23 Hours of Running
When reflecting on my reasons to be cheerful, my mind instantly landed on running. It has really brought me a sense of gratitude during these strange times. Running has always been there for me during times of uncertainty and it always will be. You can run anywhere, at any time. Anyone can. Even if you think you can’t. Without a doubt there is no better way to explore the world than when connecting with the earth one stride at a time, often without any perception of where you’re going. Running gives me a reason to be cheerful.
I have a lot to thank running for. It is the most simple, yet powerful thing. Just two feet, hitting the floor one after the other. You don’t need any equipment, our bodies are the only thing we need to run. You can do it with your eyes closed (though I wouldn’t advise that!). It is what makes me feel alive. What makes me feel more present than ever, yet detached from the craziness of life at the same time. I have learnt how to practice mindfulness through running, the power to channel my thoughts or simply switch off. There is never a time where my brain thinks more logically and sensibly, enabling me to compartmentalise what is going on in my head. And at the same time, running fuels my imagination. I have had my most creative and adventurous ideas whilst running. It brings out the optimist within me. I have ultra running particularly to thank for the endless list of lessons which have reflected into my day to day life. Heres what I’ve learnt so far. Pain is just a temporary sensory, it goes away. Things get harder, they also get easier. What you think is impossible nearly always proves to be possible. You can train the mind to push through, but you have to believe you can do it.
I have had the honour of learning some beautiful things from other people whilst running, as well as revealing my own rawness and vulnerabilities. What is really special is that there is something about running that enables people to open up with each other. Generally people are in a relaxed state of mind, being side by side creates a powerful therapeutic union and every stride you take together. You’re on the journey together. You are competing against each other, yet you’re all on the same team.
My journey as a runner only started a few years ago. As an ultra marathon runner himself, my Dad got me into running when I was 17. It initially started as our way to spend quality time together, exploring the trails and chatting about everything under the sun. On my 18th Birthday, he surprised me by booking my first marathon - something that I would never have had the courage to do myself. On my 21st birthday he announced he had booked my first ultra - 48 miles around Snowdonia. It was tough. So tough in fact, I swore I would never do one again. How wrong was I? As soon as the aches and pains of the first race were gone I was searching for more ultra marathons to run! For my 23rd birthday my Dad signed me up for a 100 mile race, the Centurion North Downs Way and my furthest ever run - it seemed bonkers that anyone would be able to run that far. By this time though I had more experience behind me and I was completely head over heels in love with running. It was an amazing adventure. When people asked 'what did you think about during 23 hours of running?' My answer: ‘everything and nothing at the same time’. The feeling of completing a run like that is incredible, and completely indescribable. And I had my Dad to thank for it all.
I would never have had the confidence to do the things I have if it wasn’t for my Dads belief in me and giving me that extra push. Sharing our love of running and being able to race together is such a beautiful thing. After finishing university I moved to London, where most of my runs were through the bustling city, alone with my headphones in, rather than chatting with my Dad. But since lockdown I was able to move back in with my family. Which has meant an abundance of runs with my Dad and the dogs - which has given us both a reason to be cheerful during these times of uncertainty. In running together again, I have realised that I never really was running on my own. My Dad may not be there physically for every run, but he’s always running alongside me really. Giving me the motivation to continue to place one foot in front of the other, always when I need it most.
There is absolutely no doubt that on some days getting out there is hard. I find that it is on those days when I need it most. To re-calibrate myself, collect my thoughts and reset my outlook. On these days I set out to take it easy, but often my body naturally re-energises mid-run and I end up in full rhythm by the end. This doesn't always happen however, in which case I just slowly cruise along one step at a time, focusing on being calm and present. I am cool with that too.
You just never quite know what each run will bring to you. This is what I find draws me to it most. I believe movement is medicine and if you can walk, then you can run. Pace is just a number and relative (and somewhat irrelevant) to the person, it does't matter if you are running 5 minute miles or 15 minute miles. Equally it doesn't matter if you are running 1 mile or 50 miles, again it is all relative. A 'runners body shape' doesn't exist. Everybody has a different style, there is no 'right' way to run. It is as simple as believing in yourself, and having someone believe in you. Thank you, Dad.
Kelsey Price