“When I was younger I enjoyed running and did some cross country running through school, but when I became a teenager I stopped for a good few years. Then I did the Couch to 5k a couple of times with my mum and sister – but I never kept running after the programme finished.
Last year however, I was playing some netball and roller derby and it felt like I was always a bit behind the other people. I decided to do the Couch to 5k again so I could have a better basic level of fitness. I don’t play those other sports anymore, but for the first time I actually stuck with the running. I enjoyed getting up early before work and running along the river when it was quiet and peaceful; and I liked the time to think that running gave me. I also enjoyed the challenge – a week after I ran my first 5k I ran a 10k and was pleasantly surprised by what I was capable of. But, I think most of all what I like about running is doing it with other people.
My dad has always been a runner and is incredibly supportive so it’s nice to run with him again. Some of my friends also run and it’s fun to do parkruns together, or just go for a run while we have a catch up. Over Christmas I visited New Zealand for the first time to see my sister Hannah who lives there. She is a very active runner and it was so great to finally be able to run with her. In May, we are doing the Bristol Half Marathon, with my dad as well. I’ve never run that far so it’s definitely a challenge but I’m looking forward to it!”
Lizzie @_lizzie_jackson_
(England)
Photo taken in Fiordland
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