As a teacher in an inner-city school, I see the power of representation firsthand, and I'm running with Team TCS Teachers to break down barriers and motivate a generation to lace up and chase their goals.
Running has been a transformative force in my life since 2017. It's boosted my confidence, introduced me to amazing communities, and significantly improved my physical and mental well-being, providing a crucial outlet for relaxation amidst the demands of teaching. It's my therapy, my stress reliever, and my way of putting the world right in my mind.
But my motivation goes beyond personal well-being. Growing up, I didn’t really see many people who looked like me taking part in sport. To this day, many of my students – who come from Arab, Black, and South Asian backgrounds - still don't see themselves reflected in the athletes they see in the media or even in local running groups.
This lack of representation can lead to feelings of exclusion and a reluctance to participate. I want to change this and be the role model that helps them feel included in the beautiful sport.
In fact, I've already taken concrete steps to fostering a love of running at Nelson Primary! I launched a run-club in January, which takes place every Thursday on our school running track. As many of our students don’t have access to gardens or spaces to exercise at home, the track provides students with a safe and accessible area to be active and build their fitness.
Since then, there’s been fantastic progress, with the children's confidence and excitement to get involved growing each week. Many now take to the track during breaktimes and encourage others in the playground to join in. We also have a coach who encourages the students to take a jog during break hours, and the teachers are starting to recognise the benefits - improved calmness and concentration in the classroom.
The TCS London Marathon has been a long-held ambition for me, and I'm dedicated to my training. My routine includes weekly run club sessions, park runs, and a structured training plan. Previously, I even ran the half marathon in Marrakech with my sister, who, along with my brother, has taken up running too.
The support from my students has been a source of immense encouragement. They are eager to see me succeed and even challenge me to races in the playground. Their belief in me fuels every step. One student already told me they’ll run the TCS London Marathon one day, and I’m proud that I could encourage such a healthy ambition from a young age.
As I prepare to take on the 26.2 miles of the TCS London Marathon, I carry with me the hopes and dreams of my cohort, determined to show them that anything is possible with hard work and dedication. This is why I'm so grateful to TCS for giving me the opportunity to run the TCS London Marathon as part of Team TCS Teachers. My run is a testament to the power of sport in empowering and creating a more inclusive world.
I will be running for a cause close to my heart. Please see my fundraising page here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/tanzeelareach25?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAabo2L96JJaFKrln5A7s6YonbYxXrXvBM9OnCbMooIT7aFe89CZHce8YrzM_aem_G1-OzVavGbGZVHcfoWEOZg