Virtual Robin Hood Half Marathon

In a year of cancelled plans and postponed events, one which to many would seem fairly insignificant, but to me was one of the biggest disappointments, was the cancellation of the Robin Hood Half Marathon.

Ever since my first one in 2016, my running calendar has kind of gravitated around my ‘home race’. It’s an absolute highlight of the year and one we all look forward to at DOrunning (and SBRC before that). The event is special for me and Des too as we see that as being where our relationship became serious back in 2017 – so for several reasons it seems to mark the end of one year and the start of another.

Despite my excitement for the event each year, it’s been a while since I’ve really put time in to specifically training for this one. In 2016 and 2017, my running efforts centered around it and I’d spend months building up to the half marathon distance specifically for that day. Things were different, however, in 2018 and 2019. My love of running was seriously lacking and long runs only really happened on race days, which led to a some really disheartening events and quite a few tears afterwards. It’s daft looking back, of course I wasn’t going to enjoy the day if I’d not put the training in before!

This year, everything has been different! As I’ve written in previous posts, as the year has progressed, my running has gone from strength to strength. This really started in February with a running streak and the decision not to put myself through another miserable half marathon and stick to the 10km distance. Then, during lockdown, I found myself with no commuting and a more flexible working pattern – not to mention the pubs being shut and not much to do other than run!

So, when emails started dropping saying race after race was cancelled and my parkrun barcode sat neglected on the side, I couldn’t help being disappointed. I decided, especially having committed to running this year’s Robin Hood in aid of a fantastic local charity, that I’d still channel my efforts into completing a half marathon on the date in September, whether it was going ahead  officially or not. When the event was cancelled, DOrunning stepped up to arrange a virtual option which gave another boost of motivation to get the job done.

Instead of the detailed training plan I often create myself for events, I just carried on running as often as I could without needing to beat myself up if I didn’t stick to what was written down. Without a doubt, one of the biggest influences on my training was the DOdaily Wednesday Workout Challenge. Before I knew it, I was heading out two or three times on a Wednesday, regularly covering double digit miles throughout the day, something I’d never consistently done mid-week before.

After a great summer of running, I went to bed the night before the half marathon feeling excited and looking forward to seeing what I could do the next day. I had arranged to run with my friend who I’d been doing a lot of training with and we had a time in our heads which was challenging yet achievable…and we were ready!

We knew it was going to be a very different day compared to what we’re used to. But, a few of us gathering in a small corner of Victoria Embankment as daylight broke, it still very much felt like event day and there was a great sense of occasion. I must admit it was quite nice to start when we were ready without being stood shivering and nervous in a pen for half an hour! With no real crowds to run through, I still couldn’t help but smile thinking of the years before and how excited I am already am for next year’s race when, hopefully, the spectators will be back again!

Settling in nicely, before we knew it we’d ticked one mile off the thirteen-long list and were heading up the first incline into the infamous Park section of the course. We were both more prepared for this than we ever have been, having practised it several times on our Wednesday morning runs in the weeks leading up to the event. As tricky as ever, we climbed through the tree-lined streets keeping a decent pace and still full of smiles, gradually working our way up until we finally tipped over onto the long and welcome down-hill of Derby Road.

The next section usually passes by nicely looking out for my (much quicker) running mates who are approaching mile nine as I’m just passing mile four. Obviously, this year, we didn’t have this welcome distraction. Undeterred, we carried on crossing the traffic lights at Crown Island and on towards Wollaton Park and into the part myself and Rachel both find the toughest of this course. For some reason, the long stretch before you get to the park is always a struggle. I think it’s the combination of not having much scenery and the gradual but definite hill ahead of the park gates, mentally bracing yourself for the big tough hill approaching the hall.

After a bit of a mishap with a misplaced water station in the park and a couple of obligatory Wollaton Hall selfies, we settled into pace again back toward the ringroad…and having past the half-way point, starting to feel like we were on our way back.

Half way!

The next few miles were fairly uneventful. This point of the run is always a case of getting the next few miles ticked off and getting inside that magic “less than a parkrun to go” marker. We ran, we chatted and we probably moaned a bit, and the miles melted away in front of us until before we knew it, we were in the last couple of mile – and well ahead of our target time!

