Story by Ade
Running for me, started as a way to stay fit while playing football, but over time, it became much more than that. It turned into a personal challenge, a way to push my limits, and ultimately it became a form of self-discovery. It’s a constant in my life, something I can always turn to, whether I’m chasing a goal or just looking for clarity.
Running represents resilience, discipline, and freedom, it’s a space where I can test myself, both physically and mentally, without limits.
The joy comes from the simplicity and the sense of accomplishment it brings. Finishing a tough session, setting a new personal best, or just the feeling of my body moving in rhythm, there’s a satisfaction in knowing that every step is progress. It’s priceless.
Running solo miles where it’s just me, my thoughts, and the open road. And then there’s that race day atmosphere, the camaraderie, and the adrenaline rush that make it truly special.
Running is raw. It doesn’t hide weaknesses, it exposes them. Some days it feels effortless, like you’re flying.
Other days, every step is a battle. But that’s what makes it beautiful, the unpredictability, the mental battles, and the breakthroughs that come when you push past discomfort. Running teaches patience, resilience, and the ability to embrace struggle as part of growth. It’s tough, but that’s exactly why the victories, whether big or small feel so rewarding.
People in running are incredibly important. It’s all about the people around you! Training partners, fellow racers, or supporters make a huge difference. The running community is inspiring, everyone is on their own journey, but there’s a shared understanding of the highs and lows.
I’m currently training for the London marathon 2025, every Saturday morning for the last 15 weeks we’ve completed long runs, 21km minimum – every single member has pushed me to be better. My own journey started solo, but the connections you make through it are invaluable.
The people in my running journey are everything. Running might seem like an individual sport, but the reality is that the people you surround yourself with can take you further than you ever thought possible. As a coach in Runnpac run club, I see firsthand how powerful that community can be.
Helping others push past their limits, seeing someone hit a PB or complete a run they never thought possible, it’s incredibly inspiring. What’s even more motivating is that the inspiration goes both ways. Watching others chase their goals, whether it’s a younger runner smashing a marathon PB or a complete beginner breaking mental barriers, pushes me to be better, too.
Being part of a great team and training alongside people who share the same mindset, some even further ahead in their journey, challenges me to keep growing, both as a coach and as a runner. It’s a cycle of motivation, and that’s one of the things I treasure most.