In 2017 after a disastrous marathon experience, I said ‘never again’ to another.
The last two years have been a struggle trying to gain back some of my previous running form and constantly comparing my performance to where I used to be and where I currently was.
This year has been the year of the ‘Big 50’ and I finally feel positive again about my running and have realised that it is ok to no longer be as fast as I used to be, as I just love running!
I felt ready for another challenge and so decided to tackle the marathon distance once again but rather than trying to complete a road marathon looking for a good finish time, I chose two very different marathon challenges.
The first one an off-road trail marathon – Coniston (in June)- voted by Runners’ World magazine readers as one of the most scenic marathons in the country, and the second the Snowdonia Road Marathon (in October)– voted as one of the hardest road marathons in the country.
I also took part in a half marathon in Central Park, New York on the last day of being 49 years old in April, whilst on holiday there to celebrate my 50th.
I applied for the bursary in the hope of inspiring others to enter and take part in events, although as a club I think there are many inspirational people out there already who do achieve great things!!
The bursary money covered the entry costs of all three of the above events for which I am very grateful and certainly didn’t expect. So thankyou.