I might be looking on it with rose tinted glasses (it has taken me three months to write this!) but I’m sure I remember feeling better and stronger than I’ve ever felt turning back into the Embankment and onto the final stretch – even without the crowd support and big grandstand finish to look forward to!

Without the luxury of a professionally measured course, the final mile was a bit of a random one, running backwards and forward, towards the finish line then away from it for a loop or two until finally, our watched clicked over that magic 13.1 miles as finally passed under the balloon arch, full of smiles and delight. I really couldn’t believe it when I looked at my watch properly to find I’d ran an unofficial (owing pausing to cross roads out on course!) of 02:20:32 – so much better than I’d dared to hope for!

So, that’s what happens when you spend the summer training properly for an event, building up your milage gradually and getting your head in the right place for it. As I mentioned, it’s now been three months since that day and I’m still do delighted with the result! I now really can’t wait for the return of the full event next year to see what a bit of crowd support and racing fellow runners does!

All smiles through the finish

Five years in the making...the sub 60 5km!!

The elusive sub 60 5km had been my target for lots of races in the early days but I never quite got there. There were tears and tantrums about it. Then it got further and further away until I saw it as something I just didn't have in me. And I was fine with that, I thought.

Then came a global pandemic which turned everything we all thought we knew on its head.

In a year that's been anything but, running had been a well needed consistency for me. I honestly don't know if I'd have completely fallen back in love with running the way I have,  if this year had been more 'normal'.

I've enjoyed running so I've done more of it so I've got better at it, so I've enjoyed it so I've done more of it...the cycle goes on!

From the fantastic DOrunning Solidarity Sessions to pushing myself in the Wednesday Challenges and of course the weekly run and chat with Rachel, it's been a great year for running.

And as that year went on, I started to think maybe, just maybe I did have that sub 60 in me. After being so delighted with my half marathon PB in September, I knew the next job was to concentrate on the shorter distances.

By the end of November, I was determined it would be happening before 2020 was out.

I wasn't particularly expecting much from today's run in all honesty. This weekend has definitely kicked off the Christmas food and drink so I'd felt a bit groggy all day and even contemplated not going. But my weekly mileage target lingered in the back of my mind so I had a word with myself and off I went.

The first mile felt good, my legs were nice and loose from a couple of days off and the slightly warmer weather made breathing a bit easier than it has been recently.

When the first mile and then the second clocked in at low 9min mile pace, I decided I'd go for it.

Just after mile three ticked over, I got an awful attack of stitch which took some serious determination to get through, but at this point I just stayed focused on how happy I'd be to hit that target.

By the fourth mile I felt decent again and by the time mile five flashed on the screen I knew it was all but in the bag.

That's not to say I wasn't shattered. I've never ran at that pace for that long and I could seriously feel it. I pushed on through the last mile doing my normal countdown each 0.1 of a mile.

Finally I was in to that last bit where you've done 6 miles and "just" have 0.2 to go, time to push and get it done!

I couldn't quite believe it when I pressed the stop button and checked the time...00:58:37!!! Done with plenty of time to spare!

In true Kay Knowles style I had tears in my eyes as I shouted "yes" and punched the air...even the two chaps sat on a wall drinking cans of cheap larger looked at me strangely!

This has been a huge target of mine for so long and I'm so so happy to have done it!

So heading in to 2021 I need a new set of targets, which I'll be thinking about over the next week or two. One of those targets will definitely be to write entries into this blog more frequently!!

Thoresby 10km 2020

After months and months of cancellations and making the best of what we were able to do, as the date for Thoresby 10 got closer and it still looked likely to go ahead, it’s safe to say we were very excited!

Every year, me and Des like to do an event ‘just us two’. It normally involves travelling to somewhere nice for the weekend but in true 2020 spirit, we set off on the relatively short journey up the a614 on the 18^th October counting our blessings and glad to be finally on our way to an actual event.

In the weeks leading up to it, we received lots of really helpful information from the organisers, telling us what to expect and advising us of the rules in place to keep us all safe on the day. With this in mind, we parked up and headed to the rolling start area, face coverings in place, at the carefully planned time for my 10km start.

