Running

I’ve had several on-again, off-again flirtations with running over the years. In fact, I even did the London Marathon back in 2008 (sub-5 hours, if you’re interested… and if you’re not, I’m telling you anyway). Sadly, despite this brief moment of athletic credibility, all sorts of things got in the way of me keeping it up, mainly, if I’m honest, my natural talent for being a lazy git.

Fast-forward to last year and a work health check that can only be described as “rude”. I was well overweight, my blood pressure was sky-high, and my overall fitness level could generously be described as “theoretical”. The results were a bit of a wake-up call, so I decided to start doing something about it, beginning with a bit of running and cycling, and a lot of puffing, sweating, and questioning my life choices.

If you really want to see my health report, it’s HERE (viewer discretion advised)

To help keep myself accountable (and mildly entertained), I started The Haphazard Athlete. It’s mostly lived on TikTok so far, documenting my slightly chaotic attempt to become healthier without suddenly turning into one of those annoyingly enthusiastic fitness people. The plan is very much progress over perfection, missed sessions, slow runs, and all.

I’m now planning to spread my social media reach into the dizzying realms of double figures, so watch this space. If nothing else, it’s proof that you don’t need to be fast, graceful, or particularly organised to try and get fitter, you just need trainers, stubbornness, and a willingness to laugh at yourself along the way.