Martin has gone from resenting running to loving it! Read on to find out how…

I have always ran a little over the years, but never really enjoyed it. My wife started running around 20 years ago and sometimes would drag me out and we would run together. I never really enjoyed it or looked forward to it and spent the whole run wishing it was over. I just did it to keep healthy.

Initially, I started running to keep active and healthy. I have pretty much always had a desk job so it was also an excuse to get outdoors, but I also resented the fact that I felt I needed to… if that makes sense. Last year I noticed I was putting on some weight and was lacking energy, so I decided to do something about it!

Even though my wife runs the Jog Derbyshire Chesterfield group, I only really started running with them regularly a couple of years ago. I was always invited to join them on the evening run, but it would spoil my whole day thinking I had to go running after work, I just didn’t really enjoy it. Then since running with them more regularly, I’ve started to enjoy running a lot more and have been out with the group most weeks.

A year or so ago, I noticed I was just eating all the time and if I wasn’t eating I would still have cravings for sweet things. I realized this was unsustainable and I had to do something drastic, so I went on a crash diet and started running more. The main goal was to get to my ideal weight for height (losing nearly 3 stone) and MAKE myself like running.

Having lost the weight, the running has become a lot easier and more enjoyable. I can do longer distances and run quicker without aching for days afterwards. Most runs I do now, the ‘runners high’ kicks in around 3-4 miles, I then feel like I could run all day.

Jog Derbyshire Chesterfield is more than just a group of runners, I have made friends with members of the group and got to know them a lot better. I now ENJOY the weekly catch ups, news on their latest runs or talking about the next race people are entering. Due to working behind a desk all day, I think the exercise and social aspects of running with other people are really good for both my physical and mental well-being. It’s also something me and my wife can do together! I particularly enjoy the trail runs on a Sunday in the Peak District – the views alone are worth it.

Due to all the weight I have lost and getting a lot fitter last year, this has totally changed my attitude towards running. I’ve gone from resenting it, to LOVING it and getting a little addicted to it! I’ve made friends with people in the group and now enter a lot more races, my favorite being the Two Valleys run around the hills of Keswick in the Lake District. I’m quite competitive with myself and have set some quite challenging goals to run faster, longer and to do an ultra next year.

The incentive now is to keep the weight off, as I’ve noticed I have more energy through the day and that helps with my work and gives me an excuse to get outdoors more. In previous years, I’ve ran a lot less in the winter months when it’s cold and dark, I’m hoping that I can keep up the training this year.