One of the appeals of the Thoresby 10 is the choice of distance. Having done this event before as one of my very first in the early days, I was vaguely familiar with the route and decided to give the 10km another go, knowing I’d probably be resting from longer distances in the shadow of the Virtual Half a few weeks before. Des went for the 10 mile option, which follows the same route with an extra loop added on. There’s also a half marathon, family 5km, canicross and Nordic walking events all ran throughout the morning making it a truly inclusive event which, in ‘normal’ years has a buzzing event village and support at the start and finish area.

As we entered the extended race village area, it was an excellent balance Covid measures while still retaining some of the race atmosphere we’ve all missed so much. Instead of a crowded pen to wait for the start, there was a long line of people scattered between clear signage showing approximate paces. Then steadily, with our face coverings on (my brilliant new DOrunning neck tube had arrived just in time), we made our way towards and eventually over the start line, clicking our watch into action before uncovering our face to start the run.

It’s a nice start to the route because you go down a very gentle slope and past a lake with some lovely views. Helped in part by the staggered start, I found it easy to get myself some space and settle into a nice pace without the awkward shifting around trying to pass people you often experience at events.

From what I could remember from the first time around, this wasn’t going to be a fast and flat course, so I did my best to pace myself nicely and safe some energy for the ups and downs. The puddles and mud acted as good speedbumps too – making sure I was concentrating on where my feet were going was a decent distraction and the first couple of miles went by fairly quickly.

As the half-way point came into sight, I was getting uncomfortably warm and starting to find running more difficult than I should be less than 5km in. When I’d put my outfit together a few hours earlier, the weather forecast had been quite dire, so I’d layered up accordingly. In reality, it was very mild for an autumnal October day, and I was feeling it.

As I ran on, not looking forward to feeling warm and uncomfortable for another three miles, I noticed some huge stacks of hay beside me, separating the path from the farmer’s fields. Before I had time to talk myself out of it, I did something I’ve never done on a run before... I nipped around the back and de-layered as quickly as I could – partly to make sure nobody other than cows saw me and partly because I was aware of the seconds ticking by!

Feeling much better as I tied my now redundant base-layer around my waist and made my way back onto the track, I had a new sense of energy and excitement at being part of an actual event. Deciding I was going to enjoy this race and make the best of it, I picked up the pace and continued on through the woodland paths, even embracing the ups and downs of the course. Before I knew it, my watch told me I had just over a mile to go – and I was making great time for the best 10km I’d ran in a good few years. Feeling happy and determined, I trotted along with my socially distanced fellow runners, taking in the scenery and snapping a few quick photos until the finish line was in sight and the buzz of the small event village took over once more.

I gave Des a big smile and a wave as I crossed that magic 10km mark before pulling my face covering back up as per the reminder signage to head on to the most exciting part – medal collection! Laid out in rows rather than handed to us, I picked up my lovely and very fitting for the event wooden medal. An actual medal for doing an actual event!

I must admit, shortly after I finished my run and Des set off for his 10-miler, I was so relieved I’d gone for the shorter distance. I’m capable of doing 10 miles, but I loved the 10km! I had looked forward to it, enjoyed almost every second of it and felt great afterwards. Clapping other runners in while I waited for Des felt so special after all the months of fairly isolated running – it reminded me that we’re part of a huge and very special community that spans all ages, and all types of people (and dogs too!).

The organisers, SBR Events, did an absolutely fantastic job of allowing us to enjoy an event again, while putting in place measures to keep everyone safe without letting Covid have an overbearing feel. The signage had a great tone to it, the information beforehand was brilliant and I was particularly impressed with attendants wiping down the portaloos after every visit. If you’ve ever used a portaloo you’ll know how much of a luxury clean ones are!

The whole morning made me really really look forward to what will inevitably be coming in the (hopefully) not too distant future. Bring it on!

 

First race bling in a long time! 

Face covered ready for the start

Lovely location and a great event!

Never give up

This time three years ago my running was coming along nicely. No longer a 'new' runner, I was training for my second half marathon, I'd recently become a regular at a running club and PBs were a nicely common occurrence.

This time two years ago things weren't looking quite as good. I'd not long since completed the London Marathon which was brilliant but my average pace had seen a gradual decline - due to a combination of injury, weight gain and general runner's fatigue I think. Instead of breezing around our summer 5km loop, if I bothered at all then it would be a slow slog, often cut short in favour of the 1mile version of the route.

