Liz ware

Why i run

How did you get into running?

I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2014. I had a BMI of 53 at the time. Over the years, I had gained so much weight and didn’t do any exercise at all, although I was very active in everyday life. At school, I was always the kid not picked for team sports and used to write fake notes from my parents saying I could not do PE, because it was so humiliating. When laying on the sofa, post chemo sessions, I decided I needed to change my life, and in 2018, I started Couch to 5K. I hated the running but loved the euphoria after, and the satisfaction that I actually completed it! My BMI then was 40 and remains that still.

What do you remember about your first race?

I signed up for a 5K RunThrough event at the Olympic Park. I purposely signed up for the Race to the Moon, so it was dark and no one would notice me, or so I thought. I remember runners encouraging me running around. I am a slow runner and at first, I felt so embarrassed to call myself a runner, more of a fast walker. But then I settled into my groove, decided to stay in my own lane and run my own race in my own way.

What are you most proud of?

I trained for the virtual London Marathon. I had a charity place for Aching Arms, a baby loss charity that I work with. The training was hard, my longest run was only around 12 miles because I had knee issues and I felt weak. I worked on strengthening in the gym but my joints were so stiff and after running I spent days hobbling. However, I carried on. On marathon day, I had my son by my side. I only managed a half marathon; my knee gave way at mile 12 and I dragged it to the halfway point. I kept saying sorry to all my sponsors and my family and friends. Then it hit me, I had run a half marathon! That for me was insane, seemingly impossible when having my cancer treatment, and when thinking back to the girl that had never taken part in anything physical.

Where’s your favourite place to