Running wasn’t always a part of my life.
In fact, late 2005 was when it all started, with a classic ‘bucket list’ decision.
It co-coincided with my Dad being diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease.
I found running helped me deal with the anger and frustration of this.
But I especially loved my weekly long runs, which felt like I was de-fragging my brain.
The First Big Milestone: San Francisco Marathon, 2006
My first ever race was the San Francisco marathon. I have a love affair with SF anyway, so combining that with my first marathon (indeed, first race) was amazing.
If you’ve ever run it, you’ll know it’s not the easiest introduction to the 26.2 mile club. Hills, fog, and that iconic crossing of the Golden Gate Bridge. It’s amazing though (I went back and did it again in 2008).
The buzz of finishing my first marathon was amazing (as was doing it in 3hr 30m, way faster than I’d imagined!).
The Middle Years: Marathons, Half Marathons, and a New Identity
Over the next few years, running became more than just a hobby.
It became part of how I understood myself.
I ran a bunch of half marathons. I ran a couple more marathons.
I built up experience, confidence, miles in the legs and miles in the mind.
The Leap to Ultras: Ten Years Ago
Then, frankly, I lost my love of marathons, shorter distances and speed. It no longer motivated me.
So about a decade ago I decided to do my first ultra.
The idea of running beyond the traditional marathon distance fascinated me (I remember reading Dean Karnazes first book back in 2006).
I did my first ultra in 2015 and my first 100 miler (Thames Path) in 2016.
Since then, ultra running has become a huge part of my life.
I’ve completed 25+ ultras (well, if you count DNFs ;)) across trails, mud, rain, and every possible mental and physical high and low you can imagine.
Ultras aren’t just about fitness.
They’re about resilience and learning more about yourself than you realised you’d find.
About managing your mind when your body is screaming.
About finding beauty in the grind (and probably vomit).
Some of the races I’ve completed:
- Thames Path 100 Miler
- Autumn 100 100 Miler
- North Downs Way 100 Miler
- The Oner (85 Miles)
- Country To Capital 45 (3 times)
- Ham & Lyme 50k (3 times)
- Lemur Loop (twice)
- Endurance Life Dorset
- London 2 Brighton 100k
- London 2 Cambridge 100k (twice)
- Windsor Challenge 50 Mile
- Test Way 50 Mile
- East Devon Round (Half/38 Mile)
Why Running Matters to Me
Running saved my life more times than I can count. It’s my go to natural anti-depressant and way to sort my head out.
It taught me to suffer better, not just physically but mentally.
It showed me that pain is temporary, but pride lasts a hell of a lot longer.
Today, running is still one of my anchors, for mental health, for self-respect, for staying connected to something bigger than the day-to-day noise.
Sometimes I’m running towards things (goals, fitness, wellbeing), sometimes I’m running away from things (depression, frustration, anxiety).