About

 

‘Running has thrown me into adventures that I would otherwise have missed’ (Benjamin Cheever).

How true. In October 2013, I joined the management committee of a local running club, bringing with me years of governance experience. At the AGM of the club, when I was formally introduced to the members, I told the folks there there was ‘no way’ I could do what they did – there was me, 17 stone (plus), facing a group of wiry, fit ladies and gents, many of whom were marathon – or in some cases, ultra-marathon – runners. Me, run? I had been registered as blind for the last 18 years. I had not run one step in that time – bit tricky running without being able to see.

And there hangs the tail. WHY should a blind man (or woman) not run if they want to? January 2014, and the beginning of the Couch 2 5k programme. Never heard of it? Look it up. Then do it. Zero running – the couch – to 5 kilometres in 10 weeks. It WORKS! I did it. I ran (sort of, and slowly) my first 5k in March. I hasten to add, I didn’t run alone! After research, and with a willing mentor, a short strap was introduced, a means of guiding me as I attempted to run. Gosh, what a learning curve – for both of us. Thankfully, a one day training course teaching how to act as a guide runner came up, and two of the club coaches attended, learning just what is needed, as well as donning blindfolds and running…. blind.

Since then, the running bug has most certainly bitten – and infected me. I love it! No, let me say that again. I LOVE it! 5k. 10k. 8 miles. 13.1 miles (Half Marathon). Roads. Trails. Done them. Love them. Favourite run so far? The 8 mile ‘GR8 Dundrum’: roads, boardwalks, and beaches. Fantastic. Highly recommended. The trouble with running (or more likely the running bug) is that one is always looking for the next challenge.

For me, it was the Marathon. 26.2 miles. Tough enough, but do it without sight. That is just what I aimed to do, on the 31st May 2015. The Derry/Londonderry ‘Walled City’ Marathon was be my first ‘big one’. This blog is my journey to, and beyond, my first marathon, and running as a blind person. I hope you find it interesting, if not entertaining. I am not a ‘professional’ writer, I simply write from the heart.

I have a number of races already on the calendar (its a running thing). Photos, videos, narratives will follow as I progress on this wonderful journey. Join me?

The running club: Seapark AC, Carrickfergus

Want an interesting, challenging race? Try Born2Run