So I entered the London marathon in the summer of 2022 as a dare in a WhatsApp group - I’d never run a marathon before.
It’s the first marathon I’ve ever entered!
In October 2022 I got an email to say “You’re in”… my initial thoughts were “Oh xxxx!”
So I had to get training and had just under 6 months - till marathon day 22nd April 2023!
My first few runs I managed 15 mins and then did a run walk run for 30 mins…. Eventually getting to 30 mins non stop.
I increased the time gradually not really worrying about distance. I stumbled upon Facebook groups and made friends via Instagram which gave me a loose training programme as did the London marathon guide.
Soon I got to 90 mins and then I closed in on 10 miles in distance. On New Year’s Day I set myself a target to try and run a half marathon which I just about managed.
I then found some interval runs via the Nike run app… which lasted 30 mins and started them too.
I became friends with other runners and arranged long runs with them to help push me along.
Soon I got to 16 miles and then to 20 miles. Relaxed for the final couple of weeks just keeping it ticking along.
Marathon day itself was one of the most inspiring events I’ve ever been involved in. I just loved every second of it!
After running London, I didn’t realise but I had inadvertently inspired others to run too!
I recovered well and then in the summer after I got the chance to run New York marathon through a charity called Get Kids Going. I trained for this too but my lead up to the run wasn’t as good (I walked 20,000 steps the 2 days before the run)… and felt fatigued at the start line! This was November 2023.
It was still a memorable run!
After this, I signed up to run Paris in April 2024… but had a bone operation on my right foot in December… I hadn’t realised but was running with a bone spur which tightened my Achilles. Thankfully the operation was smooth and successful.
I got running again in Feb and was somewhat ready for Paris in April. This was wonderful too.
So I’ve ended up running 3 marathons within 12 months… including a foot operation. Having never run a marathon distance before.
I turn 50 in August and found that Berlin marathon is 50 this year too so again managed to get a place thru Get Kids Going!
Running helps with mental health - you can pound out your frustrations on the pavement. It gives me time to myself. I can listen to music or podcasts or radio depending what’s going on. It keeps me fit and others are inspired along the way. There is also something about the extreme moments when you have to dig deep that brings out the best in me.
I’m a die hard Liverpool FC fan and our legendary manager (who has now left the club) told us to change from doubter to believer. I’ve used this to run… I always believe I can do it. It’s so much in the head. It’s also better to believe than not. I’ve also learned the journey, the fun and memories along the way are sometimes better than the result - and I’ve taken this into marathons.
I’ve seen the Thersipo bands and medals for quite some time and wasn’t sure whether I needed them… but am glad that I got them. They sit proudly on my watch strap and I look at them every day.
They remind me to believe, inspire, make memories and search the depths of my spirit.
Wearing them on my wrist probably does more for me than I know.
I will be getting more!
Aynit Shah
