TURNING POINT
In May 2022, after having some medical concerns and booking an appointment with my GP, I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. To say I was shocked would be a massive understatement. But after examining my lifestyle – touching nearly 18st and eating absolute rubbish – I knew I had to make significant changes to ensure I was healthy for my wife and three children. I decided to start running. I remember the first time I stepped on to a treadmill (not wanting to embarrass myself on the open roads). It took all my effort just to manage 30 minutes at a pace of 5mph. But I persevered, enrolled in my local parkrun and joined a community of all abilities that have a common bond: a love of running. Then on 30 June 2023, I completed the Ards Half Marathon in a time of just over 1:45. Not Kipchoge pace, but a respectable time for a mere mortal. I’ve now lost 5st and my type 2 diabetes has been reversed. None of this would have been possible if I had not decided to lace up the running shoes and start putting one foot in front of the other. If I can do it, anyone can.
Good on you, Michael, for taking control of your health. That’s a fine half marathon time, too. There’s more to come…
EVERY STEP OF THE WAY
Wow, you’ve made me feel very old with the 30th anniversary issue of RW, which has just dropped through my letter box. I’ve subscribed to every issue and read them all. The very first issue came to me when I was serving with the MoD in the Falkland Islands and then RW came, at my invitation, to Kabul in Afghanistan to write an article on a half marathon I arranged for the British Armed Forces in Camp Souter. Over the years, the magazine has reached me in Cyprus, the Outer Hebrides, Iraq, Germany and finally at home in Salisbury, Wiltshire. Running has changed a lot since I laced up my running shoes for my first (of 16) London Marathons in 1986. Over 40 marathons later and a myriad of other events, I’m about to run my last ever race at the 2023 Great North Run before my ageing body finally gives up the ghost! RW has been with me every step of the past 30 years. Thanks for the support and roll on the next 30 years.
Than
