The Spark That Got Me Running
It all started with Chris Hemsworth. (As many good things do, right?)
One evening, I sat down to watch Limitless, a documentary where he explores how to live better for longer. The episode that really stuck with me? The one with the 70-something-year-old endurance cyclist who took up riding in his 50s and was now outriding men half his age – with none of the typical “old age” aches and ailments.
Inspired (and slightly afraid of being rickety in my 70s), I laced up my trainers. Christmas Eve became Day 1.
Why I Chose Running Over Cycling
I did briefly consider cycling – but the thought of navigating the narrow, pothole-ridden, car-lined country lanes near us? No thanks. We don’t have any safe, family-friendly cycle routes nearby, and honestly, I didn’t fancy spending more time dodging traffic than enjoying the ride. Until we can get a suitable vehicle and a decent bike rack to take us somewhere safer, cycling’s on pause. Running, on the other hand, I could start straight from my front door – no gear, no faff, no Lycra (well, not at first). Just me, C25K, and a trail.
How I Fell in Love with Running (and Then It Fell Out with Me)
Using the NHS Couch to 5K app, I ran through rain, snow, and self-doubt. I completed it injury-free – proud and slightly astonished. Then I moved onto Couch to 10K, slowly building up distance with cautious joy. And I completed that too – wow, was this really me?
But one day, months later (working toward a half marathon) 9+ miles into what felt like my superhero arc, my body hit back. A sharp pain in my knee signalled the beginning of the end for my running streak.
When Your Body Says “No,” but Your Brain Says “Keep Going”
I rested. I researched. I strength-trained. I hoped. But my knee wasn’t having it.
The realisation hit: if I wanted to keep moving for life, I had to pivot.
Why Hiking Wins (Especially for Families)
So I turned to hiking. What started as a casual attempt to get the children out of the house without spending a fortune became a new kind of endurance sport – and one that we could do together!
And guess what? Hiking is legit endurance cardio.
While hiking may not be a traditional “sport” per se, it is an endurance activity that offers numerous physical and mental benefits. Hiking on challenging terrains for extended periods builds cardiovascular fitness, strengthens muscles, and provides a connection with nature.
https://runningshorts.com/misc/featured/what-is-endurance-sports/
Even better?
- It doesn’t hurt my knees
- It doesn’t cost a penny
- It fills our weekends with real memories
From climbing The Wrekin to getting slightly lost at Bishop’s Wood, we’re moving, laughing, exploring, and yes – sometimes bribing the kids with flapjacks.
Endurance, But Make It Joyful
I used to think endurance meant pounding pavements or tracking PBs.
Now I think it means:
- Lacing up your boots when the sky looks questionable
- Getting to the top of a hill with the children (eventually)
- Feeling proud and exhausted – in the best possible way!
I still hope to return to running one day, but until then, hiking is our endurance sport of choice. And who knows? Maybe one day my boys will grow up, dust off a map, and say, “Let’s get outside – just like Mum used to do.”
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I used to run a lot but had injured my knee caving, I didn’t know it at the time. I was also doing karate 3 times a week. Then one day my knee just started to hurt so I had to give both of them up. Got a knee replacement and was told no running or contact sport. I bought a bike but having not been one for many years it frightened me to death with all the traffic. But I enjoy long walks so that is the best exercise for me. I am 70 in a couple of months and can still walk 15 miles up mountains with a heavy pack. It keeps me fit and I can’t complain. I think it is just a matter of doing what feels comfortable for you, and not overdoing it.
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Wow, you certainly don’t look almost 70 in your profile photo that’s for sure! I will be a happy lady if I’m still having the adventures you are at almost 70! I totally agree on the cycling woes: traffic is frightening and I wouldn’t go on the road these days, but when we can get to some off-road sites or cycle routes, I’m sure I will enjoy it again 🙂 It’s sad you’ve had to give up your favourite sports, but at least we both have something enjoyable and active to do instead! Good old hiking!
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Thank you! Going out on the moors 2 or 3 times a week keeps me fit ..I think if I had to give it all up I would go stir crazy!
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I tried running but I don’t like it and I have a bad knee since I took my bike pedal in it while breaking to avoid a taxi that went into the bicycle lane in Manchester. So for me it is just hiking ☺️.
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Weirdly I used to HATE running, school really put me off, but when I started on my own terms I loved it and suddenly got the whole ‘runners high’ thing. I never thought it’d be something I’d miss 😂 I’m sorry about your knee too, what an unfortunate event, and goes back to me hating cycling because of traffic! Hiking is definitely safer and just perfect for families ❤️
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There is a Latin phrase Solvitur Ambulando which means walking solves things and it really does. It’s free, you can do it anywhere, you can have a long walk, a short walk, a hilly walk, a flat walk. You can listen to birds, look at flowers, identify trees. You can walk and talk with friends, or walk on your own and give yourself head space to decompress and think through things. Walking is ace! (And good exercise as well!) 😀 Did you ever find out what the hip/knee problem was though?
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Oh i love this!! It really is true, you’ve hit the nail on the head! I have to say, I didn’t! Trying to get through to see a doctor is almost impossible so I’ve been consulting Dr Google (😳) and narrowed it down to an IT band issue and ‘runners knee’…
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I’ve been a hiker and mountain walker most of my life but mainly at weekends and holidays. I was pretty sedentary during the working week. COVID changed all that. Stuck working at home I decided to take the rules at their word and take an hours exercise every day, regardless of weather. This started with cycling (and helped by the first lockdown being endless sunshine) and with taking liberties with the rules I was managing 400 miles cycling a month. It was interesting that once we could go out for walks again my aerobic fitness was better than it’s ever been but my muscles couldn’t cope with the move back to walking! Now I mix walking with cycling to get the best of both walks (although I don’t enjoy cycling as much as walking) and I still do at least an hour every day. I feel much better for it and managed to lose 10kg!
Hopefully you can get the running back again, but in the meantime taking the family out for walks together is no bad alternative.
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COVID did bring about some good changes for some people! Well done you for getting out there and doing 400 miles a month, wow! Isn’t it crazy how your body gets used to a certain exercise and then struggles when you change, I would never have thought that. I guess a mix is the best way, I’d love to do more cycling but walking is absolutely perfect for being properly sociable. Well done on the weight loss too 🤗
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One of the worst pieces of advice I got from a doctor was that I needed to spend less time in the mountains and more time doing short, intense runs. The switch caused me to lose a lot of my strength and resiliency. When I get back out climbing and hiking, my endurance and overall strength improve dramatically in a vert short time. This theme resonates for me!
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Wow I can’t believe that a Doctor suggested that 😲 Short runs have their place, for sure, but endurance is so important! I’m glad you enjoyed the post, thanks for reading it 🙂
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