Caroline's Great Running Adventure!

by Caroline Cull
(Ellesmere, Shropshire)

A year ago (2016) my husband and I were cheering on our two children as they took part in the Great Manchester Run (10km). Getting caught up in the atmosphere I rashly said I would like to have a go next year. Well, after the gales of laughter died down they said I should give it a go and they would do it with me. So, after returning home to the very rural South of France, the challenge was on and off I went to buy a pair of running shoes. To begin with there was far more walking than running but, surprisingly, it wasn't too long before it was the other way round. Running the whole way followed and then gradually I increased the distance. I had a couple of ankle injuries along the way; the perils of running on rough track but setting myself small, realistic goals helped and having a great support team encouraged me all the way. This weekend I achieved my goal (at the grand old age of 61 - it really is never too late!!) and joined Tom and Emily in the 2017 Great Manchester Run (10km). They stayed with me all the way and while their times were very much slower than normal I managed a PB and came in at 1 hr 13 mins but I was just thrilled to have got round! It was a very special day for all of us but our thoughts were also with all the families affected by the dreadful events earlier in the week. We have now relocated to UK and I am keen to carry on running. To that end I have signed up to our local 10km in August and have joined a running club!!