A friend suggested I join SPR to help me gain confidence and improve my running. I can remember my first session very clearly. Everyone was friendly and although I was not an experienced runner, I was given so much encouragement that I ran further than I had run before.

On Saturday 13th September, I’ll take on my biggest running challenge yet: a near 40-mile run from Myositis UK HQ in Southampton all the way back to my village pub, The Four Horseshoes in Sherfield on Loddon.

As I approach my 250th Parkrun, I think back to my first Parkrun which I completed on 11th January 2014 quite literally going from couch to 5K!

When I considered running the Basingstoke Half, I hesitated. It’s my home race, but it’s also infamous for its hills, especially around Farleigh Wallop. I wasn't sure if I was really up for it or if I was a good enough runner.