Every Mile is worth your while!

If you asked me a year ago if I actually ‘enjoyed’ running, I’d have said no. And I thought anyone that actually did must be crazy.

Ironically, I’m sitting on the plane on my way back from running the Liverpool Rock n’ Roll Half Marathon... so for some reason that’s changed. I feel like this year I’m pushing myself outside of my comfort zone and trying lots of new things. Something has triggered a love for running. There’s nothing quite like sticking on your trainers and running to clear your head - wether you run on your own or with someone else, running gives you the chance to think about things that might not have even crossed your mind before. This year lots has been happening in my life, and for me running has been a great escape from negative thoughts and a way to help me heal.

Also, as much as I love going to the gym - nothing beats a little bit of vitamin D and fresh air, especially if you’ve been sitting in an office all day!

Anyway, I guess the point I’m trying to make is that even if you’re not great at something - give it a go. I used to hate running, and on reflection I think that the reason behind this was because I wasn’t as fast or as strong as I wanted to be. The more I’ve realised and accepted that, the more I’m enjoying it. Also with practice you do get better, my running isn’t even comparable with this time last year, but most importantly... I’m enjoying it and I believe in myself.

I think it’s really important to have balance in your life, even though I know it’s hard at times because of one thing or another. It’s important that you don’t get too caught up with working crazy hours that it becomes anti social, that you spend enough time with people close to you (whether that be friends or family), that you get some exercise in a couple of days a week, and that you eat the right kinds of food (but also understand that you are human and can let yourself go from time to time!).

What I’m trying to portray is that, after a super short and sweet weekend away I’m now reflecting on all the positive things this year has brought to me, although I have only achieved these by pushing myself and looking after my body. I needed to prove to myself that I can, and I don’t need anybody else. It’s been a pretty emotional couple of months if I’m being totally honest, but what I have realised is that everything does happen for a reason, because I wouldn’t be sitting here feeling proud of myself if I was still in the same place as I was this time last year. It doesn’t need to be competitive if you don’t want it to be, it can simply be just running for your own pleasure (although I’m sure you’ll get the bug and start wanting to take part in events)!

Slightly off topic, but today when I was running there were 2 songs that brought a tear to my eye and I’ll tell you why (poet and I didn’t know it!). First one was ‘Don’t feel like dancing’ - my Dads favourite song. It’s not often that I actually reflect on the journey my Dad has been on over the last 10 years, but today I had the chance to have a deep think about it and my god did I feel proud to think that he is MY Dad. Not only this, but how much I admire my mum for not giving up when things really looked like they couldn't get much worse, she is so brave and strong - I can only aspire to grow into a woman like her. I cannot put into words how lucky I feel to have such a wonderful family and how lucky I am to have such beautiful, caring and kind parents. Second one centred around our recently lost, beautiful friend Julie’s favourite song, ‘Dancing in the moonlight’. I could see her having a little boogie to it just as I was struggling and close to giving up around mile 11 - I know she’d have told me to get a grip, so I had no choice but to carry on!

Family is everything!

Moral of the story, this is how special exercise can be - a time to reflect on things that we can easily forget about day to day, but know that they will always have a special place in our hearts. I don’t for one minute wish my family didn’t have to go through what we did, because the outcome is better than anything I could wish for. We are happy, healthy, loving and beautiful people that love each other more than words will ever explain and because of the past, we have something to prove that.

When things get really tough and you feel like giving up, don’t. If there’s a will, there’s a way and life will work itself out in time... just keep riding the waves because everything happens for a reason.