Another view point from one of our members. Chrissie is a great running partner, always positive and always throwing herself into her training. I was delighted when she chose to enter London and we are all ready to support her the way she has support all of us.
From 0 to 26.2 miles
In July 2017, 3 years after having my daughter, I spotted an advert for a Couch to 5k running program. I felt overweight and unfit so thought I’d give it a go as it was local. The running coaches (who also happened to be members of ADRC) were very supportive and after a few weeks (and lots of good advice), I ran my first ever 5k! Then on 3rd September 2017, I earned my first medal & running t-shirt in the Decathlon Sheffield 5k! By this time I had also joined Askern District Running Club as an official member and had officially caught the running bug!
By the end of 2017, I had completed two 10k races and won the club ‘handicap’ trophy – one of my biggest accolades to date! I have since raced in lots of half marathons (my favourite being the Great North Run – which I have run 6 times (once virtually) and 10kms. I love the atmosphere at races, the feeling of getting over the finish and collecting the ‘bling’. However, my running journey has certainly not been straightforward.
I was ‘out of action’ after a fall for 5 months which then included an infected toenail and I lost all my fitness (as well as putting weight back on). This was really hard for me because I rely heavily on running for my mental health and I missed being part of the club. I had to start again completely from scratch which was incredibly frustrating knowing how well I was running before the fall. However, the encouragement I got from other members of the club, as well as my stubbornness meant I got back to running fitness again eventually! This was only 1 of the times I have been out of action, but I sprung back each time!
I am now in training for the London Marathon 2024. This has been a lifelong dream on my bucket list and I can’t quite believe it! It’s going to be incredibly hard work but I am sticking to my training plan, the running club is supporting me in so many ways (with training plans, support whilst running, kudos on strava and sponsorship).
If you have ever thought (even once) of trying running – then please do it! All it takes is some trainers and that first step out of the house.
Chrissie
