I had been a keen ‘lone’ runner for around five years pre-COVID, starting from never having run before to doing two half marathons. I started running as I found that it helped my mental health as I have experienced depression on and off for several years.
In February 2021 I underwent major abdominal surgery and then almost exactly a year later fractured my ankle. The ankle fracture came eight months before I was due to run what was my first marathon and also the first ‘proper’ London Marathon since lockdown (October 2022)
Due to the medical issues and COVID lockdown, I felt that I had become a bit of ‘plodder’ had also lost a bit of confidence with my running. I had lost a lot of my fitness but was adamant that I was going to run the London Marathon as it is something I have always wanted to do since I started running.
After rehab on my ankle I joined Abbey’s running group and it has transformed my attitude to running and massively improved my ability.
The plan I have is specific to my running goals and ability but always makes me push myself that bit more so that I can improve. Abbey is a fantastic coach and really motivational both with the running group and also her own running achievements that inspire us all to do better.
I completed the London Marathon in October 2022 and wouldn’t have got there without the hard work but also amazing support from Abbey.
The running group is really friendly and it doesn’t matter if you can’t run as fast as the others as there is always someone there to encourage you to keep going. I would encourage anyone to come along and see what it is like!
Run 4 U and Perform 