Running free...

by Ashley
(Poole, UK)

So I always hated running at school and would fake injury to get myself out of dreaded cross country runs... as I got older I occasionally accepted the offers from enthusiastic friends to go for a run but invariably hit a spluttering wall at about 2 or 3k and vowed never to do it again. Until one day about 12 years ago I was asked to do Race for Life. Somehow the incentive was different this time and I found myself enjoying the training and, on race day, I felt very emotional. It was a turning point as I not only got through the 5k wall but also the bigger 'I'm not a runner' wall and haven't looked back.

Since then I've done things like Hellrunner, the Great South Run, the Stickler and regularly do Park run. I do it because it's cheap, it's sociable, I can do it when I want, it de-stresses me when my head is full and it makes me feel good. I'm not obsessed and I'm not fast and will happily bin a park run or training session in favour of a social event or drink with good friends. But I'm 48 but I'm determined not to let age slow me down - and I can't imagine life without running now.

My advice would be, don't let labels, age or past history put you off and if you want to give it a go, don't give up if at first it doesn't feel right. Don't take it too seriously, join a club with a friend, do Parkrun and keep at it - slowly - and you'll be amazed what you're capable of if you really want it.