I started running in 2006 after foolishly agreeing to do a 10k the following day, training for which consisted of not having a cigarette on the morning of the race. I've given up smoking numerous times and done a couple of triathlons and thirteen marathons since, but mostly I run because it makes me feel happy. Finally achieved a sub-4 hour marathon at Anglesey in September 2010 and again in Chester in 2013. To balance this I achieved a new personal worst in London Marathon in 2014. I'm aiming to qualify for a Good For Age London Marathon place in 2037.
In 2015 I ran my bucket list marathon, Snowdonia. To celebrate turning 50 I did Shropshire triathlon 7 minutes faster than my 42-year old self and am now foolishly trying to knock over 6 minutes off my 10k pb to go sub-40. This seems unlikely, but stranger things have happened (especially as I am increasingly convinced that life is a computer simulation).
Attempted the 145-mile Grand Union Canal Race in 2022, but missed the checkpoint cut-off at mile 33 due to a lack of fitness and training. I'll know better next time.
My feeling is that any day I am too busy to run is a day that I am too busy. - John Bryant
The only tactics I admire are do-or-die. - Herb Elliott