niggles in my leg muscles this week, so I’ve been taking things a little steadier, stretching more, and really listening to my body. Thankfully, that seems to be doing the trick, and it’s been a good reminder that consistency and recovery matter just as much as pushing yourself.

I’m feeling positive, proud, and motivated as I head into the final stretch of both Couch to 5K and the Reindeer Run. Thank you so much to everyone who’s supported me so far - every mile really does feel powered by your encouragement.

Onwards to the next 12 miles! 🦌✨

🦌 Reindeer Run Training Update: Finding My Rhythm

Last week didn’t go quite to plan. I was stopped in my tracks by a cold that completely wiped me out for three days, and running was definitely not on the cards. It was frustrating, especially with December ticking on, but sometimes you just have to let your body rest and recover.

Last night though, I finally felt well enough to lace up my trainers again and I managed just over 2 miles, which felt like such a win after being unwell. Then this morning I followed it up with a 1-mile walk, easing myself back in and rebuilding my confidence.

It’s a reminder that progress isn’t always linear, and setbacks don’t mean failure. As long as I can avoid any more surprise illnesses, I’m still on track to complete my 24 miles for the RNLI Reindeer Run. I might just have to squeeze in an extra run (or three!) to keep the momentum going.

I’m determined to finish this challenge, not just for myself, but for the RNLI and all the amazing supporters who have donated so far. Your encouragement is genuinely keeping me moving, especially on the tougher days.

Here’s hoping for a healthy, steady week ahead… and lots more miles! 🦌✨

🦌 Reindeer Run Training Update: Finding My Rhythm

One Week to Go!

🦌 Reindeer Run Training Update: Week 5 and Getting Creative!

I’m now officially on week 5 of Couch to 5K as I build up to December’s RNLI Reindeer Run and I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I’m actually enjoying running now. Who knew?!

The challenge is to move 24 miles throughout December, and it doesn’t all need to be done in one go. On our team call this morning we were chatting about how I might tackle it and got onto the idea of mixing things up…

Sure, I could run all 24 miles, but where’s the festive fun in that?

We joked about doing a mile running, a mile walking, a mile hopping, a mile skipping…and suddenly this challenge has taken on a whole new level of imagination.

So now I’m thinking… why not get creative? Movement is movement, after all!

Here are some ideas we came up with:

✅ One mile running (classic)
✅ One mile walking (still counts!)
✅ One mile skipping (festive energy required)
✅ One mile hopping (may regret this one!)

And here are a few extra ideas I’m tempted to add…

✨ Reindeer-prancing a mile (antlers encouraged)
🧣 Cosy winter stomp with a hot chocolate halfway
🎶 One mile dance-walk to Christmas songs
🐶 ‘Walk the dog and get dragged up hills’ mile
🧑‍🎄 Santa-shuffling in a Christmas jumper
🌊 Beach walk in true RNLI style: mud, sand, salty hair, optional wave to passing lifeboats!
📦 ‘Carrying all the Christmas shopping’ mile (also known as resistance training)

If you’ve got any hilarious or creative suggestions, send them my way - the sillier the better.

I’m doing this to raise money for the RNLI, whose crews drop everything to save lives at sea. Your support really does make a difference. If you can donate, share my page, or even just cheer me on, it genuinely means so much.

My Reindeer Run Challenge

If you’d told me a few months ago that I’d be running a mile a day, I probably would’ve laughed. I’ve never been a runner, in fact, I’ve always hated running. But recently I decided it was time to do something about my fitness, so I started the couch to 5k programme.

What started as a gentle attempt to get moving has somehow turned into a full-blown addiction; my Fitbit has even started warning me that I’m overtraining 😅

So, when my colleagues started talking about the RNLI Reindeer Run, it felt like the perfect next challenge. I’m proud to work for the RNLI and see first-hand the incredible work our crews and volunteers do to save lives at sea. Taking part in this event feels like a great way to combine my personal goal with something that supports a cause I truly believe in.

Every penny raised will help fund the RNLI’s vital work; from the kit that keeps our crews safe, to the training that ensures they can launch in any conditions.

If you can spare a donation, big or small, I’d be so grateful for your support. It’ll help keep me motivated as I tackle this challenge (and probably help justify all the extra snacks I’ll need afterwards too!).

Thank you for supporting me and for supporting the RNLI. 💛