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Surprisinging how quickly you can get it, the race bug. And not yet even a "proper runner". (To clarify, in my mind a proper runner was lean, athletic, fast and more than capable of running long distances.) Basically, everything I wasn't, but what did I know? I was still very new to running. Anyway, despite all my misgivings in my ability as a runner, I wanted to enter races, and get medals. Maybe I was a runner, I just didn't know it. I liked the idea of things that sounded cool or iconic even. So 'Run the Bridge' caught my eye.  The Bridge is the Silver Jubille Bridge, or, The Runcorn / Widness Bridge that crosses the River Mersey. My husband had once photographed the bridge and it had become quite well received in various places (even though he claims it to be a lucky shot) and very popular on photography sites such as flickr. Perfect! I booked.  Felt sick. Nervous. What if I couldn't run the distance? What if I was last? My bib arrived. Th...

My running, as and when I did it, was mostly 'off road/ trail' because it was nice to run through the trees and parks, but mostly because this was a less travelled route , ie I'd be less likely to be seen while out running / walking, puffing, panting and red faced! > I decided with getting new trainers for Christmas that I would do my first 'proper' run.   I found a local one. A trail run, of 'just' 5k. A 'New Years Resolution' run on the 5th of January 2014, just what I needed to kick-start my New year !. I booked. I felt sick [soon to realise this was a normal pre-race thing] I panicked about being last [another normal pre-race thing] The day arrived, it was cold, wet and typical of a January. My husband drove me to meet a friend who had signed up with me. I collected my bib number, used the loo and nervously waited to start, not really knowing what to expect. We ran through the fields, mud and wet together. A fun, first proper run....

How it [running] all started.   In September 2012 I was unhappy with how I looked.  Then I saw some photos that had been recently taken that seemed to highlight it all to me.  I was heavy!  I discovered Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred, did it regimentally everyday, before, inbetween and after shifts - It nearly killed me at first, I won't deny that, but slowly and gradually it got easier.  I logged my workouts on My Fitness Pa l , counted calories and weighed my food.  I lost about 20lbs from November 2012 to July 2013.  I felt fitter and in better health, and randomly wondered if I could run.  Why?  I dont know.  So one day in the August of 2013 I went to my local gym, got on the treadmill and ran 3 mile, it took me around 45/50mins I think,then went on my holiday to Wales feeling a liyyle smug.  Well, you would, wouldn't you?  And that's how it [running] all started.