Your World
UNBROKEN
I’ve just read ‘Unbroken’ (August 23), about people who have overcome immense physical barriers to running. In particular, the article about Rebecca McWass, who is able to run marathons while successfully managing her fibromyalgia, was a breath of reassuring fresh air to read. I, too, have this chronic condition and have, likewise, used the pacing technique to manage my pain and fatigue in order to run. As a mere social runner, I’d watched the London Marathon for 40 years, never once thinking that my dream of taking part would ever come true. Then, in 2019, I not only secured a place, but hit the ripe old age of 60 and was diagnosed with fibromyalgia. Suffice to say that, through pacing, I learned to work with the pain and fatigue and successfully completed the London Marathon (my lifelong dream)! Since then, I’ve gone on to complete three more marathons in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Being in constant pain is debilitating and isolating but, thanks to Runner’s World and an amazing running community, I have the confidence and self-belief to achieve once-unthinkable goals. Difficult roads can lead to beautiful destinations.
What a wonderfully uplifting letter. Massive congratulations to you, Ruth, on your fantastic marathon achievements. You are a true inspiration.
PARK LIFE
I’ve recently moved from running alone to trying my local parkrun on a Saturday morning. What’s inspired and impressed me is the diversity on show at the event, which regularly attracts more than 200 people. Children as young as five or six, people running with babies in prams, or with their dog on a lead. I’ve seen ladies in wheelchairs and army veterans with prosthetic legs. I’ve seen the athletes looking to do sub-15:00 and I’ve witnessed people encouraging the tail runner to a time of 50 minutes.
But the beauty of running is that the competition is all internal. For someone who has always trained alone, the support is unbelievable. The well-wishers, the motivating volunteers (who are another incredible bunch). There’s no falling out with others, no tribalism and no jealousy. People genuinely look out for each other and are congratulatory, whether you smash your PB or even if you just made it over the line.
I still love my solo runs, but now I look forward to mornings with my new extended family!
Keep enjoying those family outings in the park, Gordon!
WHAT THE HILL?
I was surprised to read your description of
