The journey back to fitness

It’s been a long time coming, but today I finally laced up the running shoes again (Hylo Impact size 11.5 for those who are interested in that type of thing) and took my first proper steps back towards fitness. Not across a desert or over a mountain pass this time. It was just through the familiar streets close to home. And you know what? It felt great.

Since finishing the run across the USA, I’ve really struggled to get my fitness journey going again. Physically, mentally the lot. The pain in my feet has played a huge part in that of course. The body has taken some battering over the years and the motivation has been tough to find. But today felt different. Today was about swallowing a bit of pride, starting small, and getting back to basics.

Armed with the Couch to 5K app, I set off into the autumn air with none other than Jo Whiley in my ear. Now, I listened to Jo plenty of times on Radio 2 while making my way across America, so hearing her voice again brought back all sorts of memories. The highs, the lows, the long stretches of road, and that sense of freedom that only running can bring.

The run itself was a mixture of gentle jogs and walking breaks. It was nothing fancy, just a steady reintroduction to what my legs are supposed to do. Along the way, there were a couple of moments that reminded me why I love this running lark so much.

First, a friendly wave from Kelly, my neighbour, who is a runner herself. She gave me a nod of encouragement as she passed. It might seem a small thing, but those little gestures mean a lot. Even more so when you’re rebuilding from the ground up. Then, in one of those brilliant twists of fate, I crossed paths with my old neighbour Andy. He’s a man who’s been through a tough battle with cancer in recent years. We shared a quick high five and a smile, and I’ll be honest, that gave me a real lift. Seeing him out and about, fighting fit, was as inspiring as it gets. If Run Geordie Run was to be a movie then moments like that would definitely be scripted.

When the session finished, I stood there catching my breath and felt something I haven’t felt for a while fitness wise. Genuine optimism. The road ahead might be long, but it always is. Every big adventure starts with a single step and this one is no different.

So here we go again. The long road to recovery starts here. This time, I’m taking it one run, one breath, one high five at a time.

As ever, my thoughts turn to St. Benedict’s Hospice, whose care and compassion continue to inspire everything I do. Every step, whether it’s across a continent or just around the block, is taken in their honour and in memory of those we’ve loved and lost.

This might just be a short local run for now, but every journey has to start somewhere. Watch this space. The next chapter of Run Geordie Run has begun.