LARK Running UK

So I did it. I completed my first marathon and enjoyed almost every minute of it.

Now this is a topic everyone wants the answer to, but is rife with opinions and subjective thoughts that there will likely never be a definitive answer. So why should I weigh in and give my opinion; because over the last 10 years I have learnt a lot through my running. Most of it via trial and error (predominantly error), but people say we learn more from our mistakes than our successes.

So in 2022, I am taking the plunge and running my first ever Marathon. I selected Chester Marathon, as it was my local Marathon (and therefore very convenient to get to and from), and I had just finished running the Metric Marathon (26.2 km event rather than 26.2 miles) which is held on the same day as the Marathon in October 2021. I had thoroughly enjoyed the Metric event and the atmosphere of the day, so not long after finishing I entered the Marathon for the year after, determined to be even fitter and not only finish the Marathon in 2022, but finish it well!

It all started in 2013. I had never been a particularly keen runner, or a particularly good runner, but in 2013 I started my running journey by going to a local Parkrun. I had recently started a new job and decided running was a quick an efficient way to get fitter alongside my gym work. I hadn't really dabbled in running previously, having always focussed more on team sports (Football, Rugby, American Football) and gym based fitness. But at this moment in my life, it seemed to most efficient and effective way of getting fitter again. I could do it whenever. I could do it wherever. It didn't need loads of equipment. Running suddenly seemed very appealing.