Challenge Stories
I completed the 3mile a day challenge as I realised I could get a trophy ! I, as most of you know, am the woman who shouldn’t run but if you tell me I can’t do something I will go out and do it in some cases just to prove you wrong. Struggling most of my adult life with health issues means I am never going to break any speed or club records but i get out there and do it! Some people may say slower runners take too long and to them my answer is I’m out there longer, getting my monies worth and I’ve managed to complete 3miles a day come what May – hooray !!
Deborah Clucas
It’s far too easy to get home from work on a hot day or a cold winters night and skip a run or training session. The 3 miles a day challenge has really kept myself and other BRR members on their toes….especially when being chased along the canal by angry Geese!
This Challenge has enabled BRR members that have lost their running mojo to come back out of the woodwork and members back from injury and use this challenge as a spring board back to fitness. This month I have completed (so far) 3 Miles a day minimum, Yorkshire 3 Peaks, National 3 Peaks. I will be running Liverpool RnR Marathon tomorrow!
John Clayton
3 Miles a Day in May – My Story
This challenge came when I needed it most. Diagnosed with ptsd and severe depression after recovering the body parts and skull of a young boy in a fatal barn fire running was literally what the Doctor ordered. It’s been tough at times emotionally, mentally and physically but I’ve hung on against the odds. I’ve run at Gleneagles, met new friends and The King of The Jungle. Best of all I got to run with my best mate again. Never forget It’s not the size of the dog in the fight. It’s the size of the fight in the dog.
Paul Schofield
3 miles a day felt overwhelming at the end of April. I’d been trying to come back from a hip injury in November and felt disengaged with running, to the point of maybe quitting the club. Then 3 miles come what May came up. I’ll start slow, I thought, quietly give it a go perhaps not post about it so if I fail noone will know. Some days have been hard but most days have been enjoyable, and not about just getting it done! It’s also given me the opportunity to develop friendships running with Sinead after work.
May has not only re-enthused me to run but also changed my mindset.
Malini Craig
My 3 miles a day, come what May
After completing the Couch 2 5k programme in 2014 I progressed to 10k and enter the occasional 10k race as incentive to keep up my fitness level. I undertook this BRR challenge intending to run as many days as possible, but would walk when necessary. Amazingly I ran every day the first week and began to believe that this challenge was achievable. I became quietly determined to run all 31 days in May. Thanks to Mick, Charlotte and Sophie for cycling alongside me, keeping me company on this journey.
Kate Pomfret
3 miles a day, come what May!
It’s Monday. 3 more days to go. 3 little pigs of 3 miles left. We’ll huff and we’ll puff, but we will get there! The Jacksons said ‘ABC, it’s easy as 123’. They obviously weren’t Blackburn Road Runners!
A tough challenge clocking up miles and miles! Running on rest days, running when I’ve felt ready to pack in and running with aches and pains. Supported by friends, family and club mates. So many people providing motivation, company AND babysitting. And a few great prizes along the way.
3 is the magic number.
THREE CHEERS for everyone!
Michael Goodliffe
Miles a Day, Come What May
1st May on the starting gun,
Enthusiasm, adrenaline – you know, it was fun.
For fitness, for health, A challenge, a mission, To show this great club, Our grit and determination.
Slogging it slowly, A walk and a run, The days dragged on, In rain and in sun.
Running together, The chats and the laughs, Running alone, Reflecting on what’s passed.
Not an easy ask, It’s taken commitment and devotion, The odd beep beep and a wave kept us in motion.
As the days tick on by, We’re nearly there, And you realise how deeply You really do care.
About this challenge?
Well yes, but that’s not all, About the club, the people: us all.
About this family to which we all belong, That makes us proud to say #BRRstrong.
Caroline Weisters
Been running, swimming and cycling for years. Loving the competition with myself, I was never going to win races.
After long term injury this challenge opened a window of opportunity to compete again. Could I manage 3miles a day on crutches?
Yes, now 27 days in I have averaged 4 miles per day, and now am rid of crutches. This challenge has greatly enhanced my daily physio regime.
The physical benefits are obvious. The mental benefits, not so obvious, but more important. When on a walk down the A666 getting a peep peep or wave from friends is very encouraging. On a Wednesday walking to Witton for the club run, it’s great to keep in touch with everyone. Usually get a welcoming hug from someone, the best ones are from Barry Skelton.
