ABOUT ME
So this is me….
I’m a mid-thirties, bearded, office working, DIY-loving, self-proclaimed runner prone to over-thinking, anxiety and stubbornness.
I’ve always been an active person, thanks in part to my parents always supporting and encouraging me, but these were never anything more than just little fads. Running has changed that though, I’m not sure exactly when and I’m not sure how, but sometime towards the end of 2017 something clicked inside. Maybe it was the realisation that I’m never bored of talking about or hearing about running, but I’ve come to accept that this time it isn’t just a hobby, its something else entirely…
Me, not running!
I can remember the school days – P.E. classes, sports days, cross country, punishment runs down the playing fields. I never liked or enjoyed running, especially the short distances, but the longer runs I was at least a little accepting of. I was never the best and never the worst, always hidden in the middle of the pack somewhere. The actual running never crossed my mind or entered my thoughts.
As I grew older I’d run occasionally, mostly to try and maintain some form of fitness or to clear my mind but nothing more. Moving to London was probably one part of the catalyst for change. New town, new work, new friends, and no money. Running in the park from time to time was a cheap and effective form of exercise!
For some reason (which I can no longer recall), a friend and I decided to apply for the London Marathon one year. Neither of us were fortunate to get a place, and I wasn’t at all fussed about it. I did however keep on applying year after year. Then, in October 2012 I received THAT magazine. I’d obtained a place (from the old, guaranteed entry at the 5th attempt rule). I’ve posted separately about what happened next (London Marathon), but the eventual outcome was that I enjoyed it. I had a great time and surprised myself with a decent time in the process. In a completely flaky (almost mockery) attempt at commitment I started telling people I’d like to one day run a marathon on every continent. Assuming a healthy life expectancy, I’m sure I could manage another 6 runs in my life. If I think back at this thought, it was such a lame commitment, but to some degree it has worked…
I didn’t run anymore more races for another 2 years until some fortunate holiday timing created another opportunity to run a marathon on another continent. Fast forward another 18 months and marathon number 3 (in continent number 3) was subsequently ticked off. Now here I am many more months down the line with numerous runs, miles, smiles, new friends and memories in the bag and I have to admit, I think I’m addicted to running…..
Run With Dai 