I’m an older runner and a back of the pack person who occasionally wins an age group trophy when the field is small. I love trail running and spend a lot of time on Dartmoor and Bodmin Moor which means I spend a lot of time in bogs. As well as running I love volunteering at events and helping others to achieve amazing things, whether it is their first 5k or first multi-day finish. I am happiest in a desert; the Kalahari Augrabies Extreme Marathon is my spiritual home.
Despite having run loads of marathons and ultra marathons I can still remember what it was like to be new to running and what a struggle it was. Even now sometimes it is a big effort for me to get out of the door.
Running for me is not about times (although I did chase those once) but having good times, whether that is the people you meet , the friends you make, the views you see, the sun on your back or even the rain in your face. Running is an inclusive sport, where you can run in the same events as Olympic champions without feeling out of place. By joining the running community I have found somewhere I belong.