South Ribble Runners

Hello ladies, so you may have seen the campaign 'This Girl Can' I follow this page on numerous social media and find their quotes very inspirational. In October I wrote the following based on my current situation and how I came about running! Whilst writing this post I can tell you that I am now awaiting the op on my foot! So in the words of Arnie 'I will be back!' 

This Girl Can………

So, you may all have seen the Marks & Spencer’s T-shirts with the slogan ‘This Girl can’ on the front. Well I’m here to tell you that this girl can and this girl did and this girl will continue….. As can you!

I started running somewhat 8 years ago, living a few houses down from Alison Evans you didn’t have much of a choice but to get into running! She collard me at a Cancer Research run where I had just completed my very first 5K in 1 hour and 15 minutes. I was 14 stone and thought my legs may fall off at any moment. Alison said ‘You should join our running club!’ I couldn’t speak back I don’t think so I just grinned. That week I had a knock on the door and that was it…… I have never looked back.

I started running each week with the group and started to build a real friendship with the ladies that ran to, we all had our different reasons for taking up running. Within weeks I started to feel like I was Forest Gump! I could take on the world! Hmmmm that wasn’t so when I signed up for my first half marathon – the Great Cumbrian half marathon! It rained and it rained and it was windy, not to mention the hills!! However, even if I was walking at a fast pace but doing the motions of running – I WAS RUNNING THAT 13.2miles!! I did it! I finished! I have got to say it was a very emotional time! The sense of achievement was over whelming!!

So that was it, I was hooked! I started to lose weight and joined a local Weight Watchers club. Time went on and I started to run a few 5K’s 10K’s and put in for the half marathon again in Cumbria. This time I was lighter and much fitter! I completed it and knocked time off my previous year! I was so happy!

2015 has been a struggling time for me as many of you know I’ve had an injured ankle/foot. I don’t want the violins to come out! But I have struggled with my running so much, even the gym has taken a back step with me. With thanks to Alison I completed the Liverpool Rock and Roll half marathon a week after I was taken out of a boot! No training for 6 weeks leading up to it! At some points during the run I thought I may collapse! I was soooooo tired! But Alison kept me going – even if I had to listen to her sing along the way! She even thought I was hallucinating at mile 10 when I said I could see my Dad! Which by the way, he was actually there – she couldn’t see as she didn’t have her glasses on!! Seeing him spurred me on! It was just at the right moment he gave me that push I really needed!! Then seeing Mum at the finish line shouting our names was amazing! I completed it and only added 15 minutes on to my time!

At the beginning of September I was placed back in a boot L I had already signed up for the Joining Jack 10K, I had done this race since it started and was determined I was getting that 3^rd medal! I told Alison of my frustration and said I will walk it with my boot on! She turned to me and said ‘I have an idea – I will push you in my mum’s wheel chair!’ That she did! Not only did she push me – she ran with me sat in the chair!!! A full 6 miles!! I just sat back and relaxed! I even thanked people for saying well done ha ha!! I was even given water along the way – you know it’s very tiring sitting and being pushed! We completed it in 1 hour 25minutes!! Madness!

So, I guess is what I’m trying to say is that we all go through tough times and we all sometimes think we can’t do that – but you know what, with the right friends around you, you can do anything. Joining South Ribble Runners for me has been the best thing I’ve ever done. I have met the most amazing ladies and their amazing families and with them THIS GIRL CAN! I never dreamed I would be sat here having done four half marathons and having signed up for more in 2016 – even the LONDON MARATHON! So for all this I thank you ladies! Here’s to more fun and laughter along the way!

Sarah Wilding