After a couple of scoops in CTCC, I am very lucky to have the safe journey back to Darwen in the Sunshine Variety Bus (very high spec bus I might add) driven by the lovely Rippingales.
I have always kept a training diary, it was looking a little depleted for a couple of months. Even re-opening that has given me a lift.
Almost there now, got to keep going and finish the job. What shall I do in June?
Ged Johnson
First of all, I never stuck to any routine before, even a course of antibiotics from the doctor I have never completed and let alone a long term challenge.
So when the 3 miles a day challenge came up, I just wanted to have a go to see how far I could go.
Oh boy..It wasn’t easy..! especially when doing the 3 miles day, I was also doing training for 2 races; 10K and Half Marathon.
Now the challenge is nearly at the end, I surprised my self that I’ve gone this far. This challenge is doing me good, I feel I more stronger and managed to achive a PB on the Half Marathon. Thank you BRR.
Lenny Rose Kay
Here’s my contribution. I’m not very good at words:
I’m a keen road-runner called Claire, I took on the three mile a day challenge for a dare,
My feet became sore, ‘Cos my trainers are poor, In the raffle, I’d like to win a new pair !!!
Claire Taylor
When I saw this challenge I thought yaay I can do this as it will probably be the only way I could get my hands on a trophy this year. As I am not a fast runner so won’t be breaking any records. I thought to myself if I am going to do this I am going to run every day as this would make it harder to achieve for me. It wasn’t easy by any means and training for Liverpool made it all the harder especially after long runs. But with two days left I’m going to finish this.
Amanda Burrows
Our challenge was set for us in May, Sounded so easy as we all did say.
So very little did we know, Our evidence to keep ready to show.
I tried to run as many as I could, But half a dozen walked with my very best bud, Hubby Jim joined me for some of the walks, Which was lovely to enjoy some interesting talks.
The runs I thought would be tough on the feet, But got a PB on the Liverpool meet, Just goes to how that time out on the roads, Can bring out the best and improve your time loads.
Jeanette Baron
I thought the challenge would be a good thing to do after the hype of London. The fact you can run or walk was great because of my hip injury. The first walk was very slow I hoped by the end of month I would not need my walking stick and be able to run but it’s not to be. The time I have spent walking has given me the opportunity to take stock of my situation, it has made me realise just how lucky and what a privilege it is to be able to run. In future I look forward to getting back running. I will never ever again complain about going on training run in wet and dark.
Thanks for this challenge.
Ellen Pope
3 miles a day, come what may
Easy-peasy some would say.
This was a challenge not a race 3 miles a day, at a steady pace. Although injured and unable to run 3 miles a day seemed like fun.
Walking with someone or walking alone 3 miles a day, still in the zone. Walking in sunshine or walking in rain 3 miles a day was always the aim.
On the days when feeling so-low 3 miles a day arse-kicked mojo!
Now it’s all over let’s shout out loud 3 miles a day did myself proud!
Joyce Weeks
My words about the 3 miles a day challenge!
After completing both the Manchester and London marathons in April, I thought the 3 miles a day challenge would give me some focus after marathon training…. in truth it has been way harder than I thought….! I’m really am very tired and my legs hurt…. a lot! A very tiring (and extremely hot) Blackpool 10 mile race on Saturday made me realise how much the challenge after marathon training has taken out of me!! Although it may not seem it, It’s been a tough challenge and hats off to all that have completed it. Looking forward to a much needed rest in June
Kathryn Ashcroft Gardner
My words about the 3 miles a day challenge!
After completing both the Manchester and London marathons in April, I thought the 3 miles a day challenge would give me some focus after marathon training…. in truth it has been way harder than I thought….! I’m really am very tired and my legs hurt…. a lot! A very tiring (and extremely hot) Blackpool 10 mile race on Saturday made me realise how much the challenge after marathon training has taken out of me!! Although it may not seem it, It’s been a tough challenge and hats off to all that have completed it. Looking forward to a much needed rest in June
Kathryn Ashcroft Gardner
Not been running relatively all that long but in the last few years everything went wrong!
Been plagued by injury and every condition Which makes choosing to run a considered decision.
So along came this challenge for the month of May. This is just what I needed I heard myself say Three miles a day how hard can this be? Well it definitely proved a challenge for me!
Like many I persevered to get the challenge done And surprised myself as it was actually fun! Took the dog out with me and sometimes my daughter and organised treatment to get myself sorted.
