Our readers' best achievements
We asked our readers to reveal their proudest running moments of 2010 for issue 12. We received such a huge response, that we couldn't fit them all in! So here are a few more of your amazing and inspirational stories from 2010.‘I have just completed the Help For Heroes 10K run at Moors Valley Country Park, Ashley Heath and feel so relieved! I can’t believe how nervous I was, I had absolutely no sleep on the Saturday night and felt physically sick right up until the run started. Once we started running though I was fine and felt relaxed, even if I was shattered. My time was slow at 65 minutes but at least it gives me a base to build on and I’m still quite happy with it, as the terrain was hilly and sandy in places. Next month I’m taking part in the Bournemouth Seafront Three Hospices event and hopefully the nerves will not be as bad. Please tell me it does become less nerve wracking the more events you do!’
‘My recent running achievement was to complete the wonderful Great North Run with my lovely, lovely friend Sarah. We both raised about £1,000 for stroke charities. I found it to be both the best and worst experience of my life. At 10/11 miles I thought I couldn't go on but the sheer support of the crowd spurred me on. There is nothing like it as far as races are concerned. I'll be back for more and to beat my time next year. The euphoria of meeting friends who had also completed for a couple of drinks after the race was just fantastic.’
‘In October last year I completed my first ever half marathon - the Coventry half in 2hrs 2mins. I was on top of the world, I never imagined that after only running casually for two years and less than one of these with a club, never being coordinated enough or slim enough to be considered sporty, that at 45 years old I'd be running half marathons! I had never been so slim and had never felt so healthy and confident. Less than a month later I went to my doctors for a routine check and was diagnosed with breast cancer. From December until August of this year I have been tied up with surgery, chemo and radiotherapy. I've been very fortunate though. I believe that my running had taken me to such a healthy state both physically and mentally, that I was able to carry on with my life throughout treatment; no nasty infections, no sickness, all of which I was told to expect. I continued working with only the odd few days out. Unfortunately my running did suffer. The toxins in my body would not allow me to work anywhere near as hard as I had been. I gained weight through the steroids, lack of exercise and erratic diet. But I kept in touch with my running club mates, and went cycling with them when I was able. I even tried to run the odd mile on my own. The pace was about 15 minutes but I was doing it and that's all that mattered. After my last chemo I was convinced I could run with the club so went up to meet them and they all agreed a four-mile route for us. They even said they would all walk it with me if I changed my mind about running. We started off fine, but slow and after about two miles I was feeling the strain. They were all so supportive and walked/ran with me for the next half mile. I started to struggle; I could just imagine what it looked like, a bunch of healthy guys and girls running either side of an overweight bald bird! This thought finished me off and I started sobbing head in hands while still trying to run. I don’t know how I didn't fall over! But the guys just grabbed me and hugged me and we finished the last half-mile walking and jogging and laughing. I did four miles and it made me feel that I could do the distance. I could get my form back and with the continued support of my running club mates I will do another half marathon. I'm not back to previous form yet, but am absolutely determined to get there. Heck, I've even entered the ballot for LVM 2011. Running has been such a positive addition to my life and given me significant milestone achievements to my life over the last year. Thank you.'
‘At the start of this year, I was three stone heavier and attempted to start running, but I couldn't get to the end of my street! Now as the end of the year approaches, I have done a 10K run in April for Sport Relief (which was my first ever race) in 1hr 9mins, I am three stone lighter, I’m running around 20K a week, and preparing for my next 10K next week in aid of Cancer Research, hoping to beat my PB. Just goes to show what training and sheer determination can do. You have to stick at it and you WILL see results!’
‘I've been running since May. I stopped smoking two years ago and slowly piled the weight on, so I joined Jog Scotland and have steadily improved and became a better runner. I've done a couple of 5Ks over the summer. I struggled both times, but thankfully did manage to finish. I had been assured by my fellow runners from Jog Scotland that I'd soon be heading towards doing my first ever 10K as they had all been in the same boat at one point. I never did believe them, but last Friday I had a complete "OMG, how did that happen?" moment. I went out running with my Jog partner and another friend (Carol) who is a much more experienced runner. We started running at a gentle pace and just kept going and going. Carol encouraged us all the way and told us not to stop, but to take it down to a slow trot if tired and then work it back up again. 1hr 15mins and 37secs later, having burned 895 calories, we completed our first ever (unofficial) 10K!! (Details thanks to my Garmin 305!) I am completely and utterly gob smacked. The most I've ran without stopping previously was 32 minutes and to me that was amazing! I can't thank Carol enough for her encouragement and I'm so pleased with our achievement, which only makes me want to run more and more. I've been told since that 1hr 15mins 37secs is a fantastic time for 10K and my first effort! Yay us! I did have jelly legs though!’
