Testimonials

I initially started my running journey 13th December 2020. 3 stone overweight and exercise shy, it was time to step stop making excuses and step outside of my comfort zone. Couch to 5K was my starting point, little did I know then what I would learn about myself. Here started the journey from non-runner to believer.

Getting to 5K was the challenge, and I had no thoughts or intentions about what would happen beyond that. Before long I was clocking up the miles, the weight dropping off and my love for running becoming a real thing. Tatton Park saw my first race entry, running the 10K. Hooked!

By the summer 2021, I had joined Cheshire Dragons and that is where the real learning and growth started to take off. I was very nervous turning up for my first session, not knowing what to expect. What was evident from the outset was how friendly and welcoming everyone was.

Since joining the club, I have learnt so much about running. The coaching and support have been absolutely fantastic and pivotal in my development. The variety of sessions week on week ensures that you don’t get bored whilst also helping to prepare you for all aspects of racing. As for the bonds and friendships you make, well that’s an added bonus!

Back to the journey. Since joining the club, I have now run so many different types of races. 5k,10K, half marathon, relays, cross country. However, my proudest achievement of all was completing my first marathon in 2023. Never ever did I envisage that when starting my running journey at the age of 50 that I would end up doing a marathon. Correction… two marathons! Manchester in the Spring was followed by York in the Autumn, finishing in 3 hrs 28 and 3 hrs 27, respectively. Being a Dragon has played a huge part in my achievements. There is no better place to be!

Joining the Dragons in October 2023, I really started to enjoy training alongside a great group of people, especially after running alone for so long. This gave me the confidence, accountability and motivation to then look at improving my times further.

To date, I am at 2:42 for the Marathon and now chasing a sub 2:40 which would have been a dream when I first started.

I have achieved PBs in every distance so far with the dragons but also had a great time as well as entering some fantastic races. The Welsh Castles that I have entered with the team is among my favourite sporting moments across all my experiences.