Almost exactly 7 years ago, when I was 64, I was sitting in my GP's surgery, in pain and in tears, as he told me I would not get back to normal. ‘Normal’, for me, was to enjoy an active lifestyle, especially walking or gentle cycling in the Durham countryside or further afield, with my husband, Peter. The reason for the doctor’s prediction was that 6 months earlier I had broken my femur falling down a dodgy spiral staircase in Japan, on the night of our son's wedding. (That's another story!)

Following the GP appointment, I was referred to a consultant who, on seeing an x-ray of my knee, immediately recommended a knee replacement. I limped away fast! A second consultant, suggested instead, removing the fixation screws in my knee which he thought could be the cause of my pain and discomfort. Following surgery, the pain gradually subsided and we began initially gentle and then longer walks. We were back on track!

About 18 months later, one Sunday afternoon, after it had been raining all day, I was climbing the walls with pent-up energy and suddenly had a bizarre urge to go out for a run! I hadn't run for over 20 years, after a brief 4-month sortie into running, to train, (badly!) for the Great North Run. So.....I ventured out and managed to puff my way round the block, without my knees complaining too much and burning up some energy in the process.

It was about this time that Kate and co started Durham Mums on the Run, so after checking whether grandmas were eligible too, I started going along, initially very infrequently, but supplementing my regular use of an exercise bike with a little running. Gradually, I have caught the bug and no one is more surprised than I am to find that in my seventies I have become a runner!

Because of my medical history, (before I broke my leg, I had arthroscopies on both knees), I have restricted runs to about 5k and have enjoyed taking part in the Durham Run and Great North and South 5ks. However, at the beginning of 2019, I heard about the Pier to Pier Race and realising the route was along such a special part of the northeast coast, decided to set myself a challenge, push the boundaries and enter.

Gradually, since February, I have been increasing the distance and doing a longer run every 10 days or so, making a point of consciously looking out for and enjoying emerging signs of Spring......snowdrops, then daffodils, hints of green on the trees and then of course our fabulous bluebells! I’ve also been acutely aware of birdsong as a wonderful natural soundtrack playing while I run. It has all made me profoundly grateful to have the opportunity to be out enjoying it all and very mindful of those less fortunate than me.

The weather on Sunday 19th May was perfect - bright and sunny with a gentle cooling breeze off the sea. I must confess to feeling very nervous as I made my way to South Shields beach. I was grateful for reassuring hugs from Lisa and Kate and to be able to chat with other DMotR friends before the start.

As soon as I started running, my nerves vanished and I can honestly say, I loved every step of the way. Running on the beach wasn’t as tricky as I’d feared and once up on The Leas was able to get into my ‘happy pace’ and enjoy the views of the sea and the sound of a skylark soaring overhead.

At Souter Lighthouse, I was grateful for the water and encouragement from my husband, Peter, as I headed on towards Whitburn. I needed to concentrate hard during this stretch, with the narrow and at times uneven path, to make sure I didn’t turn my ankle over. And then..... there was Roker Pier in the distance!

Before long I was heading down onto the Promenade towards the finish. It was at this stage that I was surprised to find myself still full of energy and able to run at a good pace, (for me!). It was lovely to receive the warm encouragement from the people sitting enjoying the sun along the route.

Finally, I was on the beach, splashing through the pools to the finish, feeling very happy and just a tad emotional. Seven years ago, I would never have dreamt this moment could happen! Thank you, Laura for that hug - it was special!

I have people to thank for making this possible.... the skilled surgeon in Japan, who pinned my leg, the physio, who got me mobile again when we got back to the UK and my husband, Peter for his unfailing support and encouragement. However, a special BIG 'thank you' goes to you lovely ladies of DMotR, leaders and fellow runners, who are so welcoming, friendly and supportive towards a new, ‘mature’(!) runner. I'm also grateful to the little voice in my head, which said, when I was told I wouldn't get back to normal - 'Just you wait and see!'

I hope this will be an encouragement to older people or anyone who has had a serious injury, who may rule out taking up running, or running again, as a possibility. I’m sure my knees are stronger through running regularly but carefully, and I know I’m so much healthier and fitter both physically and mentally than I would be without running in my life.

Ann West

A grateful Grandma on the Run