This time last year I all but hated running. I'd been stuck in a rut for what seemed like forever. While I did enjoy the group runs I went on, looking back I could barely manage a mile without stopping to walk and solo running just didn't happen. 

There are so many times over the last couple of years that I've felt like giving up. When everyone else seems to graciously speed off with ease while I'm stuck feeling like I'm running through mud, never making and progress and having no hope of seeing the little bronze, silver and gold "personal record" medals on Strava again.

But I kept going like I always do, partly out of determination and partly because I couldn't bear the thought of people saying "bless her she couldn't do it". As someone who is not only really stubborn but also worries about what other people will think and say, giving up, whether it be at a race, a training run or at running completely, has never truly been an option. It's just not a Kay Knowles thing to do, no matter how much I would like to!

Six months ago, things started to change. With the DOrunning February Challenge set to run at least a mile on as many days as you could, I set my mind to running every day. It was achievable but would need decidication, so it seemed like a great idea. I'd hoped to see progress but never imagined just how much of a boost it would give me! In pace, in motivation and in enjoyment! It was like I'd found a magic switch and all of a sudden I liked running, I was getting better at it and it felt good. 

Today. 

For me, the sub 30 5km has always been significant. Right from the start, it's been a goal and my ability to achieve it (or how far away from it I am) has been a marker of how my running is going at that point. 

After seeing my 5km times drop over the last few months and settle consistently between 31 and 33 minutes, it's felt so near yet so far for a little while now. 

My running is perhaps more consistent than it has ever been. A combination of some great challenges and solidarity runs set by DOrunning, the light nights and nice weather and extra time from having no commutes and none of my normal weekly commitments has meant that I've seen my weekly mileage hit at least 15 almost every week, and often quite a bit more.

I've remembered that I don't need a reason or a running buddy (even though they help!). I can and do enjoy running on my own and without it being planned and part of a schedule. 

This afternoon I decided I fancied it. The sun was out, I didn't run too much last week so my legs are nice and fresh and my new headphones arrived at the weekend and I was keen to try them out. 

I set off for a blast around the river. By far my most common route. I know it inside out, back to front and inside out so I dodnt need to think about anything other than moving my feet and breathing. And today, each of those came with ease. I quickly settled in to a comfortably uncomfortable pace, enjoying the light breeze while feeling the sunshine on my face. 

My watch buzzed to say I'd done one mile in an excellent time. Now I had to hold my nerve. Often, when I do a good first mile during a 5km I panic for the second and slow down so that I don't wear myself out. I told myself that wasn't going to be the case today.

Mile two announced it was done even quicker. I was tired but I had some left. Concentrating on my breathing and trying not to obsessively check my watch too much, I carried on moving my legs as fast as they'd take me. 

I got to a point where I knew I was going to do it, it became all about the bonus time now! Willing myself on down the path I've ran on so many times before, two miles turned into three and I just had that final .1 to go. By now I let myself watch the numbers melt away until finally I'd done it! Finally, after more than two and a half years I had ran a continuous 5km in less than 30 minutes. YES!!!! 

So that's why this post is all about never giving up. It's about not giving up in the moment, but also not giving up on the long term stuff either. To be honest, I'm not sure if I thought I'd ever get back to where I am now with running, but I know there's no way I'd ever have stopped trying!

So what's next? I think the next milestone for me is the (virtual) Robin Hood Half Marathon at the end of September. It's such an important event for me for so many reasons and I'm in pretty much the best place I've at this point of training for it, so there's no way I'm going to let having no spectators and no medal stop me giving it my all this year!

The tale of 2020 so far

January – lacing back up

This year started how the last couple have – with very few winter miles in my legs. Once the excitement of the autumn race season is over, it’s easy to fall out of love with running as the nights draw in and the temperatures drop. Throw in lots of time spent back and forth to hospital with an increasingly poorly Des and a few other obstacles, the result was between November and December my Strava was looking somewhat bare and neglected.

