Endurance - a runner's tale

Not being a particular complainer in school meant being put forward for every long distance race. People fought over the spot to represent the school in 100m or hurdles, but not so the 5000m or cross country. So there began my dabbling with long distance running.

Whilst being overshadowed by a very successful cross country athlete sister, I pounded the boggy fields of the North West every Saturday in winter to achieve such glory as '24th out of 25' and my personal best of 11th when traffic meant that most competitors didn't make the start line.

Fast forward to the age of 19, a friend and I signed up for a charity place in the London marathon, having not run for years. We trained, raised money and - much to our own disbelief - managed to complete the 2013 London marathon. "Which one will you do next?", was the question on our supporters lips. Absolutely not. I've trained, I've proved to myself that I can do it, nothing left to do; I told myself as I slipped into a muscle soothing bath that evening, vowing to never need to run again.

A few more years of dabbling followed. I would run consistently for 4 weeks or so, then wouldn't.

January 2023. Now you won't believe this, because I don't, but a new years promise to myself to 'get back in to running' has so far brought me through to mid September having run 3 times a week for 36 weeks. Give or take a very wise break due to injury (more on that another time maybe).

And it is thrilling. I have bought new shoes, smashed PBs, felt myself get stronger, subscribed to Runners World (?!), realised I am not immune to injury and run all around the UK whilst out on tour.

After years of dabbling, I well and truly now see running as part of my life, and as long as I can keep going I hope for that to continue. Hold me to that.