The fitness journey has been more of a rollercoaster than a straight path.
But through all the ups and downs, I’ve found myself in a place now where I feel strong, happy and proud of what I’ve achieved.
Every session still feels hard—there’s no denying that—but I’ve learned to embrace the challenge.
Even on the days when I promise myself I’ll “take it easy,” I somehow end up pushing that little bit further. Running has a way of drawing out determination you didn’t know you had.
I usually attend all three weekly sessions, each one different but equally welcoming. The mix of people and personalities is what makes Penkridge Runners so special.
I’ve never considered myself “speedy”—I’m more of a snail—but that hasn’t stopped others from asking me to pace them or support them on their runs.
And that’s the beauty of this club: pace doesn’t matter.
What matters is the encouragement, the cheerleading and the sense of community. Everyone supports everyone, no matter their ability.
Outside of club sessions, I’m lucky to have a lovely group of friends – who I met through Penkridge Runners- to run with on Sundays.
We tick off the miles while chatting away and those runs remind me that running isn’t just about fitness—it’s about friendship too.
Of course, the journey hasn’t been without setbacks.
At the start of 2025, I suffered a back injury (from hula-hooping, of all things!) that kept me out of action on and off for eight months.
Each time I thought I was ready to return, my body reminded me otherwise.
It was frustrating, but listening to my physiotherapist, sticking to the exercises and stretches and taking things steadily paid off.
By September, I was back to running fully—and feeling in great condition again.
One of my proudest moments came in 2019 when I won the Run Leader Award, voted for by Jake, Jess, and Lee.
At the time, I hadn’t yet taken the formal step into leadership, but the recognition planted a seed.
I’d toyed with the idea of becoming a Run Leader and, years later one awards night (after a few too many drinks!) I mentioned it to Carly.
She wasted no time in telling Coach, and back in Summer this year, he asked me to step up. I agreed, completed the online training, roped in a few friends to help with the videos and now I’m eagerly awaiting the result.
I’ve also been honoured with Most Improved Female in 2021, another milestone that reflects how far I’ve come. Over the years, I’ve tackled 5ks, 10ks (my favourite distance), and half marathons.
I once said I’d never do a marathon and while I did complete a Moonwalk marathon—walking overnight—it confirmed that running one might not for me. And that’s okay.
Running isn’t always about races and definitely not about the awards, but rather about finding your own path, your own pace and your own joy.
Looking back, my journey with Penkridge Runners has been anything but straight forward. But it’s been filled with resilience, laughter, friendship and growth.
Becoming a Run Leader feels like the natural next step—not because I’m the fastest or the strongest, but because I believe in the spirit of this club: that everyone, whatever their pace, deserves to be championed.
And if I can play a part in that, then I know I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.
Author: Clare Griffin
#PR&PROUD