It made me reflect on what compels us to run In wind and cold weather and rain and hot sun? Running is freedom and stress left behind It’s friendship, enjoyment and gives peace of mind.
Thank you
Samantha Oates
Having not run consistently for a year due to injuries and knowing that Natalie was determined to get her fellow boardette round liverpool I knew I had to do something to get started again. This challenge couldn’t have come at a better time .
Liverpool was always going to be about the finish line not time but was striving for under 3 hours and thanks to Natalie we did it .
Oh and I think I’ve got my running mojo back ready to start training for chester and running with the Boardettes again, ive missed the banter with them.
Karen Turner
Three miles a day – come what May.
The London Marathon ballot and crazy cows, the joy this brought the canal with its twists and turns,
a perfect place for silent thought head saying yes, legs saying no, have to do this – no time for rest.
Startled deer and flighty herons, early morning runs are just the best
Tragedy and grief, ribbons of yellow
Rocking & Rolling, sore legs follow
Can’t quit now, a massage – a treat (ouch!)
A mantra, ‘run eat sleep repeat’
Appointment reminders, sorry Mr Dentist I have to run
I did it May, that’s it I’m done!
Gillian Rushworth
“Please stop asking me what I’m doing in May, I’m doing 3 miles a day, come what May. Yes today. Yes tomorrow. Yes …….every day for 31 days”
Brand-new to the club, mending beginners ankle damage, this was so attractive in its timing, it actually winked at me.
I bugged club members for techniques on beautiful, scenic runs and ran my fastest mile
105 miles, 30 days in. I’m fully recovered and a trillion ‘Miles’ better connected to running and our amazing club.
Turns out it wasn’t a challenge after all, it was a GIFT, a WIN for us all.
Cathy Kilshaw
Ping, ping, ping went my phone, the notifications began.
3 Miles comes what May, To be walked, crawled or ran.
I said Yes to the challenge, I was sure it could be bested.
Past injuries and niggles I knew all would be tested.
Some progression runs from Ewood and early walks round Salford Quays, an hour Natters sports massage left me reeling, on my knee’s.
But as the week’s progressed, I could see the finishing line, my fitness all but back And two P.B’s were mine.
So it’s time to celebrate, But don’t be sad the challenge is over, Because Sue is already planning 10K, every day, in October.
Anthony Harvey
My 3 miles a day come what may……
Running every day is nothing new to me, in fact I won’t put my trainers on for anything less than a 5 miler these days! I joined this challenge as I would have been running everyday anyway as I wanted to keep my fitness up following my 2 marathon majors in a week in April…..did I mention I ran the Boston marathon???? I got a jacket and everything!!!
This month I had pacing duties at the Chester Half & Liverpool R’n’R Marathon so where I would normally have a rest day in the week before a marathon I went out & did a 3 miler instead. I started the month in style by running the Darwen Half route each day for the first 3 days & then followed my trusted marathon plan through out the month.
I had no dramas & my legs have felt great. I’ve found running almost everyday since 2013, that my legs/body recovers quickly over night & I have also avoided any real injuries in this time. It’s been interesting seeing how everyone else have got on running each day & it has made me more grateful of the fact that I can run everyday & still love it.
For some this challenge may have been a nightmare but I’m sure in a few this may awaken something within them that will make them consider running more often or maybe even take the next step into being an endurance runner!
May has been a fantastic month with great weather & I have enjoyed a lot of runs with my BRR family & had a lot of laughs along the way usually induced by Goodliffe’s antics or Jeff’s lost jacket! I will end the month just short of 300 miles & I also successfully managed to avoid winning a single prize in the daily draws!
All that’s left to say is well done to everybody who took part, especially if you managed to run every day & not walk any days…..much respect & welcome to my world!!!
I hope I win the £35* in this competition as I wouldn’t mind entering the Bolton Hill marathon next week as Kate doesn’t want me winning the award for ‘most money spent on races’ this year, so I need to subsidise my races in other ways!
Much love!!!
Jase Rippingale
* £35 after I give £15 to Brian Porter Beer Fund/Charity.
After marathon training this challenge sounded quite easy….but only 1 week post marathon was day 1 so out I went. By day 3 I had to start walking, my legs just couldn’t handle it at all!
After a few walk/run attempts I felt ready to tackle it ‘properly’ so set my goal of running 7 days in a row – and managed it!
I’ve had to walk a couple to recover but have been ok with running (…well, probably more jogging!) towards the end.
The walking days have been mentally tougher than running and I choose running over walking 3 miles a day, any day!
