No Limits

This is Debbie's story of her journey into running, a friend and client - this lady is a true inspiration, her story is real positive proof of what hard work & a "can do" attitude will deliver.

“I love running. I was a late starter to the sport and I didn’t take it up until I was in my late 40s about 10 years ago. I have always done some kind of exercise but this was normally gym based. Initially I just wanted to get a bit fitter, get out in the fresh air and meet people outside of work as I had just moved to Milton Keynes. Running has brought me this and more. I started entering 10k races to give myself something to train for, then I stepped up to half marathons and then marathons. I really enjoyed running longer distances and in particular trail marathons starting with the Pilgrim Challenge, across the North Downs. Accepting the fact that I was never really going to get any faster I wanted a new challenge and I was drawn to running longer distances entering my first Ultramarathon in 2014. Since then the rest, as they say, is history and I have run a further 42 marathons and ultramarathons.”

“Having an inspiring and supportive PT (Sheila Rose) has really helped develop my own running and built my confidence. What I have learnt is that there is so much more to running than running! It is also about making sure that your body is in the best possible state to continue to run and recover well, particularly as I get older. Therefore, I cross train regularly and try and pay attention to what I eat and drink most of the time but I am still partial to the odd glass or wine or two! I also have regular sports massages. Although now in my mid 50s so far in 2017 I have completed 23 marathons including, Quadzilla and the Great Barrow Challenge 10 in 10, The Ridgeway Challenge and the West Country Ultra, my first 100 mile race. I am pleased to say that I completed my most recent marathon in my second fastest time in the last 8 years and it was a great way to round off this year’s challenges.”

“What I love most about running ultra distances and multi day events is that it is so much more than running as fast as you can from A to B. Quite simply it is not about speed, especially if like me you are in the back part of the field. It’s about the technicalities, how I manage my nutrition and hydration, trying to ensure I am following the correct route in the dark, or in the early hours of the morning when the brain is scramble and feeling knackered. It’s also the camaraderie of other runners at all levels, the banter and support from the volunteers at the check points, enjoying the scenery come rain, hail or shine. Basically, getting out there and doing what I love.”

“So, despite the fact that I now regularly ‘enjoy my own personal summer’, along with the fact that this grey haired old lady has moved into our house and stares back at me whenever I walk past a mirror, I can say that I have completed probably the most productive and one of the most enjoyable years of running. I remain injury free (touch wood). In addition, judging from the results of a recent NHS Health Check at the GP my weight, cholesterol and BMI are all in satisfactory order. I would say that the main reason for this is running and everything linked to it.”

“So here is to more of the same in 2018 and hopefully I can keep running for long enough to one day get a top three place in my age group …. maybe at 90!”