Firstly, sorry it’s been a while. I wrote back in November for World Vegan Day, and then I got busy – but in a good kind of way.
Work for many is a means to an end, a money-making exercise, and of course that’s true for me too – but I’ve been lucky enough recently to land work with people who make me want to skip to work in the morning. That’s because it’s the kind of work that allows me to talk about running, and veganism, and environmental issues – and I just LOVE doing that!
When I document my running life it’s because I want to share with others than being a middle-aged mother who happens to be vegan and keen on planet-saving, doesn’t have to spell the end of adventure; of achieving great things; and of inspiring others.
For every person who tells me they are motivated to go out and run, or try a vegan diet, because they read that I’d done something – then it only spurs me on.
Getting the chance to work with Running On Plants late last year further exacerbated that desire to share with others what great things we can do together, without harming our planet and exploiting animals. And through them I’ve met some absolutely awe-inspiring individuals – including the likes of Paul Youd – 85 years old and smashing out 1,000 press ups everyday (yep, he’s a vegan!); and I’ve been motivated to set goals in place that align with my values and keep me moving.
The Vegan Fitness Runner podcast has been GREAT. I love doing that (no, I don’t get any money for it!) but it showcases strong and determined runners, activists, and trailblazers. Yes, more of that incoming.
In December I ran my slowest ever marathon, but it was one that had tormented me for years. The EnduranceLife Dorset Marathon was a cold, slippery, windy affair, along the South West Coastal Path. In previous years I’d managed the half marathon, but I’d bailed on the marathon before.
Flanked by my fellow Dragon’s Back comrade Ben it took me a staggering nine and a bit hours to finish – but I goddamn finished the thing! That, my friends, is tenacity!
I’m working closely now with The Green Runners who align their running on core pillars of how we move, how we eat, and how we speak out. And with this platform I can speak out to some extent. To whoever might listen!
Yes, there are plans for this year – there’s a focus on me to speed up. And I’ve got a 45-miler Dragon reunion run firmly in the diary for August, and amongst all the training, and the aerial hoop, and the weights and strength workouts, they’ll be the continued message that I’m driving home; you can be happier and healthier and strong and awesome without having to plunder the planet and eat animals. So there.
And absolutely, I get enough protein and I’m not emaciated!!
Vegan Fitness Runner 