2020 - The year I found out I CAN run!

[Jay_Gee]

I have always been one of those people who have said that running is not me. Why run, just to end back where you started?

Having had numerous failed C25K attempts, and hitting a weight that was my heaviest, I decided to make another go of it in April 2020. My motivation was a big birthday in 2021, and I decided that I would like to hit it being the fittest & lightest that I have been throughout my adult life. Finding that motivating factor is not easy, but this time something really clicked, and more importantly stuck!

Firstly, I watched my diet. Then in May I started C25K again, and this time I managed to make my way all the way through the programme! The weight was coming off, and I was enjoying it!

I then found the Stepping Stone podcasts, and used these to continue my running.

Moving on, I worked to 10k, and subsequently have done 2 Half Marathons in December.

I never imagined that my Christmas present list would be a list of running kit! A Garmin, running clothing, new shoes..... What happened?

So I find myself at the end of this awful 2020, being the lightest I can remember. Personal bests at 27'09" 5k, 56'05" 10k, and 2:10'42" HM.

I have found the colder mornings a challenge to my motivation though, and feel I need something to really keep me focused in my running! I've ordered my first pair of running tights (me in running tights?? Never EVER imagined that!!), to try and combat the cold, and have my ballot entry for the London Marathon in (fingers crossed).

I have read many posts on here throughout the year, and rarely posted anything myself. This post, if nothing else, I hope will help anyone who questions themselves - just keep going! Drag yourself out, you will be thankful for it.

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon]

Well said and well done Jay_Gee. Running has become transforming for many of us. Your progress is outstanding. Don’t worry about the running tights; if a 68 year old bloke can cope I am sure that you can! You still have the best part to come; running with others. 👏👏👏👏👏🥂

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon]

Thank you for sharing your story Jay_Gee. It’s very impressive and you’ve already surpassed my PBs by a long way at all distances, and I started in 2018!

I hope you get your London ballot place. 🤞 You deserve to, and I have a sneaky suspicion you’ll smash that too. 👊

Awesome runner! 👏👏👏👏👏👏

[Grannyhugs 10 Miles]

What a fantastic journey you’ve had, a brilliant way to end the year applying for the London marathon. I love your Christmas present list. Happy running 🤗

[Hidden]

Fantastic progress and a great message to everyone, really shows the value of the old saying ‘if at first you don’t succeed, try, try and try again’. I hope you find a way not only to keep going but to enjoy your running in the cold, I struggle with that these days. Fingers crossed with the marathon ballot too 😁

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon]

This is just the BEST post!!! What fantastic progress in a phenomenally short space of time. You have absolutely beaten 2020!!! You have also earned a shiny new Half Marathon badge to wear whenever you are in this forum. Congratulations, and here's to the marathon in 2021 😊

[Queenie17]

So inspiring to read!congratulations on your achievements so far🎉Good luck for what comes next🍀🏃🏃

[David_G Metric Marathon]

Well done Jay_Gee, you’ve achieved so much in this year that you can be immensely proud of!👏👏👏

You’re a great example of what we can achieve when we put our mind to it, so thanks for sharing your story!🙂👍

[Hidden]

Brilliant and Uber motivational, perhaps you should post more........ Just saying 👍🙂

[misswobble Marathon]

Great stuff! What a year 😃👍. Well done 💪🙂