‘I started the year off as a non-runner, and set myself a goal to start running. I had The Great North Run as my main goal... I started off slow, but Women’s Running magazine helped. I competed in a 5K in July and came third in my group. On Sunday just gone I did the GNR, I started in the happy pinks at the back and managed to overtake all the pinks all the greens and ended up running with the whites, I finished about 18,000th with a time of 2hrs 10mins 45secs! (In fairness that was probably for about 15 miles because of the amount of dodging and weaving I had to do) I'm very proud of myself though and it proves how much you can achieve with your running in under one year.’
‘My biggest running achievement this year was starting to run and completing the Great North Run. As someone with asthma, I always hated PE at school, as I'd start wheezing after the warm up, but this year I decided to try to 'learn' to run. At first I couldn't manage five solid minutes running as my lungs would start to burn, but I slowly built up and finished the GNR without even needing to use my inhaler, just five months after running two miles continuously for the first time ever! I'm so proud of my medal as it reminds me that I've finally mastered my asthma, got fitter and found a hobby I enjoy.’
‘Last year I told my husband I wanted to run a 10K. I wanted to do it for Alzheimer Scotland as my mum had just been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. I'd just started running to try and lose weight after having my third child, so the two went together. I was looking online and saw the Bupa Great Edinburgh Run on 2 May 2010 was both a 10K and sponsored by Alzheimer Scotland, so the gauntlet was thrown down. I was born with a club foot, so have overcome many years of surgery to walk, never mind run. I got a bit over enthusiastic with the training and last September ended up with a stress fracture in my foot! It took me until January to get back to training and even then I was tentative. I persevered and overcame my demons until one week before, on my final training run I pulled my groin. I spent the week before the race resting and on race day had the most awesome experience of running my first race, my 1st 10K and running the whole way (despite the pain in my groin) in a very respectable 1hr 06mins 23secs! My husband ran too, and together we raised £1,005 for our charity, which has to be one of my greatest achievements ever. I still get a thrill thinking about it. I also succeeded in losing two stone with all the training. I took a break after the 10K to let my body recover and am now back to running 5K distances and a few weeks ago finally ran it sub 30! My next race is the Bupa Winter Run 5K in January and then I really want to do the 10K in May again, but this time sub 60. That's my goal for next year.’
‘My greatest running achievement this year was taking part in my first half marathon, The Great North Run. A few years ago I wouldn’t have even thought about running any distance, but now I wish I’d done it sooner. It made me feel like I could do anything, especially as I completed it in less time than my target of two hours. I did it in 1hr 57mins 35secs, all that training paid off. The fact that I could raise money for National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society, which my mum suffers from, made it even more of an achievement.’
‘My best running achievement this year is my 10K run on 26 September at Tatton Park. I wasn’t feeling too good the night before the race, I felt like I was coming down with a cold and was really tired, so I was in bed by 9.30pm. It must have been my wonderful fiancé Rob's hot toddy that did the trick, because I woke up at 7.15am feeling great, got myself down there, and did the best run I have ever done. I did my personal best 10K in one hour flat. I was thrilled and while I was running round the course I kept thinking, "I'm so glad I haven’t let anyone down", as I had £75 of sponsorship money to collect for Cancer Research.’
‘I completed the 2010 Virgin London Marathon (raising £2,600 for Breakthrough Breast Cancer) in 6hrs 52mins 10secs after completing treatment for breast cancer in November 2009. I had a mastectomy and reconstruction in December 2008, chemotherapy from February-July 2009 then radiotherapy October-November 2009, and fulfilled a lifetime ambition to take part in the London Marathon. Five months later I’m still very proud of myself and in training for the London Marathon 2011.’
‘I’m a Pilates instructor and inherited a client who wanted to train for a 10K. I had always avoided running and suddenly found myself training with him. We did the Great Britain 10K in July, quite slowly as it was hot and he’s in his 60s, but we got through it. I’m now signed up to run the great South Run to mark five years since I was diagnosed with cancer.’
‘I had my second child in January this year so my greatest running achievement was managing to complete my first 5K Park Run in April. Since then I've seen loads of improvement and gradually increased my mileage. My next challenge will be the Cardiff Half Marathon on October 17th, but that 5K after having two babies with 20 months between them was definitely my greatest achievement this year. I really enjoy the magazine; my husband got me a subscription for my birthday. A great read every month and perfect for female runners. Well done Women’s Running team!'
