Marathon training.
I've ran a marathon before, it wasn't pretty, the training wasn't pretty and I've felt embarrassed by the time ever since. It's not a bad time, there is no bad time to run a marathon but I set myself a goal which I didn't hit.
Embracing movement, finding peace
Life's journey often feels like an unmapped trail, and sometimes, the best way to navigate it is through movement. Join me as I share my experiences with various sports, not just for the physical challenge, but for the mental space they offer and the lessons they teach.
I don't know how to long run.
I am currently training to run a marathon. A phrase I find odd, I'm not training to run, I sort of know how to do that. It is more a mental battle of keeping my legs going when everything says stop please.
The tragedies of running.
If you're in the running community or follow current events, you will know about the Great North Run. It's a half marathon held in Newcastle each year and it's the biggest half-marathon in the UK, possibly the world but I've not fact-checked that! I've done it, back in 2019 and as someone from the flatter parts of the UK I found it hilly, but it's one of those races that it's nice to say you've done as non-runners know it. I also distinctly remember the horrendous queue back to the metro as it isn't a looped course rather an A to B. The A being Newcastle and the B, South Shields.
I don't know how to race!
Currently in a hotel on the outskirts of Newcastle as the husband is running the Great North Run tomorrow. It's a great run, we did it back in 2019 (for charity) - he entered the ballot this year and got in so we're back.
The sport that made me realise I wasn't like everyone else.
I don't remember much about being a child, the memories I do have are traumatic and have left me with lifelong scars. Dark start to a piece, well done!
Let's start at the beginning!
PE, playground games, and primary school are the introductions most of us have to sport.
Running: The sport that saved me.
I came to love running fairly late compared to others, I hid and found excuses to avoid the school cross-country. Felt self-conscious by more petite girls and covered myself in baggy clothes. Hated how out of breath and hot it made me feel, as a broader teenager, I felt bouldering and heavy-footed. Now as the same build 20 years on, I find reasons to run, proud of the strength it gives my body and grateful that I can still move my body.
The many sports I've tried!
I take after my dad in terms of build, I'm broad, easily build muscle and easily gain fat. I have always struggled with my body image as a result, friends at school would be a slim size 6-8, whereas I barely fit into a 10 despite being active and eating well. This image unfortunately stays with you, my body has given me two beautiful daughters, the ability to run marathons, walk miles and lift heavy without too much detriment. And yet, I pass an eye over my body with a blindness to strength and a sharpness for scars of discontent and bits that wobble despite protest. As a result, I tried many, many things that would mean I would wake up with magically smaller shoulders and hips, longer legs and less thundery thighs. Spoiler alert, never happened!
The power of the pooch!
When I have been in a deep mental funk for want of a better phrase, people always advise walking. Get out there, one foot in front of the other, fresh air. Now, because I am wholly self-obsessed and assume everyone else is equally as fascinated by me, I felt somewhat stupid at the thought of walking laps of my village for hours on end. However, 3 years ago, we got a dog! No one bats an eye lid if you have a dog. Now don't get me wrong, dogs are not the answer in general, they are expensive and are a being in their own right so consideration is definitely needed. But my whole world improved when we got a dog - his daily walk became my time. I've done some epic walks in my time, but I love no walk more than by the river with my spaniel, spotting birds whatever the weather.
It's okay not to love every sport
Through these adventures, the biggest lesson I’ve learned is that it’s perfectly fine not to enjoy every sport you try. The goal isn't to become a master of all, but to discover what brings you joy, peace, or simply a moment of clarity. I hope my experiences empower you to explore, try new things, and embrace the journey, knowing that every attempt, successful or not, contributes to navigating your unique path.
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