Why Run podcast

01/09/2024

This year I turned 60 and today I completed my first … and I’m pretty much convinced…only half marathon. I set myself the challenge to do this at the beginning of the year - and feel very very proud of my run today! 😂🙂😁🥵

I am absolutely exhausted tonight.
Didn’t complete my training and the last few miles around Rotherhithe in the heat tested me as I’ve never been tested before.

Tonight my legs will hardly move - but I did it!

Couldn’t have done it without my Why Run guest and running partner Sarah Dickinson who unbelievably completed the event without training 🤪 (not recommended!) Thanks too to Homer Pratt and the rest of my family and to Nicola Corrigan Designs for their amazing support and belief in me.

Thanks so so much to The Big Half organisers. A truly fantastic event and I’ll never forget today and loved running through London… particularly the crowds on Tower Bridge. I love being part of the running community with all its runners of all ages, heritages and abilities. Events like this lift my heart every time!

Oh and big shout out to Why Run guest Stephen Pizey of Norwich Social Joggers. Great to see a fellow Norwich runner there!

01/02/2024

Thoroughly satisfying jog/walk with good friend Lorraine around city park this morning.

We had a good catch up and enjoyed people watching. And our dogs enjoyed trying to scrounge park leftovers!

Tasty breakfast afterwards for the humans at .

21/01/2024

It was frosty….it was grey…it was windy…it was great!

21/01/2024

It was grey… it was windy… it was freezing…. It was great!

09/01/2024

What is running with gratitude? New blog out today. Read my latest piece on my experiences of signing up to complete a grateful mile each day in December.

Mixed success for me but an incredibly worthwhile and inspiring cause at Run Grateful. Since it started, Run Grateful has expanded to become a global cause in 80 countries sharing hope, appreciation and encouragement. What’s not to like?

I interviewed the movement’s founder Mark White for my podcast last summer when he shared his story, which includes addiction, recovery and his personal quest for well-being.

“The idea of gratitude is focusing on the good. What’s gone well today. What have you done well today? Even if it’s getting up in the morning…for some people that’s a win in itself,” explained Mark.

Read today at:

Diane Church 1/8/24 Diane Church 1/8/24 Grateful running - what is it and why do it? Mark White of Run Grateful movement What do I have to be grateful for? It’s a question I tried to asked myself every day in December. For I was one of many thousands of runners to sign up for a challenge organis....

08/01/2024

Good advice indeed!

You don't need the latest running gear, or any running kit for The Feel Good Movement.

All that matters is that you’re wearing something you feel comfortable in. That might be leggings, shorts, a dress, jeans or your astronaut fancy dress!

04/01/2024

‘It’s a new dawn, it’s a new day, and I’m feeling good’. The immortal words of the wondrous Nina Simone, which I sang silently to myself as I strolled around the park on an early morning dog walk.

Felt jealous of the joggers passing me … wishing they were me…but the slower pace gave me the opportunity to fully appreciate the late sunrise at 8.30. Also to reflect upon the writings of Louise Press in this beautiful little Almanac. Full of meditations, the moon’s cycle, tidal times and seasonal changes to note, it’s a perfect little pocket book to help one feel a little closer to nature.

I love this musing that January can be a time for rest and contemplation during the long winter evenings. It doesn’t have to be full-on resolutions and new year goals after the extremes of the Christmas holidays. So whether you’re jogging, walking, or sitting at your desk today - take a moment to ‘dare to dream your wildest dreams’. #

22/12/2023

The bones were creaking, the muscles were aching and the cold wind was blowing on my slow jog this morning. Thanks Heidi for pulling me round the park! Now writing very late Christmas cards and then off to city to post them, then to buy last minute pressies and to get something festive for Christmas Day Park Run. Happy pre-Christmas, endless list day everyone. The running definitely helps keep stress levels under control. We’ll get there! And what we don’t get done…doesn’t matter! ☃️🙏😘

21/12/2023

Bought a Big Issue the other day from a guy at St Paul’s station. Never seen him before and never bought a magazine from him before. The vendor gave me this Christmas card and it moved me greatly. Hugh is definitely a man who gives more than he receives. Happy Christmas to Hugh and to all at the Big Issue for doing what you doing - providing dignity, support and a bloody great read.

08/12/2023

Meant to be running/walking a grateful mile every day this month and have missed a couple of days as have not been well. Was so very grateful to have enough energy to get up and get out for a dog walk this morning.

I could walk/run a lifetime of grateful miles for the natural world… its complexity, its wonder, its beauty.

Today though when I stepped out into the winter sunshine, I felt very grateful that I live near Marston Marshes - my favourite local green space. Having this peaceful natural space close to my home means so much to me. I visit here more than anywhere else… when I’m out running or walking the dog . Visiting regularly I am aware of the changing seasons and I always return feeling refreshed and a little more hopeful about life.

I’m sure if I had visited this spot 20 or years ago, there would have been hundreds -(or thousands) more songbirds…the river would be less polluted …and the traffic’s contant hum would be less noticeable. But this is my place and today, still feeling a little under the weather and reduced, my gratitude for this soggy, boggy land brought a tear to my eye.

#

02/12/2023

My very chilly Grateful Mile with today was for and with Richard. As we’ve learnt after 32 years together - life is a journey not a destination.
Thank you for being there for me through all of life’s ups and downs.