My running journey began in 2013 when I was looking for a way to clear my head, support my mental health, and escape the noise of everyday life. What started as an outlet quickly became part of who I am.

I’m not the fastest runner, and I’m not the slowest. I don’t run to compete with others — I run to challenge myself. For me, every run has a purpose, no matter the distance. Sometimes the biggest achievement is simply getting out the door and putting one foot in front of the other.

Running has taught me resilience, discipline, and perspective. This journey isn't about perfection or pace—it's about progress, consistency, and continuing to discover what's still possible. Every run is another opportunity to learn, improve, and appreciate where the journey is taking me.

The Journey So Far

🏃 2013 - The Beginning

My running journey began in 2013 during one of the most important periods of my life. My wife and I were beginning our IVF journey, and I knew I needed to make some positive changes. I gave up smoking, wanted to improve my fitness, and was looking for a way to clear my head, support my mental health, and escape the pressures of everyday life.

Running seemed like the perfect choice. It was accessible, I could take my running kit anywhere, and I thought it would be a relatively inexpensive hobby... how wrong I was!

Like many new runners, I started with a Couch to 5K programme. Those first few runs were anything but enjoyable. I struggled for breath, my legs felt heavy, and I kept asking myself the same question:

"I hated running at school... so what am I doing?"

Then came the moment that changed everything.

One day, on a treadmill, I completed my first mile without stopping. It might not sound like much now, but at the time it felt like a huge achievement. I remember stepping off the treadmill thinking:

"I actually did it... how?"

That single mile changed my mindset. Instead of wondering whether I could run, I found myself asking a different question:

"If I can do this... what else am I capable of?"

Looking back now, I realise that was the moment I started discovering what was possible—and it's a journey that continues to this day.

🏅 Finding My First Finish Line 

After starting the Couch to 5K programme, I needed something to keep me motivated. Having a race in the diary gave me a goal to work towards and a reason to keep going when the training became difficult.

So, later in 2013, I entered my first organised event — the MoRun 5K at Wollaton Park in Nottingham.

Standing on the start line was unlike anything I'd experienced before. I was nervous, excited, and honestly had no idea if I'd even make it to the finish. As everyone took part in the mass warm-up, I looked around at the hundreds of runners surrounding me and remember thinking, "This is awesome."

When the race started, I made the classic beginner's mistake — I went off far quicker than I'd planned. Less than halfway through, reality hit and I remember thinking, "I'm going to blow!" After taking a few deep breaths and settling myself down, I found my rhythm again. Looking back now, it makes me laugh... although it definitely wasn't funny at the time!

One thing was certain—I wasn't going to stop. My wife and her parents were there supporting me, and knowing they were waiting for me gave me that extra determination to keep going and reach the finish line.

Crossing that finish line was a moment I'll never forget. It was a mixture of joy, relief and emotion, and the atmosphere was electric. At that point I wasn't thinking about another race or setting new goals—I was simply taking in what I'd achieved.

That came a little later...

Sitting with a coffee and a bacon cob afterwards, wearing my very first race medal, another thought began to creep into my mind:

"I wonder what else I could do?"

That medal still hangs proudly in a frame today, reminding me where the journey really began.

🏅 Taking on the Half Marathon

By 2014, running had become part of my life. After completing my first 5K, I found myself wondering what challenge should come next. The obvious answer was the Robin Hood Half Marathon in Nottingham.

People often ask why I decided to run 13.1 miles. The honest answer is... I don't really know. I was hooked on running, and I knew that if I didn't give it a go, I'd probably regret it a few years later. More than anything, I wanted to discover what my body was capable of.

Training wasn't always enjoyable. In those early years, I dreaded the longer runs. They often felt like they got in the way of life, and there were plenty of moments when I questioned whether I could really complete a half marathon. Unlike today, there wasn't the wealth of online advice, training plans and running communities that now exist. You simply got on with it and hoped you were doing enough.

