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Running Towards Health: Elizabeth's Journey of Strength and Triumph

• 23/03/2024

As passionate runners, there's nothing we enjoy more than hearing the inspiring stories of fellow athletes. Elizabeth's story has captivated us with her remarkable health transformation since taking up running, leaving us in awe of her strength and determination. Her journey embodies the essence of what it means to overcome challenges and we wanted to share this with you.  We hope that as you read Elizabeth's journey, you'll not only enjoy every step of her story but also feel deeply inspired to chase your own goals with passion and vigor.

Here's a glimpse into Elizabeth's remarkable journey

I ran my first 5K race in October 2023 at 47 minutes, and my first Nice Work race on Sunday, at a similar time. I was over the moon to have finished and to get my medal! I’ll never be disappointed with last place. It doesn’t matter in the least, because the health benefits are a win. 

I’ll keep doing the organised races. They give me a target, and a new challenge on different terrain. Although I run alone, I like the fact that there’s other runners around, all pursuing their own targets. The longer distance runners on their second lap are very supportive and often call out encouragement as they run past. As I end my 5K, other runners are finishing their 10K. Due to the way the different distances are structured, I never feel that I’m left tagging along, alone at the end.

Like so many, I didn’t like running at school. I disliked team sports and athletics, which was always the focus in school PE, so I grew up thinking I hated running. Much to my surprise, over the past year, I’ve realised that I really enjoy it!

As an adult, I was a dancer until thyroid problems finished my teaching and dancing career when I was in my 50’s. In six months, I gained three stone in weight, and then a further two stone while I was trying to balance the thyroid hormones. Along with the weight gain, came a whole range of health issues, triggered by thyroid disruption. 

Then in 2023 I had a high blood pressure reading. Pre-running, I was obese, with pre-diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. I had occasional back spasms, which would make walking difficult for at least a week. I realised that I was at a very high risk of future health issues yet still had a chance to improve my health and future health, as long as I acted now!

I decided to eat a little less, and move a little more. It was winter. I started walking, but got bored and cold. To warm up, I did a little slow jog for a minute or two, then I walked for a minute again. Soon, I was doing this three times a week for 20-30 minutes. I came across Japanese slow jogging and decided I’d found my sweet spot. The slow jogging method reduces the risk of injury, so is better for older individuals yet gives the same health benefits as faster running. To date, I’ve had no injuries or back spasms.

Eventually, as I got stronger I was able to slow jog for 30-40 minutes without stopping. My running began to improve so I could now manage short inclines without stopping. I was losing weight and getting stronger. My waist size has dropped and I’m thinking that this probably means that I have less visceral fat. I don’t feel the cold in the way I did before I took up running and I’m feeling really well. My most recent blood results also show improvements in blood glucose and cholesterol. And my blood pressure is back where it needs to be! So I may always come last in the 5K race, but I have gained big wins to my health from three short runs a week!

and look at what Elizabeth achieved......

Pre and Post Running, Health Summary. 

Medication; Levothyroxine for underactive thyroid.

Age; 66 

Height; 5 feet 9” ( 70”) 179cm

2023 Pre-running; 

obese, with pre-diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. 

2024 Post-running, three times a week 20-40 minutes per session; 

a little overweight, non-prediabetic, normal blood pressure, normal/ improved cholesterol levels (data)

PLUS; improved muscle mass, strength, bone density, less visceral fat (waist measurement?), mental health improvements.

We would like to thank Elizabeth for generously sharing her incredible journey with us. Her story serves as a beacon of inspiration, reminding us all of the incredible power that lies within each of us.  If you have a running story to share, we'd love to hear from you.