“I started running around this time 3 years ago in desperation to get fit. I tried the couch to 5km and, at first, couldn’t even get to the end of the road without stopping to catch my breath, but I enjoyed the headspace it gave me. By the end of month 4 I could run 5km without stopping, so set myself the target of running 10km, then a Half Marathon, finishing with a respectable time, but suffering issues with my knees and hips.

I still wanted another challenge though, so signed up for the Bath Half with the intention of running quicker, but also injury free. A friend suggested Ady Watts, with the advice that the strength training would help, so I joined last January. To begin with, things got harder. I was still running 2-3 times a week, but had added in Small Group Personal Training. However as the weeks passed, I noticed I was running further and faster – pain free! Consequently knocking 10 minutes off my previous Half Marathon time.

Lockdown then followed that same week and with it the ‘Ady Watts Lockdown Challenge’ – I loved these! They inspired me to keep the long runs going, so I started running a half marathon most months. Keen to try something else, I also found a new love of cycling and completed my first 50 mile ride!

I am now the fittest I have ever been, have a love of exercise that I have never had and have found a true work-life balance that works for me.