2018. That was the year I was done with running. It was the year I ran Worthing 10K in 67 minutes and 9 seconds. And I was definitely trying my best.

The only reason I didn’t quit and take up a new hobby was my running friends. I couldn’t lose that connection with them, so I knuckled down and started my first training plan.

Here we are 8 years later, training plan 21 and I’m slowly working my way back from my injury sustained last Autumn and once again it was my running friends that my experience so special.

The actual 10k itself, whilst I enjoyed it, was tough. But the day was far more than just the run. We left home at 8am, returned at 4pm and never once did we struggle to find stuff to talk about.

It’s not just friends from Hastings Runners either, it’s the people you recognise from other races. A few of the Polgate Plodders I’ve met in recent years came to say hello.

Shout out to Carole from BRT who I spoke to before and after the race, running an incredible 44:28, to win her age category by 8 minutes 🤯. Plus Ann from Battle who came for a chat, proud as punch that her husband is now running again and they both smashed the half marathon. It makes such a difference to see these people at the races.

For myself I was delighted to hit my target of sub 45. Nearly 4 minutes off my best 10k, but also 22 minutes quicker than my worst. So having run less than less than twice a week for the past 6 months I’m very happy.

Paul ran a strong race after a week of illness and back pain, securing a top 10 finish. It may well have been a PB had they not been sent the wrong way and covered an extra 170 meters.

Lucy P, now focusing on the shorter distances after her success at Brighton Marathon, bagged a top 3 finish in her age category coming in at 49:08.

Lou W continued her excellent year, running with the 55 minute pacer the whole way, resulting in a new 10K PB of 54:30, over 3 minutes quicker than her previous best.

We had a number of the Team taking part in the half marathon too. Maria grabbed herself a new PB, also following the advice of utilising the pacers, running 2:10:34.

Michael (1:43:46), Iain (1:47:47) and Chris (1:42:51) all ran strong races in the half.

Pretty much the opposite side of the country we had Andy taking on the Gateshead Half. He paced his race very well to come in at 2 hours and 21 minutes. His first race after completing the Paris Marathon last month.

Doubling that distance was Ben over in Colombia, running another strong marathon to cross the line in 3:22:45, well inside the top 15% of the field.

Back to South East England, Sarah M tackled the two 5 mile laps that make up the Haywards Heath 10 and came away with 1st place in her age category. Well done Sarah.

We had two big 5k performances over the weekend as well. Shain continued his progress to smash out another parkrun PB, clocking a hugely impressive 17:35 with a stride length of over 1.7 metres, which almost made me cry with jealously.

Last but certainly not least Laura put in another fantastic run at the Ipswich 5k, finishing just 3 seconds off her personal best and 3rd in her age category in a time of 21:18.

If you see someone you recognise at a race, go over and say hi. Even follow them on Strava. I know Lou was chuffed that the pacer who helped her to the PB, is now a follower on the app. You just don’t know you could make their day by going for a chat, perhaps even a new friend.

My only regret from yesterday, was not approaching the Worthing Strider who had pretty much rocked up the exact same outfit as me, including the Basic B*tch Orange Happy Strides classic shorts. Respect, it’s a great look, at least I think so.

Until next week, thanks for reading my friends 🧡