So what better way to get things off to a good start for the year than with a double parkrun on New Year’s Day! This was something I’d really enjoyed last year and, particularly as we had planned a purposely quiet and relaxing New Year’s Eve, I was looking forward to giving it a good go again this year. Once again it didn’t disappoint – the somewhat bleary-eyed crowds gathered, first to tackle the hills of Gedling before dashing over to Colwick, with that ever-friendly and welcoming parkrun atmosphere. Crossing the line and collecting my second token of the day, I was delighted to add up my two times and realise I’d completed the pair around five minutes quicker than last year, great motivation to kick of the year! 

DOrunning at Colwick parkrun

February – RED revelations

With a good base set in January, I was really excited to embark on the DOrunning monthly challenge for February where we’d been tasked with racking up as many points as we could by running a minimum of one mile for as many days as we could. I decided I was going to run every day, come rain, wind or shine. Unfortunately, there was plenty of the first to and hardly any of the latter!

Being a somewhat reluctant runner a lot of the time, I normally find it quite easy to think of excuses that mean I can’t possibly run on any given day. Too busy, too tired, messing up the hair-wash schedule – you name it, I’ve sacked off a run because of it! So in the past, I’ve found running streaks helpful because it strips all that away and reminds me that if I really want to, I can get out every day – even if it’s only for a quick 20 minutes or so.

It was during this month that something quite unexpected and almost seemingly magic happened. For the first time in about two years, my pace started falling consistently and as my pace fell, my motivation grew – I couldn’t wait to get out and see what I could do!

With my new-found enjoyment somewhat tarnished by a race looming at the end of the month, I made the decision to just have the one spin around Benidorm this year and take up the 10km option instead of the half marathon. I wrote a post about that at the time, you can read it here.

So the month reached a crescendo with the Benidorm trip which rounded off 29 days of running in the most fantastic way! The race didn’t disappoint and the whole experience was just as fantastic as last year, even with the addition of the ‘highway to hell’ half way through the route…an awful and unforgiving hill section which the organisers made just about bearable by adding strobe lights and a somewhat camp devil dishing out high-fives to the runners! It was months ago now but I still intend on doing a proper write up of that race. 

All ready for the Benidorm 10km

March – what next?!

I think the term “what next” can some up the month of March for so many reasons!

Returning from a great weekend in Benidorm a little worse-for-wear to say the least, I knew I needed to think about some new running targets to build on the good foundations from January and February.

It was around this time that things started to all go a little bit funny! I don’t think I need to go in to it, but before I knew it my living room/dining table became my office, our beloved running clubs had to be suspended indefinitely and family and friends became little square pictures who lived in my laptop.

By the end of March, my mileage has dropped to around half of where I had been in January and February – not helped by a week of being “not quite right” so purposely laying off the running in favour of rest. Motivation dwindling, I ended the month with a very tricky 5km where I needed to stop for walking breaks regularly. This was the kick up the arse I needed to get my act together a bit before I completely un-did all the hard work I’d done during the year so far.

April – no fools here!

With races being cancelled left and right and long days at home with nothing much to do, I knew I needed a good target or there would be a danger of very little running happen. I also knew there was a very real chance of being told at any point that running wasn’t going to be allowed for a short while, so I felt like I really should make the most of it.

All things considered, the only sensible thing to do was once again commit to running every day in the month.

There’s not too much to report from this time around really – the climbing temperatures made it a different challenge to February’s endless storms and rain and I was never going to knock about 60-90 secs off my average mile times, but the days ticked by without too much trouble again and I ended the month feeling good.

Most importantly, I was really enjoying my running again in a way that I haven’t done for a very long time.  

A deserted city centre - one of my favourite runs in April

May – blistering heat to match the blisters on my feet

With my newly resurfaced love of running, I skipped into May feeling positive. I didn’t have any particular plan for the month, just a loose target of maintaining around 15 miles a week. The month got off to a fabulous start when I did a strong 10km without any walking breaks, something it’s been a very long time since I last managed!

May brought along the first race-like experience since Benidorm – something which seemed and age ago by now! “Running From The Heart” had originally been planned for February, but we had to postpone it due to storm Dennis. At the time, we chose May for the new date because it seemed far enough away that weather wouldn’t be an issue…we’d never have guessed we’d be battling against a global pandemic instead!

