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I’m not just a wife, mother and grandmother - I’m now a runner too!

I’m not just a wife, mother and grandmother - I’m now a runner too!

On the 17th November 2014 I stopped smoking. I didn’t think that day would ever come after 32 years. I’d tried and failed many times.

Walking our dog one day I asked my husband if he thought I could run a mile. I had a go and stopped twice, it took ages and I couldn’t breathe, but I did it. From then on I tried to have a little jog when we walked the dog, he was old and tired so this didn’t happen that often.

In February of the following year I brought a treadmill and started the couch to 5k app. On the 20th June 2015 I ran my first Parkrun. I was on top of the world. I could run 5k without stopping. Not very quick, but I did it. I continued to do it as often as I could but due to my daughter playing football most Saturday’s it was hard to squeeze in.

In October 2016 I decided to book up for my first 10k in 18yrs to take place the following April in Brighton. Bearing in mind my dad was due to have major cancer surgery in January I thought it only right that it was a charity place. My brother in law was going to do the marathon, his second. I called my dad as I ran the last 100 metres so he could finish with me. It took me 1:12:44. So I now had a medal and don’t want it to be the only one.

In May I did the Keech Hospice 10k trail run and July the Rennie Grove 10k. So far all the races have been in really hot conditions. I needed a new challenge now for September I booked up for the Leighton10 which is known to be hard with big hills. I knew if I could do that, I could then do a half marathon. My training didn’t go well as I had a calf injury two weeks before and couldn’t run. Walking was a struggle for a couple of days and I  only managed to get to 8 miles once and that was at least four weeks before. I completed it in 2:02:00 and was so proud of myself. I always knew I’d finish, even if I crawled across the finish line.

Well that’s it, the half is in three weeks. I’m running everyday as I am hoping it’s building endurance. I’m not following a plan as I like to learn from my own mistakes. I will finish within the three hour limit. I might not run it all but will try. I feel free and strong when I run. It’s helped me with anxiety, stress and weight loss. Most of all, it’s given me a little bit of me back. I’m not just a wife, mother and grandmother - I’m now a runner too, ready for all new challenges............

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