If you’d told me ten years ago that running would become such a big part of my life, I wouldn’t have believed you.
Back in April 2016, after an over 40 health check and rising blood pressure, I decided to take action.
I downloaded the NHS Couch to 5K app and to my surprise, I enjoyed running outdoors and completed the programme.
A friend introduced me to parkrun, and soon I was a regular, ringing the bell whenever I beat my time.
That same year I tackled the Stafford 10k, feeling like I was finally on a roll.
But a fall at work later that year knocked my confidence badly.
I became frightened to run alone, so I made a New Year’s resolution to start again and find a running club.
A Facebook search led me to Penkridge Runners.
They looked welcoming, so I messaged Martin and turned up on the first Saturday of January 2017. I didn’t know anyone, but I quickly made friends and slowly rebuilt my confidence.
I’ve always been a steady plodder, taking on 5ks and 10ks (with the occasional tumble).
Asthma often held me back, but in 2019 I set myself a huge challenge: a half marathon in London to raise money for Asthma UK.
Even when the asthma nurse suggested giving up running, I pushed for different medication and trained with help from PR friends. I completed the half marathon on 1 March 2020—just as Covid loomed—and then the world locked down.
During Covid, PR’s weekly challenges kept me going, and running became essential for my mental health.
In 2022, I tried Martin’s 10k goal pace plan with my youngest daughter.
She ran ahead, of course, but we both smashed our PBs.
In 2023, I finally achieved two longheld ambitions: a sub60 10k and a sub30 5k.
In 2024, I tackled the half marathon goal pace plan.
It was tough, but it worked—I finished in 2:22:48, knocking more than 15 minutes off my previous time and raising more money for Asthma UK.
But the times and medals aren’t the most important part of this story.
The real gift has been the people.
I’ve made so many friends at Penkridge Runners, and in tough times they’ve been there for me—and I’ve been there for them.
I look forward to the catchups, the encouragement, and the joy of watching people achieve things they never thought possible.
As I approach my ten year anniversary with the club, I’m proud—proud of how far I’ve come, proud of the challenges I’ve taken on, and proud to be a Penkridge Runner.
Here’s to many more years of running, friendship, and new adventures.
Joanna
