Running as a metaphor.

I am that teenager who ran cross country (XC) at school and enjoyed it. Soon 1976 Ir joined a club Gateshead Harriers, hometown. Based at Gateshead stadium passed by millions of people running the Great North Run (GNR) since 1981. I ran my first in 1983. 
Life's up and downs have been effected by involvement with running whether club linked or not. Much of my running has been done on my own. Chance to clear headspace, think things threw, process do. 
Ran Geordie Run, alternative half marathon to GNR, in 1985. Then in 1986 departed to Matlock, Derbyshire to pursue a qualification in Community and Youth Work to seek a better life. 
A bit of running whilst a student. First job post qualifying in Coventry. 1996 started running again. Joined Northbrook AC based at Jaguar factory. 1998 did my first Marathon, London, great experience even though injured. Raised money for Lupus UK. 
Signed up for Sheffield marathon April 1999. Got new job in Chesterfield, started one week before marathon. My best marathon to date 3 hrs 40 mins but struggled from 16 miles. Joined North Derbyshire Running Club. (NDRC)
The next couple of years were productive including Personal Best for 10k at Askern 40 mins 10 secs. Ran London in 2002 and Nottingham in 2001. Both were exercises in finishing. 
Apart from a brief encounter during 2005 my running took a sabbatical till 2011. Life's ups and downs were more down than up. 2003 and 2009 resulted in depression and six months off work. 
My resolve was motivated by a new goal triathlon. I rejoined NDRC and my nearest Tri club Mansfield. Cross training relieved the boredom of constant running. I progressed from sprint Tri to half iron distance completing one in 2013 and another in 2014. 
Meanwhile, I also discovered the delights of fell running, in the Peak District, including a couple of long races in the Lake District. Helvellyn and The Dodds  and The Three Shires, which along with pals Andy and Martin we finished last. 
Then came another running hiatus and another bout of depression. The natural highs worked but not continuously. 
And so to my current re-engagement with running. 2017 to date, and rejoining NDRC again. My new goal Ultras. 2018 and 2019 completed Spire Ultra and Louise Smalley Walk, 33m and 40m respectively. Decide to give ultras a miss in 2020 so focussed on improving base training between 5-10k with more regular fell training in the mix. Restrictions due to Covid have only helped along with my retirement in April 2019. 
So what for 2021?
Training is getting more tiring but there is still improvement. Maybe a multi day challenge ?
A longer Ultra 50m ? More fell races to bag ✅
Road running has become less frequent with footpaths (trails) becoming my preference. 
I completed the Snowdonia Half Marathon in 2019. Maybe Scafell and Ben Nevis next?
Have fun while your running. 🏃‍♂️😎
Addendum.
2021/22 - Focussed on 5k, less distance training, regular speed work sessions resulting in doing well in NDRC Parkrun league and breaking 50 mins for 10k three times in 2022 so far.🤩

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