RUN THROUGH THE YEARS
EIGHT RUNNERS SHARE THE HIGHS AND LOWS, THE LESSONS LEARNED AND THE EVER-EVOLVING MOTIVATIONS AND REWARDS OF THEIR 30-YEAR LOVE AFFAIRS WITH OUR SPORT
Few people putting on their running shoes for the first time expect to be taking the opening steps on a lifetime journey. But we’ve spoken to runners who have done just that, embracing the ups and downs but getting out there, consistently, year after year – for the three decades that Runner’s World has been on the shelves. Each has their own story, as unique to them as their running gait. For each of them, running has been a constant companion, whether it’s been competitive or leisurely, a slog or a sprint. Here, we share just some of those stories, from retired elites to those who appreciate the mental-health benefits – all reminding us that running can offer us different joys at different times of our lives.
‘I CAN FIND JOY IN THE DARKEST FEBRUARY MORNING’
Gina Crane, 47, from Peterborough
‘MY DAD ALWAYS SAID I’d make a good runner. He used to run a mile around the block with me when I was nine or 10, but I didn’t start running regularly until I was 18. I’d avoided sports all through school, but in sixth form I started feeling like I wanted to move my body on my own terms. I did a few aerobics classes, and once I was confident I wouldn’t die, went for a tentative run around the block. I made it to the end of the road, lungs bursting. But I went out again a couple of days later. I reckon it took me four weeks to start feeling okay, and I’ve run a few times a week ever since.
In those days, it didn’t feel like there was a running scene at all. Unless I ran in a park, I rarely saw another runner. It’s so different now, with more people doing Couch to 5K, parkrun or just getting out on their own. It’s so much better.
For me, running is about spending time outside in nature. I’ve become a person who knows the names of birds and trees and flowers, and can find joy in the darkest February morning. I love discovering new footpaths and trails, especially if there’s a cafe at the end of them.
Getting older and slower has been a mental struggle. The language around training is always one of growth and gains – personal bests and beating yesterday. Reconciling that with an ageing body is harder than it should be. Older female runners have been key role models for me – it’s so inspirational to w
