Diana Spitzley - My 5km Journey

I find it hard to believe that I would ever write a piece about running that involves me. The game changer was the Hope for Tomorrow’s 1000 mile challenge that popped up in my inbox during the Covid Lockdown this Spring. 

I had had a nasty chest infection after skiing in the Rockies at 12k feet and -25degC temps, arriving home just as Covid was making itself felt. Having had a history of pneumonia, pleurisy etc, I realised that I needed to get my lungs in shape as they appeared to be the target for this new virus. Also warnings from my Dr. son-in-law that I’d be too ancient for a ventilator.........

On various occasions I have had spells of running, usually to keep fit for other sports, but these bursts of activity although beneficial were relatively short-lived!  The current campaign started with a 50 yard shuffle which gradually built up to jogging across a field but walking back and it wasn’t long before it was a jog all round the field. When H42 challenge appeared it seemed like an impossible task, especially when my daughter commented - ‘that’s a big ask’ The main factor in my favour was time - one of the only advantages bestowed on us by Covid and in addition there was wonderful weather, and a dog that never gets enough of being walked.  My usual runs now are about 2 miles with the occasional 3 - e.g. for the Santa in the City fundraiser. I certainly feel a lot fitter, both physically and mentally as well as having considerably more energy which I think is due both to running and the incentive and community spirit engendered by the Challenge.

My husband and I were good friends with Chris Mills and her husband David and supported Hope for Tomorrow from the outset. Chris worked absolutely tirelessly to raise money for the Units after finding that when David was undergoing treatment for his cancer, one of the most stressful parts was the daily drive to Cheltenham for 15 minutes therapy. We would walk through fields with our Flatcoated Retrievers, her Luba and our Mario and she is in my thoughts now when I run there and it’s a great inspiration when I am out of puff.  She would have been unbelievably proud of the support and publicity her charity has continued to generate, especially in these unprecedented times.

I am lucky enough to live on a farm so all my running and walking is through fields of either grass or mud with various slopes involved. I am surprised that I actually enjoy running in the rain - not sure if it’s running to the rhythm of the pattering raindrops , or is it the satisfaction of peeling off sodden clothing to leave in a heap by the back door?! We have 3 herds of deer that roam in our area and each one has a white deer which makes them easy to spot; hares, muntjac, red kites, partridge, pheasants, ducks and geese each add to the enjoyment of being outside in all weathers.

Who knows what 2021 will bring? I will carry on running as I am also fund raising for my Golf Club’s charity which is our local Hospice and no doubt there will be something in the pipeline from Health&Hustle to keep anyone from slacking in the future.

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