Why I Still Believe My Best Running Isn't Behind Me

When I started running in my late 30s, I had no idea it would become such an important part of my life. Over the last 15 years, I've completed everything from 5Ks to marathons, although the half marathon has always been my favourite distance.

Like many runners, I've had periods where everything seemed to click and others where progress felt frustratingly slow. In 2019, I set my half marathon personal best and, if I'm honest, I assumed my fastest days were probably behind me.

The years that followed seemed to confirm that belief. My race times gradually got slower, recovery took a little longer, and I began to accept that ageing was simply part of the equation.

Then came 2026.

Earlier this year, I ran my quickest half marathon in years. It wasn't a lifetime PB, but it was a result that genuinely surprised me and forced me to rethink what I believed was possible as a runner in my 50s.

The biggest lesson wasn't about pace or finishing times. It was that progress doesn't always follow a straight line.

As runners, we often compare ourselves to our younger selves. We look back at old PBs and wonder if we'll ever get close to them again. But perhaps the more important question is whether we're making the most of where we are right now.

I've learned that consistency matters more than perfection. Smart training beats trying to prove something every time you lace up your shoes. Recovery, strength work, sleep and listening to your body become increasingly important as the years go by.

Most importantly, I've learned that age doesn't automatically define your limits.

No, I'm not expecting to suddenly start setting personal bests across every distance. That's not really the point anymore. What excites me is discovering what's still possible. How fit can I become? How strong can I be? How much can I improve with the experience and knowledge I've gained over the years?

Those are the questions that motivate me today.

This website is where I'll be sharing that journey—the successes, the disappointments, the lessons I've learned, the routes I enjoy running, and the training methods and gear that work for me.

If you're a runner in your 40s, 50s, 60s or beyond, I hope some of my experiences resonate with you. And if you're just starting out, I hope this serves as a reminder that running isn't just about chasing times. It's about enjoying the process, challenging yourself and discovering what you're capable of.

My quickest half marathon in years didn't give me all the answers.

But it reminded me that there are still plenty of questions worth exploring.