Stowmarket Jeffer Sarah ran and cycled her way to a lovely shiny big medal...

I joined an I Can Run beginners course in Stowmarket in the summer of 2018 and it remains one of the best decisions I’ve made. I had no idea what Jeffing was, and I really didn’t know if I actually COULD run. But low and behold, I could! And I did! And I still do! I’m a Jeffer, and proud to be one.

I frequently post about my runs on the Facebook page because it’s not like I can post it on my own Facebook page as my non running friends just don’t get it, haha! ICR is a lovely inclusive club and a supportive community.

Another big surprise came when I realised I really enjoyed the thrill of a race and the allure of a medal, the bigger the bling the better! I had lots of races planned for this year, but with everything cancelled I knew the best way to ensure I kept my spirits up during this testing time was to enter some virtual races.

When I spotted the Hurricane 80k Challenge I knew this would be a good one for me to do. My husband served 22 years in the Royal Air Force, and we both take a lot of interest in the history of the RAF. We have a great deal of respect and gratitude for the brave pilots that flew the Hurricanes during The Battle of Britain in the Summer of 1940 and this felt like a small gesture to commemorate that time.

At the beginning of the year I injured my left knee and so completing 80k was quite a big ask of it. I knew I’d have to do it in small runs of two, three or four miles max. At least it gave me the incentive to get out often, which was a challenge in itself during lockdown whilst working from home and home schooling my eight year old son!

However, not only did I run the 80k, I also cycled 80k during the same time period too! Turn back the clock two years and who’d thought that would be possible.

The sense of achievement I felt when I completed the challenge and when my gorgeous medal and T-shirt arrived in the post was pretty cool I can tell you!

I’ve had a few weeks off running, other life things have gotten in the way as they do, but I’m looking forward to getting my I CAN RUN gear on and getting back to it. I definitely feel another virtual challenge will be in order to take me into the autumnal months….