Been getting my kicks on route 66
Last week I was doing what I love most when not with my family – and that was running in a race. I took on the Pilgrim Challenge, a fabulous event organised by XNRG that I have now taken part in six times since my cancer diagnosis.
As ever, the 66-mile race was full of challenging hills, smiling faces and wonderful support crew, but this time there was no sticky mud we usually face in February.
In total it took me just over 16 hours. You may think that is a long time to be running, but I love the escapism a long challenge gives me: time to think about all the good things in life I must be grateful for – and the things I need to do better.
When I run races like this, its never about how long it takes, its enough just to enjoy being in the now, breathing fresh air and taking in the beauty that we have in the UK on the trails.
However, I was surprised to see my overall time was three hours faster than three years ago. Just goes to show we should not see age as a barrier – I’m celebrating my 58th birthday this month – and instead believe what is possible with training and sensible lifestyle choices.
Surprisingly one of the highlights of these events is sleeping on a school hall floor mid-race. Not because I like a hard cold bed but because that gives all runners a chance to chat, learn and share stories no matter how fast or slow you are.
I met around 50 people I only meet on races and made a few new “running” friends too.
If you want it enough, find a way and start. You may surprise yourself.
Until next week, Kevin.