RUNNING INTO A NEW FUTURE

Her life had changed and Ayshea felt somewhat adrift, but overcoming her doubts could fill that missing gap…

Life seemed a little empty for Ayshea. After a busy professional life, early retirement had given her the opportunity to move house and leave the past behind to make a fresh start after the divorce she hadn’t seen coming.

Her new home was perfect for one person and easy to maintain, but most of her neighbours were young and worked during the day. Ayshea, acutely aware that hobbies hadn’t really been on the agenda while working full-time, was wondering how to go about occupying her days.

Next door lived Kate, with her two daughters, Charlotte and Olivia. Rain or shine, most Saturday mornings the family were up and about and left the house at 8.30am wearing trainers, returning a couple of hours later, skin glowing and invigorated.

One Saturday, there was a touch of spring in the air and Ayshea was pottering at the front of her house, trying to decide how to improve the garden, when Kate and the girls returned home from their usual Saturday excursion.

‘Ayshea,’ they squealed. ‘We’ve just done a PB with Mummy.’ ‘Tell me more; what is a PB?’ asked Ayshea.

Kate explained that they had just taken part in a community run in the nearby park and had run their fastest-ever time.

‘You should come and try it,’ she said.

‘Goodness me, I haven’t run since school, and that was 40 years ago!’ exclaimed Ayshea.

‘You don’t need to worry about that; I’ve seen you out walking and you look fine. You can walk at the back with a volunteer.’ ‘I don’t have any trainers.’

‘No problem, your walking shoes will be fine,’ replied Kate. ‘You don’t even need to complete the course if you don’t want to.’

Running out of excuses, Ayshea smiled, wished them all a good weekend and went indoors.

Despite the excuses, she was intrigued and logged on to her laptop to do a bit of research. She discovered that there were these kind of community runs all around the world. It seemed that everyone was welcome, whatever their fitness levels, and you could even just watch if you wanted!

Still not convinced this was really her thing, she turned off her computer, but was left with niggling doubts for the rest of the week. She wondered why she was being so negative; leaving work had knocked her confidence.

Determined to overcome the negativity and despite her misgivings, the following Saturday, feeling brave, Ayshea knocked on Kate’s door.

‘I’d like to come along,’ she said. ‘Just to observe…’

The sun was out, with a slight chill in the air. The park was alive with people, some serious-looking runners wearing vests and shorts were warming up on the paths, and other people (all ages, Ayshea noted) stood at the start line chatting to one another. Others, wearing fluorescent vests labelled ‘Volunteer’ over their coats, were milling around. Kate pointed out the finish

line and suggested that Ayshea waited for the family there.

After a debrief, a whistle blew and a couple of hundred people set off down the path into the woodlands. Young athletic runners took the lead, speeding away; children bounced along; one man was pushing a pram, while others jogged and chatted, cheered on by enthusiastic volunteers and spectators. The rear of the field was brought up by a few groups of joggers and walkers.

Caught up in the atmosphere, Ayshea was soon cheering on the runners as they crossed the line. Some sprinted, others finished in a more sedate fashion, but all were elated with their achievements. Any misconceptions she had about the event not being for people like her went out of the window. After Kate and the girls had finished, they waited for the last few participants and Kate introduced Ayshea to a cheery-looking lady.

‘This is Louise. She’ll be with the walkers at the back next week.’

‘Why don’t you come along again?’ said Louise. ‘You won’t get left behind – it doesn’t matter how long we’re out.’

The following Saturday soon rolled round and, feeling outside her comfort zone, Ayshea arrived at the park and anxiously looked around. Thankfully, Louise spotted her.

After a round of applause for the volunteers, Louise and Ayshea stayed at the back of the field and, after several minutes, found a mutual pace as they followed the course into a woodland area. ‘Watch out for tree roots,’ Louise warned.

After a short climb and feeling relaxed, Ayshea chatted to Louise, finding things in common. The conversation flowed.

Five kilometres later, Louise had invited her to come along to a weekly walking group and explained how Ayshea could offer her services as a volunteer on the runs.

The finish line approached. Elated and feeling rejuvenated, Ayshea crossed the line with a huge smile on her face. Somehow life felt that bit less empty now.