2024: A Year of Running and Heartbreak

Last year I didn't have a chance to do much writing after each of my races. I'm still struggling to balance work and running but I always find a way of running before work, especially in the summer.

Last year around January I did a half marathon and a few 10k's.

February - Pendle Way in a Day (30 miles), which I always enjoy doing believe me or not. This is the only ultra that I don't feel scared because it's in Lancashire.

March - Rome Marathon which for me was a totally awesome experience. It wasn't a bad race and for me, I did well considering it was a pretty hot day. That was also the first time that I suffered cramping.

April - Two marathons; Manchester Marathon which wasn't bad either. Happy with the results because still under 4 hours. A week after I did the London marathon it wasn't a bad result either still under 4 hours which I'm happy about.

May - My best 5k that year 22 minutes 49 seconds or something considering I wasn't well. All I did was spit, blow my nose and cough to the finish line.

I ran the Leeds Marathon and I did well too still under 4 hours. I'm not doing it this year because I'm doing 'The Lap' (47 miles) instead.

A week after I ran the Manchester Great Run half marathon and then ran the 10k just an hour in between. I know it's bonkers that's all I know about why I did it.

June - Just few days after my birthday I did the Endurance run 'do as much as you can'. I managed 60 miles that was my best but I'll take that.

July, August and September I can't remember whether I did any race at all.

October - The Chester Marathon and for me I did well too still under 4 hours. A week later, I ran The Yorkshire Marathon (my 3rd time in Yorkshire). I shouldn't have run it, that was a few days after my beloved Shadow passed away.

I was brokenhearted and I was just broken all in all. Got to 8 miles and my body just gave up. I didn't have any choice but to continue. Tears streamed down my cheeks as well as getting soaked with rain and I couldn't care less.

That was my hardest marathon and my slowest 4 hours and 3 seconds I think. That time I felt I lost the will to live not because of the marathon but because of Shadow.

Part of me died when he died, the pain of losing him was unbearable. If I could offer my life for him I would have gladly done it without any hesitation. I love him that much. He saved me in so many ways.

I don't think I had any race after the Yorkshire marathon. I lost interest in running, it reminded me of Shadow so much. Behind the smile and laughter I'm still grieving for Shadow, it's nearly a year that he's gone and I don't dare to throw or give away his stuff.

I think that's all for now... it's been a week since the London marathon and the love of running is slowly creeping back again.

Just want to say thank you all for your support and kindness.