Since lockdown came in, Des has been arranging ‘solidarity’ runs for DOrunning, where we all run on our own at the same time, normally on a Tuesday evening when we’d usually be running with the City Slickers group. It’s proved to be a great success and a fantastic morale booster, so we decided to turn Running From The Heart into a similar style. At 3pm on Saturday 16^th May, myself and around 50 other people scattered across Nottingham set off our own starting guns and head out for a 10km run.

Des and I decided to run it together and it turned out to be a great motivator to keep me going. At about half a mile in he started getting a little bit ahead, just enough for me to keep chasing him for as long as I could as we dipped and dived between the socially distant walkers along the paths by the river.

I was delighted with my just-about sub 1:05 10km by the time I’d finished, but well aware that I had the all too familiar burning feeling of a blister forming on my foot.

If you’ve read any of my old posts, you’ll know the trials and tribulations I’ve had with blisters – it always seems to be when running’s going well!

So I hobbled home, cleaned it and dressed it and decided that, while we don’t have the commitment of a couple of running clubs a week, I’d let it rest completely until it was better. In the past I’ve tried to keep going using a variety of platers, dressings and other ‘guaranteed to work” remedies that absolutely didn’t work and I think ultimately prolonged the time I had to deal with uncomfortable and painful runs.

Using the last week of May to slowly build up again after a full week off, I ended the month feeling pleased with the consistency I’ve built up, the solid pace that seems to be sticking around and feeling more comfortable with each run.

Smiles all around at Running From The Heart

June – looking forwards

So today, on Global Running Day, I am one content runner.

As we move towards the half way point of the year, I feel strong and ready to start increasing my mileage and looking towards the autumn half-marathons I’ve got booked in. To be honest, I think there’s a very slim change and mass-events will go ahead this year but I still fully intend on running the 13.1 distance at least once this year. I’m excited to see what I can do if I keep going full steam ahead in the way that I have done so far.

I’ll be keeping up the good habits I’ve formed with getting the monthly miles to a good level and I really hope my motivation sticks around. I know that summer can be difficult for fitting the long runs in with lots of social plans to normally work around – but I’m sure that by keeping my long term goals in mind and remembering how great it feels to finally see some progress, I’ll be able to keep working at it.

I feel better about running than I have done in years, and I’m running better than I have done in years… I’m really not sure which came first but I’m going to enjoy it and make the most of it!

Decisions and down-grades - Benidorm 10km it is!

I made a decision today after spending a lot of time thinking about it over the last few days. Although running in general is going well at the minute, my long runs haven't been as consistent as I'd like - some have been decent and others have been a struggle. One was even abandoned after a two-mile shuffle and cry! 

If I knew I had as much time as I needed to keep plodding through 13.1 miles at whatever pace I can manage, I'd  give it a go. But last year they were strict on the cut off and I had the 'time up bike' behind me to completely mess with my head for the second half of the run, coupled with running on roads that had been opened for the last mile and a half.

So, instead of spending the next week fretting about having a repeat of that, or worse being pulled of the course and marked as a DNF. Instead of potentially having a bad run affect how much I enjoy a long weekend in one of my favourite places with lots of my favourite people. I'm going to go over to Benidorm and smash the 10km option instead of scraping through the half marathon.

I'd already pretty much made the decision, then this morning the race organisers shared on their social media that 10km places had almost sold out. I had a bit of a flap about getting it sorted (thanks for the help there Mum) and so I knew my decision was made.

I think I'm writing this post as much to explain it to myself as anyone else really. It doesn't really matter to anyone else, although a lot of the reasons I've dithered over it for so long is worrying about what other people might think. As a slower, bigger, completely not-natural runner, I think a lot of the time I feel like I've got something to prove. 

But ultimately, running is something to be enjoyed. So I'll be on my way to Benidorm next week, excited for a 10km run without a worry or stress! 

Brittany Runs a Marathon - what it reminded me about running

Last week I watched Brittany Runs a Marathon, a film recently released on Amazon Prime. I had seen a few adverts and quite a few of my friends had watched and enjoyed it. To be honest I wasn't sure whether I wanted to watch it, it looked like it was going to be a 'fat girl gets fit and thin and fabulous' story line and that irritated me a bit, because obviously you don't have to be thin to run a marathon. But as we sat down one evening Des suggested we give it a go...and I'm so glad we did!

