From hating running, to a desert ultramarathon!

Photo credit to Ben Tuffnell / Wadi Rum Ultramarathon – www.wadirumultra.com

A few years ago I didn’t run. I may have even gone so far as to say I hated it and wondered why people ran for fun.

Then I was going through a tough time in my relationship, felt unfit and wanted to do something to get out the house – and running was quick, easy, free and on my doorstep. I don’t know what happened that was different, but running just stuck, it provided a safe haven and some headspace in the following year through a separation and divorce.

I realised I had become one of those people I secretly admired and wanted to be – someone healthy and active. The more I did, the more I wanted to do more, and the better I felt, and I found I wasn’t half bad at it! I kept challenging myself, and this year I completed the Wadi Rum Ultramarathon, a 260km 5-day run through the Jordan desert – something I never thought I would be able to do in a million years. But with hard work, training and perseverance, I did. And boy, did it feel good!