Running doesn't have to come first!
- Penny
- Mar 27
- 2 min read
Sometimes, changes in circumstances mean taking a different look at why you run.
For those of you who have read my earlier blogs, you will know that I had major foot surgery at the end of 2024 and was faced with the possibility that I wouldn't run again...fast forward 17 months and what I thought would never be possible, might just be happening....I am running my 30th road marathon next month!!
Since my last post, I have continued to coach regularly at our Senior and Junior running clubs, and I have coached individual athletes, helping them achieve their marathon goals. I have run half marathons, league races, completed my 200th Parkrun, enjoyed training runs with club mates and I've run many miles over my favourite routes in my favourite places.
All the patience, and careful adherence to physio advice, post-surgery really paid off as whilst I've lost speed after having had time off running (I'm slower partly due to being older too!) I can run almost as many miles as I did pre-surgery...but a question I have asked myself since I was able to run again is, 'do I really need to be doing all those miles?' And the answer is...no.
What have I learned about myself over the last 17 months? That always seems such a cliché when this question is asked...but the truth is, I think my perspective has changed somewhat.
No longer do I need to run 50+ miles a week to 'get my fix' but instead, I make sure that every mile I run has a purpose: be it a recovery run; a speed session; a tempo run; a run with my dog that I love; a social run with friends or a weekly Parkrun to enjoy being part of that wonderful community.
I listen to my body much more than I used to: if I have a niggle, I stop. I do regular stretching and strength work and I cross train when I can.
Whilst running is and always will be a massive part of my life, I have learnt to prioritise. Running doesn't need to come first!
Last week, I ran the furthest distance that I have completed since surgery...a 20 mile road race. My approach to the event was totally different to the previous 11 times that I have run this race...I didn't look at my watch at all; I ran 'to feel' and I finished with a smile.
Yes it was the slowest finishing time of the 12 times I have completed the event, but for me, it was the proudest finish line moment.
I will be on that marathon start line next month...not aiming for a 3:30 marathon as I did 2 years ago, but just aiming to finish respectably...a 'good for age' time for London 2027 would be amazing, but we'll see!
