I never thought I would be a long distance runner, but seems that anyone can do it if they put their minds to it!  I now run nearly every day, not stupid distances, but the buzz I get from sitting down to breakfast having just run 4 miles is amazing - bring on the eggs & toast!

There is something amazingly satisfying about running long distances. Now, I admit I do get bored sometimes, and usually it's when I'm a long way from home and know I have an hours run to get back, but this is the time when I usually just switch off and run. I always used to focus too hard on how tired I felt or how hard I was breathing, which used to make it really difficult to go on, but somehow, somewhere along the way I have just learned to switch off. I don't even realise I am doing it, it's only when I stop that I notice I have been powering along for maybe 30 or 40 minutes without a care or thought in the world.

I'm very luck to live near the coast so the air is so fresh and the views are amazing. Even when it's raining I love to just stick my trainers on and run, it's a feeling of freedom and self sufficiency that nothing else can give me. I find I can run no matter what mood I am in, and I will always return home feeling strong and ready to take on the world, even though I might be knackered from running. It's like it gives me some kind of inner strength that over rides any kind of physical exhaustion. I guess that's the runners high so many people talk about.

I do have days where I feel like I really can't be bothered, but then I put my kit on and I start to feel a bit more enthusiastic, and I have noticed that sometimes my best runs are on days that I didn't feel like heading out - strange. Getting home feeling amazing having forced myself out for a run is so satisfying.