Untapped (running) potential

This year has really been my year for running. I’ve done countless races – from a mile up to a half marathon – and have enjoyed them all (with the exception of the 7.2 mile Stroud Beer Race!). I’ve taken part in three different race series – the road race and off-road series for the running club and the Gloucestershire AAA road race series – and I’ve won my age category in all of them.

I’ve grown in strength and confidence. I go to a race now feeling positive that I will win my age category. And I usually do. (Only if it’s a 50-54 category. Understandably, it’s more challenging for me if the category is 45-54 as I’m 52 now.) When I work out what time I’ll be home after a race, I always have to allow for the timing of the presentation ceremony. I’ve taken home cash, trophies, chocolate and biscuits for winning my age category this year.

I always knew I was a ‘quite good’ runner. I ran my very first half marathon in 1995 in exactly two hours. Two hours is generally seen as a good place to start as a half marathon runner. For years in my 40s, I hung around the 1:50 mark, which I was very happy with. I achieved that on my own – no coach, no running club, no gym. Just getting out and running. I didn’t even vary my pace on my runs.

Then I joined the running club and pretty soon everything changed, just from one speed endurance training session a week. Suddenly my half marathons were getting below 1:50. Last year, I got below 1:45 for the first time. Now, at 52, I’m hovering ever closer to 1:40.

I’ve also learned to run a fast 10k and a fast mile. Who knew I could achieve those things?

While women who were fast when they were young are feeling sad that they’re getting slower as they get towards their late 40s and into their 50s, I’m in disbelief at what I’ve achieved in my early 50s.

It seems I had lots of untapped running potential just lurking below the surface and waiting to be found. And now I’ve found it. The ability to run fast. The ability to suffer and know it will be OK. The confidence to believe in myself and to walk to the start line knowing I’m already a winner.

I’ve always run, but now I compete. I’ve only been competing for two years. Who knows what I could have achieved if I’d started training with a club and competing in my 20s and 30s? Could I have run 38 minute 10ks and sub 1:30 half marathons? Maybe. Who knows? I’ll never know.

But all I do know is that I’ve tapped into my untapped potential now and I’m making the most of it. It’s never too late to start!