So. I’m 40
I’m 40. So naturally, I booked a marathon as my birthday party. Because what better way to celebrate than with a bit of suffering, eh? It was a We Run Wild NI event, which means Gary and Gillian threw together a route that could literally take you anywhere. And I love them for it.
This time, it was the Newcastle Way. A mix of decent climbs, forests, cow fields, country roads, and, to top it off, the absolute worst… a stony beach. Who invented running on a beach covered in stones?! But hey, we got a fresh, bright day, perfect for running. Maybe it’s because I’m 40, but my left knee fancied a chat around mile 15. That guy would not shut up.
Thankfully, I met a runner named Colm, who noticed my pain and offered me some painkillers. What a legend! They muffled the knee’s complaints for a while, enough to keep me going.
"I had to speed up because a bear was chasing me"
"I had to speed up because a bear was chasing me"
The highlight of the day? I had to speed up because a bear was chasing me—okay, not an actual bear, but close enough! Dale, this guy running a half marathon for his daughter’s soccer team, was charging down the trail. Couldn’t let him finish ahead of me, could I? Spoiler: I’m joking. Dale was an absolute gem raising money for his kid, but he definitely helped me pick up the pace.
Crossed the line, and straight for some food. That’s what makes these races so special—the banter, the people, and the way running just makes everything else disappear (even if only until your knee starts whining again).
This race reminded me why running is my place. My place to forget about everything and just run… and maybe pop the odd painkiller. Next event, I’ll be in my 40s and in my ultra-running prime, baby!
