1 small step - followed by some more

With only days to go until London Marathon 2021 I started thinking about the start of my journey. I have had the pleasure of working for more than 25 years on mass participation events, and even worked at London Marathon on 4 occasions. 
I have been so inspired by the 100s of thousands of people I have helped cross the finish line in their own running challenges, but having had dodgy knees since I was 17 I always discounted it for me. Maybe it was just an excuse to stop me trying who knows.
Meeting Kerrie after London 2019, and through her so many other inspirational runners, has massively helped me to change my outlook on running, physical activity and life.
Along the way I have set myself challenges and goals to keep me moving forward and take care of my own mental health.
Some of these have included:

• Completing Couch to 5k - I started this by myself and mainly in disguise, then with my wife and daughter to help me complete the distance.
• My first 10k medal - with Mel who encouraged me to think about going further on my journey.
• 870 miles Wales Coastal Path - this was definitely Kerrie's influence. Completed  virtually due to lockdown, but such a motivation to get out and move every day.
• My first half marathon - with my sister, a marathon veteran, taking in the sights of Cardiff Half again virtually due to a global pandemic.
• Virtual London 2020 - being part of a world record, whilst actually running with a small select group, including Kerrie, Adam, Julie, Neil and supported by Richard who cycled with me for company.
• Joining Roath Park Runners - what an amazing group of people, the support and fun we have had has been incredible, Paul, Rob, Marianne, Paula, Adam, Mark, Annabel and lots more thank you so much for being part of this journey.
• MoRun 2020 - the first one where I have run, and joined by a small group of friends in person and virtually across the globe.
• Forming Team Cwtch - as way to help others with their wellbeing.
• Route 66 - another virtual challenge, discovering I really don't like the exercise bike.
• Chepstow 10k - joined by my wife for my first ever in person running event.
• Cardiff Bay Run - September 2021 - my first ever mass participation event - Mel keeping me strictly to marathon pace.

Next stop on the journey is London Marathon, for real, not virtual, with 40,000 people and crowds and getting to run with Paul who I have trained with, so good to have a friendly , and experienced marathon runner with me. There are so many people I know running it will probably feel more like a Cardiff run. 
After London it will be back to Commentating at MoRun 2021, and booking in some fun runs to do with friends and fellow runners, maybe even one dressed as a reindeer.