I started running nearly 2 years ago, in May 2017, to try and improve my fitness and mental health. I hadn't run, or really done any exercise, since school and I hated it then but decided to try doing couch25k by myself. After a few weeks I plucked up the courage to try a parkrun, and I now go most weeks.

After a few months of mainly running alone I found a RunTogether group; Durham Mums on The Run and joined them in Oct 17, running every Thursday night. I started to really fall in love with running, and began gradually building up my distance. I completed my first 10k in Nov 2017 and my first half marathon in May 2018. A full marathon is next on the list!

I now run with a few run together groups; the leaders, and runners in each group are so encouraging and supportive. So much so, they inspired me to do the Leadership in Running Fitness course, with the intention of starting a beginners group at work, as well as helping with the groups I run with. Hopefully I will pass the encouragement and support on to others. If I can run, then honestly anyone can!!

It's not just about the running though, I have made so many new friends through the groups I am part of. My only regret is that I didn't start running years ago!"