At 62, each run I take is more than exercise — it’s a quiet defiance against time and an affirmation of purpose. Five years ago, when I first embarked on the “Couch to 5K” program, I had no idea that running would shape me in ways far beyond physical fitness. Running has become a statement of belief, motivation, and confidence.
Many runners reduce their experience to statistics — speed, endurance, metrics — and admittedly, I sometimes do too. However, I’ve come to recognise that the true challenge of running lies within. Over the last couple of years, with the invaluable support of my running coach, Coach Kat, I’ve learned that running is not just about physical exertion: it’s about cultivating mental strength, resilience, and self-belief.
Coach Kat is far more than a running “technician”. She acts as a mirror, reflecting my own potential back to me even when I struggle to see it myself. In January 2025, during a particularly challenging stretch after injuring my knee, Kat reassured me and her encouragement transformed my frustration into patient resolve.
Many of my running friends find it slightly amusing that I have a coach. Many rely on smart tech or their own instincts, and that works perfectly well for them. However, for me having a coach provides something else: motivation, accountability, encouragement, and a sense of belief that pushes me further than I could ever go alone.
One of my personal ambitions is achieving an 80% age-graded performance in the 5K*. Striving to achieve this isn’t just about athletic achievement, it’s a rebellion against the assumptions society attaches to aging, and my way of politely sticking two fingers up at age itself.
Running has offered me rewards far richer than I initially anticipated. Beyond speed and metrics, my journey has delivered quieter, deeper triumphs—resilience, clarity of purpose, and a profound sense of belonging. Each victory forms part of this joyful rebellion against time, reaffirming purpose, and reminding me that I am still, always, moving forward.
* Age grading compares runners’ performances across different ages against world-class standards, adjusting for age differences. For context, achieving 80% means you’re performing at a high standard for your age group — for example, a 35-year-old male would need to finish a 5K in approximately 16:06 (for the avoidance of doubt, that’s fast!).
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