‘I thought I’d write in about my achievement as I haven’t stopped smiling since getting on the scales yesterday and finally hitting the 10kg loss that I have worked so hard to get to in the last four months! I was a very keen fit lady before I got married in May 2005 and then fell pregnant, and after suffering from post natal depression, never got back into my fitness. My son is now just over four years old and something clicked in my head in June, which made me decide to get on a healthy low fat diet and start running again. I first only managed 10 minutes before giving up and power walk for a further 20 minutes, but I persevered and with the help of a friend who also wanted to lose weight, we started running together and built on. We committed to do the Big Fun Run in Southampton on the 9th October and that has made me more determined than ever, as it’s not only an incentive, but we are doing it in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support and I have been lucky to get a huge amount of sponsorship for a fabulous charity close to my heart!I am now running 5K in 30 minutes outside three times a week and combining it with going to the gym a further three nights, and running there as well as using the cross trainer, rowing machine and do a series of weights and stretches. I feel so much better and not only am I thinner but full of energy and determined to lose another 6kg and finally fit into a lovely pair of jeans by Christmas! I’m now really looking forward to our 5K run in a couple of week’s time and may it be the beginning of many more. Running is fabulous! I haven’t been able to make my Women’s Running last more than two days as just can’t put it down! I subscribed to it on Friday as well as registered on the website as found it so full of great tips and tools to use. Thanks for a great magazine.’
‘My biggest running achievement this year was completing my first half marathon - the Great North Run! I had the most fantastic day and the people of the North East made the day all the better with their biscuits, ice pops, drinks and great support. I couldn't run half a mile without stopping this time last year but was inspired by a friend who did the GNR last year. I started training for my first 10K and thought "what the hell, I'll enter the GNR", not for a moment thinking I would get a place! After having my two boys I hadn't really got back into doing any exercise and am fast approaching 40, so I figured it was a good time to do something for me and get fit at the same time. The training was hard at times as I have a full time job, my two boys (aged five and two) and a hubby whose job means he is often away during the week. Also we have no family in the area and some weeks would go by with no training. But I stuck at it and am so glad I did, as last Sunday I completed the GNR in 2hrs 30mins (not fast by many people’s standards, but a real achievement for me...and I didn’t walk!) If I can do this, anyone can. I am fitter, firmer and mentally more refreshed as the time I spend out running is my time to listen to music and put all my day-to-day problems and issues into perspective. Good luck to anyone else starting out - it will soon be under your skin!’
KarynBournemouth
‘My recent running achievement was to complete the wonderful Great North Run with my lovely, lovely friend Sarah. We both raised about £1,000 for stroke charities. I found it to be both the best and worst experience of my life. At 10/11 miles I thought I couldn't go on but the sheer support of the crowd spurred me on. There is nothing like it as far as races are concerned. I'll be back for more and to beat my time next year. The euphoria of meeting friends who had also completed for a couple of drinks after the race was just fantastic.’
Jane Christie
‘In October last year I completed my first ever half marathon - the Coventry half in 2hrs 2mins. I was on top of the world, I never imagined that after only running casually for two years and less than one of these with a club, never being coordinated enough or slim enough to be considered sporty, that at 45 years old I'd be running half marathons! I had never been so slim and had never felt so healthy and confident. Less than a month later I went to my doctors for a routine check and was diagnosed with breast cancer. From December until August of this year I have been tied up with surgery, chemo and radiotherapy. I've been very fortunate though. I believe that my running had taken me to such a healthy state both physically and mentally, that I was able to carry on with my life throughout treatment; no nasty infections, no sickness, all of which I was told to expect. I continued working with only the odd few days out. Unfortunately my running did suffer. The toxins in my body would not allow me to work anywhere near as hard as I had been. I gained weight through the steroids, lack of exercise and erratic diet. But I kept in touch with my running club mates, and went cycling with them when I was able. I even tried to run the odd mile on my own. The pace was about 15 minutes but I was doing it and that's all that mattered. After my last chemo I was convinced I could run with the club so went up to meet them and they all agreed a four-mile route for us. They even said they would all walk it with me if I changed my mind about running. We started off fine, but slow and after about two miles I was feeling the strain. They were all so supportive and walked/ran with me for the next half mile. I started to struggle; I could just imagine what it looked like, a bunch of healthy guys and girls running either side of an overweight bald bird! This thought finished me off and I started sobbing head in hands while still trying to run. I don’t know how I didn't fall over! But the guys just grabbed me and hugged me and we finished the last half-mile walking and jogging and laughing. I did four miles and it made me feel that I could do the distance. I could get my form back and with the continued support of my running club mates I will do another half marathon. I'm not back to previous form yet, but am absolutely determined to get there. Heck, I've even entered the ballot for LVM 2011. Running has been such a positive addition to my life and given me significant milestone achievements to my life over the last year. Thank you.'