I really don't want to give any of the plotline away in this post, but it really is a fabulous film! For so many reasons, I could relate to Brittany and her running journey and I felt compelled to write a post about it. So here's my take on some of the key points in the film mixed in with a few of my own experiences!

Some people won't 'get' it

Whether it's the turning down a night out because you need to get your long run in early the next day, or if "it's still weeks until your race, missing one run won't hurt", some of your friends won't understand your commitment to your new hobby. Even years down the line, they might not 'get' that your going for a run because you actually enjoy it.

Some friends will do their best to be supportive...until you're being a "running bore" and saying no to the glass of wine. 

While it can be disappointing, don't let this throw you or put you off. Focus on the those who are there, willing you to get over the line! I'm lucky in that the support from my family has been amazing every step of the way throughout my running journey. Unfortunately the same can't be said for some of my friends!

People will make flippant yet offensive comments

As someone who is never going to be the fastest runner, this one is particularly true for me. From the 'not a serious runner' to the jokes about finish times passed off as banter, it can be so disheartening when you put everything you've got into something to then feel like it's being dismissed on some level because you didn't to it quicker.

If being a runner (especially a slower one) teaches you anything, it's resilience...and this can be applied to both the actual running and the thick skin needed for such comments.

Running friends are fabulous

Someone once said to me "nobody ever starts running because they're completely happy with their life". While that sounds a bit harsh, it means that people who run are a special bunch. It makes them completely empathetic and endlessly supportive, I have met some of the best friends I have through my running club...not to mention meeting Des!

Added to this, the conversations you have while trotting along together are often deep, honest and refreshing. You learn a lot about people when you run a lot of miles with them...and you'll find yourself laughing non-stop too!

You'll start to feel indestructible... but you're not

One of the hardest things about being a runner is the forced breaks when illness or injury strikes! You've got through the early stage where you look at more accomplished runners wondering when it gets easier. You realise that it doesn't get easier, you just learn to love it. You start to really really love it, you feel strong and proud and you can't wait to keep pushing yourself.

Then you're struck down, it could a sprain or strain or a case of the flu. In my case it was a drunken mishap which resulted in a soft tissue injury. Whatever it is, you'll be miserable, irritable and generally a bit of a pain in the arse.

But what you also find out at this point is that a week or two on the bench won't mean you'll lose everything you've been working towards. So hang on in there!

There'll be at least one point when it seems impossible 

To be honest there are likely to be loads. One run that springs to mind here is at some point in the January/Febrary of my marathon training. I had planned eight miles, scraped myself through to about four then sat on a bench and had a really good cry for a bit. If I couldn't manage eight, how would I ever manage 26.2 in just a couple of months?!

Then there's the actual race! I'm stubborn, so I knew that unless I got injured or took ill then I'd be completing that marathon. But when you're a long way in with a long way to go, your mind plays horrible tricks on you and every mildly negative comment anyone has made dances around in your head. 

But you do it, of course you do! Which leads me to my next point...

You will cry

At the film, at your own finishing line, and if you're like me, several times during the race for a little bit afterwards!

I've always been a cryer, I normally get a couple in during a half marathon. Usually it's happy tears with a mild disbelief at what I'm doing/have done. Sometimes it's sad ones, when those negative niggles take over a bit, but the fantastic thing about running (and being surrounded by runners) is that the next supportive pat on the back, kind word of encouragement or just a sideways smile is never far away and always helps to sort you out and get you to the end.

The finish 

There's no feeling quite like getting over the finishing line. For me, it's usually a mix of relief, pride and slight disorientation as you stumble over the finish line, collect your medal and scan the crowds for some familiar faces.

Even when I've crossed a line adamant I'm never going to run again, it's not usually too long before I'm searching for the next event to take part in. From the medal collection to the list of cities I've ran in, each race has a story and special memories, and building those quickly becomes addictive.

I'd recommend the film to anyone, whether you run or not. It's a fantastic feel good watch and it's made me think a lot about my own running and the journey from when I first set about this hobby almost five years ago now. I'm still in the process of deciding exactly what my running plans are for 2020 and whether or not I've got another marathon in me...watch this space!