Multiple attempts to get back the rhythm of running hit brick walls – I was attempting to cover distance using a run / walk strategy with the thought of gradually building up the running segments and decreasing the walking distances. However, I got stuck and could not advance beyond 6 minutes running and 4 minutes walking.

To break the impasse, I signed up for a couch to 5km course run by Derwent Runners. I’ve commented before about the wondrous encouragement emanating from this group – even those not run leading were quick to offer a word of welcome! I loved the definition that “running is anything that isn’t walking.”

The key to this course for me was the regular commitment to running. Specific C25K group runs ran weekly, but we were encouraged to form alliances for the homework runs. Fear of not keeping up kept me on my toes with the homework. The timing of the course coincided with my border collie puppy, Cassie coming of an age in which she could accompany me on runs, thus two of us began the training together.

Eight weeks, two to three runs per week and the final 5K arrived. My participation was nearly scuppered by traffic congregating at Pride Park – a journey mere minutes away from my final destination might have been half a world away. Heart rate already elevated, I began the graduating run. I had a faint glimmer of a cold (but no COVID), so breathing was not as straightforward as I might have hoped. However, my sights were set on higher things than excuses – having put in the steps, I was determined to finish and to run every kliometre of the last 5K. Speedy course participants completed their challenge and then ran back to the tail markers to cheer us along. The bright lights of the rugby club drew me towards the finish line and as much of a sprint finish as I could muster.

See you at the next parkrun…