Michelle Iddon
‘At the start of this year, I was three stone heavier and attempted to start running, but I couldn't get to the end of my street! Now as the end of the year approaches, I have done a 10K run in April for Sport Relief (which was my first ever race) in 1hr 9mins, I am three stone lighter, I’m running around 20K a week, and preparing for my next 10K next week in aid of Cancer Research, hoping to beat my PB. Just goes to show what training and sheer determination can do. You have to stick at it and you WILL see results!’
Emma Garrity
‘I've been running since May. I stopped smoking two years ago and slowly piled the weight on, so I joined Jog Scotland and have steadily improved and became a better runner. I've done a couple of 5Ks over the summer. I struggled both times, but thankfully did manage to finish. I had been assured by my fellow runners from Jog Scotland that I'd soon be heading towards doing my first ever 10K as they had all been in the same boat at one point. I never did believe them, but last Friday I had a complete "OMG, how did that happen?" moment. I went out running with my Jog partner and another friend (Carol) who is a much more experienced runner. We started running at a gentle pace and just kept going and going. Carol encouraged us all the way and told us not to stop, but to take it down to a slow trot if tired and then work it back up again. 1hr 15mins and 37secs later, having burned 895 calories, we completed our first ever (unofficial) 10K!! (Details thanks to my Garmin 305!) I am completely and utterly gob smacked. The most I've ran without stopping previously was 32 minutes and to me that was amazing! I can't thank Carol enough for her encouragement and I'm so pleased with our achievement, which only makes me want to run more and more. I've been told since that 1hr 15mins 37secs is a fantastic time for 10K and my first effort! Yay us! I did have jelly legs though!’
Sherry Thomson
‘I started the year off as a non-runner, and set myself a goal to start running. I had The Great North Run as my main goal... I started off slow, but Women’s Running magazine helped. I competed in a 5K in July and came third in my group. On Sunday just gone I did the GNR, I started in the happy pinks at the back and managed to overtake all the pinks all the greens and ended up running with the whites, I finished about 18,000th with a time of 2hrs 10mins 45secs! (In fairness that was probably for about 15 miles because of the amount of dodging and weaving I had to do) I'm very proud of myself though and it proves how much you can achieve with your running in under one year.’
Angela Tubb
‘My biggest running achievement this year was starting to run and completing the Great North Run. As someone with asthma, I always hated PE at school, as I'd start wheezing after the warm up, but this year I decided to try to 'learn' to run. At first I couldn't manage five solid minutes running as my lungs would start to burn, but I slowly built up and finished the GNR without even needing to use my inhaler, just five months after running two miles continuously for the first time ever! I'm so proud of my medal as it reminds me that I've finally mastered my asthma, got fitter and found a hobby I enjoy.’
Cheryl
‘Last year I told my husband I wanted to run a 10K. I wanted to do it for Alzheimer Scotland as my mum had just been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. I'd just started running to try and lose weight after having my third child, so the two went together. I was looking online and saw the Bupa Great Edinburgh Run on 2 May 2010 was both a 10K and sponsored by Alzheimer Scotland, so the gauntlet was thrown down. I was born with a club foot, so have overcome many years of surgery to walk, never mind run. I got a bit over enthusiastic with the training and last September ended up with a stress fracture in my foot! It took me until January to get back to training and even then I was tentative. I persevered and overcame my demons until one week before, on my final training run I pulled my groin. I spent the week before the race resting and on race day had the most awesome experience of running my first race, my 1st 10K and running the whole way (despite the pain in my groin) in a very respectable 1hr 06mins 23secs! My husband ran too, and together we raised £1,005 for our charity, which has to be one of my greatest achievements ever. I still get a thrill thinking about it. I also succeeded in losing two stone with all the training. I took a break after the 10K to let my body recover and am now back to running 5K distances and a few weeks ago finally ran it sub 30! My next race is the Bupa Winter Run 5K in January and then I really want to do the 10K in May again, but this time sub 60. That's my goal for next year.’
