My name is Brian. I'm 43, a semi-regular runner and, after years of starting and stopping, I've decided that I'm finally going to get fit and become a faster runner.
I've played a lot of football over the years, but I've only ever really dipped my toe into running seriously. I love a parkrun, although after 10 years I'm still yet to reach the 50-run milestone. I've also done a few cross-country races, a 10K and the Robin Hood Half Marathon.
I've tried to take running more seriously several times, but I've always struggled to run consistently. A dodgy knee from my football days hasn't helped either — I probably played far too much football when I was younger.
One thing I did discover early on was that I was quite comfortable with being uncomfortable. At first, I thought this was a great thing. The problem was that I took it too far.
For years, I would run most of my runs at maximum effort or close to it, usually finishing with a sprint for good measure. I enjoyed pushing myself, but I now realise that this approach wasn't doing me any favours when it came to running consistently and actually improving.
More recently, I've discovered heart-rate-based running and the idea of keeping the majority of my running at a much easier intensity. I'm hoping that by slowing down, being more consistent and following a proper plan, I can eventually become a much faster runner.
There are a few things I need to work on along the way. I'm 5ft 9½ and currently weigh around 93kg, and I know from experience that I run better when I'm lighter. Keeping my knees happy is also important, particularly after years of football and damaged cartiliage.
Stress has also played a part in how consistently I run and the food choices I make, so getting fitter isn't simply about running more. It's about building habits that I can actually stick to.
Beyond The Finish is where I'm documenting that journey.
I'm not a running coach or an elite athlete. I'm just a 43-year-old runner trying to figure out how to get fitter, run faster and keep doing it for the long term.
It's not about doing one good run/race for me anymore. It's about becoming a regular runner. One that can enjoy running, without pain and constant injuries.
You can also follow me on Instagram, where I'll occasionally share my runs, Strava screenshots and bits and pieces from the journey.