Lisa Byrom
Swollen ankles and I wee a LOT
Was November the 8th when knocked up I got, 3 miles a day done, a smile on my face, Only thing suffering, Matt and my pace.
This challenge has been tough, really hard going, A little frustrating the more I was slowing, I continued despite this and did myself proud.
The support from the road runners nothing but loud.
At 31 weeks now it’s time to back down But I do this with ease and not with a frown, baby will be born and baby will talk one things for sure it’ll run before walk!
Lots of love xxx
Sinéad Whittaker
THREE MILES A DA Y COME WHAT MAY
I started this challenge to encourage Ellen P to get moving again after her injury. As we were on holiday it was brilliant to be out and doing something to help.
I have a love hate relationship with running although a lot of days were done at a walk I do feel that had I not been supporting Ellen I would have tried to run them. Not sure I would have completed the challenge, but it has given me an insight into the dedication and commitment that runners have to keep going. I am now determined to try harder to do more.
Thank you for sorting out this great challenge
Ellen Barkworth
Here is my write up for the challenge:
Weeks after joining BRR I sustained an injury. I was told by the consultant I ‘might have to find another hobby.’ I love being part of the Blackburn running community so was not going to give up easily. I worked hard with the physio, did the exercises (even on my hen do!) and was given the go ahead to run again in January. This is the first challenge I have joined and I have loved it. I did a mixture of running and walking which has given me the opportunity to explore this friendly town I now call home.
I will send my proof of the runs/walks after today’s x
Michaela Harvey
This challenge came at just the right time for myself and my husband as we lost a great person in March my mother in law the day before my husband had a nasty accident at work having to stop in hospital in Crewe while his mum was really poorly in hospital but died the day after when my husband was still in hospital not being able to say good bye so not only grieving and having to have his thumb stitch back on we were having a bad time we decided to throw ourselves into this challenge which at first did take our minds off things and got us out of a rut and helped us deal with all that was going on there was some days when we both struggled but we forced ourselves so this challenge really helped us deal with the grief and trauma which we had to deal with and helped us mentally cope the struggles.
Sharon Lyth
I sprained my ankle last autumn and have struggled to find my mojo, I looked in every pizza box I could find but to no avail! The challenge has motivated me to get out of the house each day, whether for a run or a walk. The timber (forest) is slowly starting to come off again and I only did a half marathon at the weekend
Nicola Halsall
Here is my ‘3 miles a day, come what May’ story
My first response to this challenge was ‘NO WAY!’ .. as a busy primary school teacher I really didn’t think I could fit anymore activity into my routine.
Three runs a week with a few core classes along the way was my limit, or so I thought!
I began Day 1 thinking that although I’d never make it to the end, I’d be happy to say I’d given it a go….
As the days passed, my legs began to feel stronger and I began to realise that my body needed more than the exercise rut I was stuck in.
Posts from other club members continued to motivate me … even during weekends away I knew I couldn’t miss a day – I became hooked to the extent that I got up early after a night of excesses and ran 3 miles on a hangover, unheard of!
I’m not saying this challenge has been easy, far from it …. but it’s shown me that actually I CAN find the time to fit more activity into my life and it’s given me the motivation to continue this. Thank you May!
Thanks for the challenge and for reading my story!
Tracie Wilson
Here is my ‘3 miles a day, come what May’ story
My first response to this challenge was ‘NO WAY!’ .. as a busy primary school teacher I really didn’t think I could fit anymore activity into my routine.
Three runs a week with a few core classes along the way was my limit, or so I thought!
I began Day 1 thinking that although I’d never make it to the end, I’d be happy to say I’d given it a go….
As the days passed, my legs began to feel stronger and I began to realise that my body needed more than the exercise rut I was stuck in.
Posts from other club members continued to motivate me … even during weekends away I knew I couldn’t miss a day – I became hooked to the extent that I got up early after a night of excesses and ran 3 miles on a hangover, unheard of!
I’m not saying this challenge has been easy, far from it …. but it’s shown me that actually I CAN find the time to fit more activity into my life and it’s given me the motivation to continue this. Thank you May!
Thanks for the challenge and for reading my story!
Tracie Wilson
Blackburn Road Runners is an active friendly club consisting of runners of all abilities. The club was founded in 1986 and has around 300 members.
Blackburn Road Runners is affiliated with England Athletics.
info@blackburnroadrunners.net
info@blackburnroadrunners.net