Mu Reid
‘My greatest running achievement this year was taking part in my first half marathon, The Great North Run. A few years ago I wouldn’t have even thought about running any distance, but now I wish I’d done it sooner. It made me feel like I could do anything, especially as I completed it in less time than my target of two hours. I did it in 1hr 57mins 35secs, all that training paid off. The fact that I could raise money for National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society, which my mum suffers from, made it even more of an achievement.’
Rachael Lunt
‘My best running achievement this year is my 10K run on 26 September at Tatton Park. I wasn’t feeling too good the night before the race, I felt like I was coming down with a cold and was really tired, so I was in bed by 9.30pm. It must have been my wonderful fiancé Rob's hot toddy that did the trick, because I woke up at 7.15am feeling great, got myself down there, and did the best run I have ever done. I did my personal best 10K in one hour flat. I was thrilled and while I was running round the course I kept thinking, "I'm so glad I haven’t let anyone down", as I had £75 of sponsorship money to collect for Cancer Research.’
Elizabeth Charnock
‘I completed the 2010 Virgin London Marathon (raising £2,600 for Breakthrough Breast Cancer) in 6hrs 52mins 10secs after completing treatment for breast cancer in November 2009. I had a mastectomy and reconstruction in December 2008, chemotherapy from February-July 2009 then radiotherapy October-November 2009, and fulfilled a lifetime ambition to take part in the London Marathon. Five months later I’m still very proud of myself and in training for the London Marathon 2011.’
Kerry Burton
‘I’m a Pilates instructor and inherited a client who wanted to train for a 10K. I had always avoided running and suddenly found myself training with him. We did the Great Britain 10K in July, quite slowly as it was hot and he’s in his 60s, but we got through it. I’m now signed up to run the great South Run to mark five years since I was diagnosed with cancer.’
Zoë Ruddock
‘I had my second child in January this year so my greatest running achievement was managing to complete my first 5K Park Run in April. Since then I've seen loads of improvement and gradually increased my mileage. My next challenge will be the Cardiff Half Marathon on October 17th, but that 5K after having two babies with 20 months between them was definitely my greatest achievement this year. I really enjoy the magazine; my husband got me a subscription for my birthday. A great read every month and perfect for female runners. Well done Women’s Running team!'
Kathleen Walker
‘I thought I’d write in about my achievement as I haven’t stopped smiling since getting on the scales yesterday and finally hitting the 10kg loss that I have worked so hard to get to in the last four months! I was a very keen fit lady before I got married in May 2005 and then fell pregnant, and after suffering from post natal depression, never got back into my fitness. My son is now just over four years old and something clicked in my head in June, which made me decide to get on a healthy low fat diet and start running again. I first only managed 10 minutes before giving up and power walk for a further 20 minutes, but I persevered and with the help of a friend who also wanted to lose weight, we started running together and built on. We committed to do the Big Fun Run in Southampton on the 9th October and that has made me more determined than ever, as it’s not only an incentive, but we are doing it in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support and I have been lucky to get a huge amount of sponsorship for a fabulous charity close to my heart!I am now running 5K in 30 minutes outside three times a week and combining it with going to the gym a further three nights, and running there as well as using the cross trainer, rowing machine and do a series of weights and stretches. I feel so much better and not only am I thinner but full of energy and determined to lose another 6kg and finally fit into a lovely pair of jeans by Christmas! I’m now really looking forward to our 5K run in a couple of week’s time and may it be the beginning of many more. Running is fabulous! I haven’t been able to make my Women’s Running last more than two days as just can’t put it down! I subscribed to it on Friday as well as registered on the website as found it so full of great tips and tools to use. Thanks for a great magazine.’
Angy Wellstead
‘My biggest running achievement this year was completing my first half marathon - the Great North Run! I had the most fantastic day and the people of the North East made the day all the better with their biscuits, ice pops, drinks and great support. I couldn't run half a mile without stopping this time last year but was inspired by a friend who did the GNR last year. I started training for my first 10K and thought "what the hell, I'll enter the GNR", not for a moment thinking I would get a place! After having my two boys I hadn't really got back into doing any exercise and am fast approaching 40, so I figured it was a good time to do something for me and get fit at the same time. The training was hard at times as I have a full time job, my two boys (aged five and two) and a hubby whose job means he is often away during the week. Also we have no family in the area and some weeks would go by with no training. But I stuck at it and am so glad I did, as last Sunday I completed the GNR in 2hrs 30mins (not fast by many people’s standards, but a real achievement for me...and I didn’t walk!) If I can do this, anyone can. I am fitter, firmer and mentally more refreshed as the time I spend out running is my time to listen to music and put all my day-to-day problems and issues into perspective. Good luck to anyone else starting out - it will soon be under your skin!’