One thing I was always clear about was keeping running in perspective. Family, work and life would always come first. I'm not a professional athlete, and I never wanted running to become something that controlled my life. Instead, I learned to make training fit around life—not the other way around.

Race morning brought all the same emotions as my first 5K, only magnified. I was nervous, excited and wondering if I'd taken on more than I could handle. At the same time, I knew I'd put the work in, and that gave me confidence.

The atmosphere that day was unforgettable. Bigger crowds, live music and seeing my family cheering me on at different points around the course made every mile special. The weather couldn't have been better, and as I turned into the finish straight, I gave everything I had left, running hard over the final 100 metres.

Crossing the finish line was an incredible feeling. Nothing will ever quite compare to your very first race finish, but completing my first half marathon brought a different kind of satisfaction. I was exhausted, proud and, to top it all off, I'd achieved the goal I'd quietly set myself before the race—finishing in 1 hour and 59 minutes, breaking the two-hour barrier.

Over the years, the half marathon has become my favourite distance. The training fits around everyday life, the recovery is quicker than a marathon, and it's a distance that continues to challenge me while remaining enjoyable. For me, it's the perfect balance—and one I'll always keep coming back to.

🌍 More Than Just a Race

As the years passed, I realised I wasn't just enjoying running—I was enjoying everything that came with race day.

Having an event to train for gave me purpose. It kept me consistent, motivated me to get out the door on the days I didn't really feel like running, and gave me something to look forward to. For me, there's no better way to push yourself than standing on a start line, surrounded by hundreds or even thousands of other runners, all sharing the same goal.

The first race that truly opened my eyes to what running events could be was the Great North Run in 2016.

Nothing had prepared me for it.

The atmosphere, the crowds, the music and the encouragement from complete strangers made it unlike anything I'd ever experienced. It wasn't just a race—it was an occasion. From that moment on, I understood why so many runners return year after year.

This year will be my 10th Great North Run, and it still gives me that same feeling every time I stand on the start line. For me, no other event quite matches its atmosphere, although the London Landmarks Half Marathon comes incredibly close.

Of course, not every race has gone perfectly. I've started too fast, blown up during events and learned plenty of lessons along the way. Looking back now, those moments make me smile just as much as the personal successes. They've all become part of the journey.

For me, running events have never been just about chasing a finish time. They're about the atmosphere, the people, the shared experience and discovering what I'm still capable of every time I pin on a race number.

🚀 Today - Still Discovering What's Still Possible

More than fifteen years after I first laced up a pair of running shoes, the reasons I run are still much the same as they were back in 2013. Running continues to clear my head, support my mental wellbeing and give me a way to step away from the pressures of everyday life.

What has changed is my mindset.

In my early years, I was motivated by firsts—my first mile, my first race, my first half marathon and chasing personal bests. Today, those things matter far less. My focus is simply on staying consistent, enjoying the journey and becoming the best version of myself that I can be.

Success isn't measured by a finish time anymore. It's measured by lacing up my trainers, getting out of the door and enjoying the run. Some days that means pushing myself in a race, while other days it's simply appreciating the opportunity to be outside and moving.

I still love the atmosphere of a well-organised running event. The excitement on the start line, the encouragement from spectators and the sense of achievement at the finish never gets old. Those experiences continue to inspire me, even if I'm no longer chasing the clock.

Running has also taught me that not everything goes to plan. You can train perfectly and still have a difficult race. That's why I've learned to always have a plan, a backup plan, and even a backup plan for the backup plan. Sometimes the greatest achievement isn't the finish time—it's adapting, keeping going and finding a way to the finish.

Looking ahead, my goals are simple. I want to enjoy life, stay healthy, create more great memories and continue sharing this journey with others. Most of all, I want to keep discovering what's still possible.

If someone asked me today why I run, my answer would be simple:

I run because every mile reminds me that there's always more to discover—not just about running, but about myself.

Looking Ahead

I don't know where running will take me next, but I know the journey isn't over. There are still new races to experience, new challenges to embrace and plenty more miles to enjoy.