Running didn’t just change my fitness; it changed my life. What began as an escape during one of the most difficult periods of my life, including experiencing homelessness, became the foundation that helped me rebuild my confidence, discipline and sense of purpose.

Last year, I committed to running every day and built a streak of more than 300 consecutive days. Along the way, I completed multiple 10Ks, a half marathon, my first marathon at the iconic London Marathon and the demanding 496 Challenge. Every milestone has taught me the same lesson: resilience isn’t built in a single race; it’s built by continuing to show up, especially on the hardest days.

Running has also given me something even more valuable than medals: a community. It has shown me that the sport has room for everyone, regardless of pace, background, body type or where their journey begins.

As the content creator and storyteller behind Shy_like_me and shyruns, I use my platforms to share the reality of running. I celebrate the personal bests and race days, but I’m equally honest about the difficult runs, setbacks, self-doubt and discipline it takes to keep going. I believe authenticity inspires people far more than perfection, and I want others to know they don’t have to be the fastest to call themselves a runner.

As a National Running Show ambassador, I’m proud to help welcome new runners into the community, encourage those who may feel intimidated by the sport and celebrate every finish line, whether it’s a first kilometre, a Couch to 5K graduation or a marathon.

For me, running has never just been about crossing finish lines. It has been about rebuilding my life, finding purpose and discovering how consistency can transform who we become. If my story encourages even one person to lace up their trainers, believe in themselves or keep going when life gets difficult, every mile has been worth it.