For Those of Us Who Went Beyond

[mrrun]

We all started running later in life, we all had our reasons, and many of us reaped numerous benefits. I led a specific lifestyle up until I was 52 and just couldn't maintain it any longer. The engine parts were giving up and there were not many spares in the market, especially for vintage models. So I ended up running. A total, unmitigated wreck, unable to complete 90 seconds of agony during the first run and had a bunch of injuries, duly deserved.

However, persistence paid off. I ended up being a member of this forum where support has never been in short supply, advice is everywhere and people help each other reach their targets. Lots of people complete C25K, more and more are starting out.

I thought about this a few days ago when reading the posts. I remember some marathoners and ultras when I joined in but then, in the past 1.5 years 21 new C25K grads completed their firsts marathons. We all know how hard that beast is and to see the list of newcomers who recently conquered it and who continue to hit the trails and pavements is absolutely brilliant. Running has never been so popular, we are everywhere, like a rush, and it's great to see those of us who pushed our limits and went over and beyond. Let's hope we see more people joining our club!

This certainly has changed my life, positively affecting not only what I do and how I feel, but also those around me who remember different things. Anyways, if you are about sarf or central London and see a tall slim guy wearing a big basketball top, wave 'hi', it's probably me. I've seen a few blokes around wearing them but their shorts or base layers didn't match with the top. Shocking. I mean, what are they thinking?!

Stay well & keep running, folks!

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon]

Oh yes!!! Persistence is the name of the game for me too!!! But as it's mostly on a two steps forward, one step back basis I'm still calling it a win 😂. All the odds were against my joining the club, but I'm so glad I did - pretty much on a daily basis.

[mrrun Ultramarathon in reply to linda9389]

Yep. When you 'get' into this it takes you places. I've been 'places' and still go places but (BUT) this is a different ball game. It's a rare package that guarantees mental and physical benefits, and running is the one! I guess we got lucky. 😉 The downside is, outdoor running messes up my hair but hey, win some - lose some.

[misswobble Marathon in reply to mrrun]

😁. I went out running yesterday wearing a motley collection of clashing gear, my silhouette looking terribly lumpen due to stuffed pockets 😁☺️

At least my socks matched my shoes 🙂

[misswobble Marathon]

Great post! 👍🙂

[mrrun Ultramarathon in reply to misswobble]

Thank you, and you were one of those who pushed me over the cliff. You need just a few guys to tell you that apples are good for your health. Marathon bug came from your end and I thank you deeply!

[misswobble Marathon in reply to mrrun]

What gets me though is that we never knew we had it in us 😃💪. So now I’ll be bugged to death to nail an ultra. I contemplated it yesterday while I was out running a marathon but I was just too knackered 😁

I liked your Indiana top! 👍. I popped into Indiana last year from Ohio to visit the birth place of the folks we were sight-seeing with. I wished I’d had my running gear on 😁

[mrrun Ultramarathon in reply to misswobble]

Funny that. We think that 'Ultra' thoughts appear all of a sudden but they've always been there, dormant, waiting for the push. A guy told me that having covered 50km, 75km is just 'a formality'. All you have to do is put a half marathon and a bit on top. A formality. Trouble is, he got me thinking.

Reggie Miller '98 Indiana is from the period when the man was the only one on the planet who could stop Jordan's Bulls. And he nearly managed. I respect him hugely and the top has 'autumn' vibes all over it. I gel with all those leaves around.

[misswobble Marathon in reply to mrrun]

.... and we love these autumnal runs don’t we 😃.

[mrrun Ultramarathon in reply to misswobble]

We most certainly do! 👍😀

[Hidden]

Superbly written!!!

[mrrun Ultramarathon]

Ha, thank you kindly, dear sir. You are one of those shoe rubber burners who inspired me to write it. You have done brilliantly yourself, be proud!

[Irish-John Marathon]

We keep on keeping on Mr. r :)👍🏻

[mrrun Ultramarathon in reply to Irish-John]

I can't see another option, dear friend. We are hooked, and with my personality I go all the way.

[Irish-John Marathon in reply to mrrun]

"March or Die" yes?

[Dexy5 10 Miles]

I’ll be waving if I spot that shirt mrrun. Well done you and well done us (although I won’t be running a marathon 😂)

[mrrun Ultramarathon in reply to Dexy5]

Indeed! But there are other tops as well. The key is the matching basketball shorts, never from the same team. Once you get into it the possibilities are endless. Even the cops will sometimes wave at me, it's come to that.....

[Hidden]

Forums like these are infectious, they provide support yet they spur you on to achieve the best you can be. It has been great to see so many hm or marathons achieved this year despite the covid restrictions. Persistent, perseverance and just bloody mindedness is absolutely needed 🤣

[mrrun Ultramarathon in reply to Hidden]

Absolutely! And as for this forum, it's totally unique. Although I get top advice from some seasoned runners and ex pros on Twitter, you've got to be prepared for a fight if you are there. Nowhere near to this calm and friendly civility.

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon]

Looking very cool there mrrun 😎

[mrrun Ultramarathon in reply to Irishprincess]

I thank you kindly, Your Highness. I keep trying even when visiting a local corner shop. Needs must, I should say.

[David_G Metric Marathon]

Great post as always mrrun 👍 I agree this is such a great forum. We all benefit from the advice on here, no matter how experienced we are.

I started running a couple of years ago at the age of 54, since when I’ve run countless shorter runs, 10 Ks, 10 miles and 5 half marathons, not to mention 51 Parkruns and volunteering 21 times at Parkrun.

It’s really changed my life and I’m so glad I can run during lockdown.

Happy running all!

[mrrun Ultramarathon in reply to David_G]

Many thanks, David! I've changed my life a few times but this is the crucial change, no doubt. You're doing great yourself, the Parkrun numbers speak volumes, long may it continue, sir!