20th Anniversary Blog – Julie

I started my running journey in 2005, not with HPH but this is where I started. For some
crazy, unfathomable reason, I thought it would be good idea to start my 40’s by running
London marathon. Which shocked the hell out of me – I spent the previous 40 years
avoiding running. At school cross country, Kay and I used to go across the middle school
playground to my house and wait for the other kids to come past and join at the back.

I got a charity place for London through Slimming World and joined another local club, who
at the time were just what I needed and supported me to complete my 1 st marathon. Fast
forward almost 6 years, my personal situation changed and I had another London marathon
place for 2012. Injury and other circumstances meant I was unhappy & disenchanted with
running. Kay suggested I come join her for Sunday runs with her club. Sunday Rundays
made runs fun and social and had a massive impact on my life. Surprisingly, not long after
this I joined HPH. A decision I have never regretted, although there have been a few runs
that weren’t as fun – Bluebell Trail and TNT, say no more.

It has been 15 years of so many happy memories, social runs, races both here and abroad,
parkrun, triathlons, supporting duties, volunteering and being involved with organising
events.

I got myself a husband, strengthened existing friendships & made new friends. There are
those people who aren’t with us & those who no longer run with us. They have all made my running life all the richer and more enjoyable.

Here is to many more years of fun, friendships and running.