Story by Jamie

 

I’ve always been pretty active, but until a few years ago my focus was always strength work – weight training, callisthenics, and that kind of thing. I’d sometimes run, but not more than 1 or 2km to warm up before lifting weights.

 

In August 2019 one of my best friends committed suicide. It was hard to process and come to terms with what had happened – I found myself running more and more towards the end of the year. That alone time, away from the distractions of everyday life, helped me as I grieved.

 

As we headed into 2020 I set about a challenge to run 60 half marathons in the year to raise funds and awareness for the Campaign Against Living Miserably- something that, at the time, felt like an impossible feat.

 

I set up an Instagram page @jamies.running, to track the journey. 2020 was also the year of the Covid pandemic – gyms closed and with that running soon replaced all of my other activities. I finished the year with 70 half marathons, an ultramarathon, and a new passion.

 

Running has since become a big part of my life – I use it to stay physically and mentally fit, to learn and grow (I listen to audiobooks while I run), and to help me through tough times (like losing my Mum to cancer in 2022).

 

With 3 young children and a busy career, life is hectic – by setting my alarm and hitting the roads whilst the rest of the house is sleeping, I return feel primed and ready to take on whatever the day can throw at me.

 

To be able to move is such a privilege, and I’ll continue to do so as long as I am able. Every run is a journey, and I grow with every step. There is no destination – no goal race or target pace – that I’m striving towards, only to be better (not necessarily physically, but mentally) than I was yesterday.