HIT THE GROUND RUNNING
Johanna Courtney, 46, thought that she’d hung up her running trainers for good, until she found her Fordy Family…
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Running at the back of the pack, I was not a speed queen. Taking my first steps into running 14 years ago, I wasn’t confident, so I tried joining a couple of clubs in London.
However, after being made to feel like I was inadequate, even after ‘running’ a half marathon, I hung my trainers up.
Running wasn’t for me.
Only in 2017, after years of unsuccessful fertility treatment and having suffered multiple miscarriages, I discovered that I wasn’t able to carry a baby to full term.
My therapist suggested that I take up running to channel my complex emotions and grief.
So I booked my place in the 2018 Brighton Marathon.
With nine months to train, I was turning 40, too, so completing a marathon was going to be ‘my baby’.
I still didn’t have the guts to try another running club and I only intended to run one marathon.
Even though it was one of the hardest things I had ever done, it was
up there with one of the best days of my life. I channelled all of my grief and did something positive.
Only, despite what I said, fast forward to a year – after booking my spot for the 2019 Brighton Marathon, I discovered Fordy Runs Running Club. Unlike before, everything changed. And I quickly realised something else – Fordy Runs was so much more than just a running club.
With the club 100% online to start with, the community was a lifesaver.
Setting virtual challenges such as doing a run, eating a doughnut and getting a medal for your efforts, we were a group of normal human beings.
After Covid, satellite groups started springing up – all run by volunteers in the Fordy Runs community for free.
The idea is that we meet weekly and run a 5k together.
We go away together a few times a year, too, just for the day.
There is a genuine community filled with love and support.
Not only that but, our Facebook group chat is a place where conversations extend beyond running.
If you are similar to me, then join the Fordy Runs community.
We are the largest running club in the UK and you don’t have to be an affiliated member to join.
After hanging my trainers up, I never thought I’d run again.
Only now I am running – but more importantly, my Fordy Family gave me the purpose I was craving.
I feel like I belong.