My Running Journey

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! If only I had known about C25K courses! 

Ian and I  joined Sherfield Park Runners in the same year.   Since joining,we have both been supported by the club and have made lasting friendships. 

As I gained confidence  I started to enter events - who doesn’t love a bit of bling!  The first event I entered was Fleet 10K in October 2014. On this occasion I was raising money for The Pink Place, a charity very close to my heart.  I had encouragement all the way round from Val and Wendy, and I could not have completed this without their support. 

It is not about the time for me, but about completing the event, and hopefully not coming last!

I started running in some of the Southern League Cross Country events in the winter.   I recommend taking part in these, there is a great atmosphere, team spirit, mud and sometimes cake, all before Sunday lunchtime.

One of the most amazing runs I took part in with the Club was when we ran in support of Great Ormond Street Hospital for Elliot in May 2016.  It was such a special day with Adrian, Elliot’s dad running 72 miles from Sherfield Park to Great Ormond Street Hospital.  The rest of us joined him in stages along the way.  The run concluded at Great Ormond Street where Adrian was met by Elliot, who with his new heart was able to run the final few feet with his Dad.  Adrian’s wife along with other club family members were all there to see them finish.  It was an amazing and emotional day.

In 2017, I am not sure whose idea it was but Clare, Val and I entered the Reading Half Marathon.  The training was tough, but we stuck to our training plan during the cold winter months, having  icicles in our hair on one occasion!  

Unfortunately, things don’t always go to plan….. I went on a skiing holiday a couple of weeks beforehand.  ‘Have a great time and be careful’  they said, ‘I will, it will be fine,’ I replied…..oops I took a tumble and tore a ligament.  I managed to hobble around and support Clare and Val at Reading, but was so disappointed not to be able to take part.  But being the wonderful friends they are, they agreed to train with me again so that I could  run a Half Marathon.  So, in November 2017 we took part in The Thames Meander Half Marathon, we crossed the line together and got an amazing bit of bling. 

Just over a year later I ran my second half marathon, the Basingstoke Half, which was tough!  But, once again I completed it, (wasn’t last!) and raised money for The Pink Place.I don’t have any plans to run anymore Half Marathons.

It was during the  months following this that I started to have problems when running.  There were also other issues that made me seek medical advice.  After undergoing various tests, I was diagnosed in September 2018 with Parkinsons.  This came as a bit of a shock, but I was determined to carry on running.  With support from my close running buddies, who were aware of my diagnosis,  I was able to continue to plod around until the right combination of medication for me was found. Running is so important to me, studies have shown at least 2.5 hours a week of physical activity can slow PD symptom progression.  So, I continue to run and enter events.  

If I am not running in an event, I love to go and cheer on Ian and other members of Sherfield Park Runners and wave the flag for the club.  Ian continually encourages and supports me and we are both so grateful for the friendship and support the Club has given us. 

When I ran that very first Parkrun, I never imagined I would run a half marathon, let alone two.  I have made amazing friends,  had great fun and running is part of my life now, I won’t stop at 250 Parkruns - Thank you Sherfield Park Runners for continuing to be part of my journey.