What made me start running

People often ask me why I run. Why ultras? Why the long distances, the early mornings, the endless hours on the road or trail? Am I crazy, they ask. The truth is, my running journey didn’t start with a grand plan or a clear vision. It started with something much simpler - a need for change.

Back then in 2022, I wasn’t an “ultra runner.” I wasn’t even particularly fit - the most I'd probably ran in one go was less than 10km. I enjoyed walking and thought I was fit but looking back I was carrying extra weight, I was stressed and like so many people, I felt a little stuck. Even though I thought I was eating healthy food my eating pattern and nutrition wasn't great either. Life was busy, responsibilities piled up and somewhere along the way I’d stopped taking care of myself. (to be honest when are we taught how to look after ourselves - but that's for another blog post!)

One day, I decided I had to do something about it.

Having moved to Sweden in 2020 I went to the doctor for a routine checkup. Having been diagnosed with a slightly elevated blood pressure I took blood tests which showed a high level of bad cholesterol - LDL. The doctor gave me an ultimatum - get healthy or be on medicine for the rest of my life. Well I didn't want to be on medicine for the rest of my life neither did I want to burden the health system - I was only 41.

90 minutes per week of elevating my heart rate (so think fast walking, swimming, running etc) and eat more healthy. That was what the doctor ordered.

Running seemed the most accessible - no fancy equipment, no special membership, just a pair of trainers and the willingness to get out the door. Having recently moved to the Stockholm archipelago, from the UK, it was also a great way to search my new surroundings. I discovered so many new places even when the runs were short.

Within a few months of running something shifted.

It was like a drug. I could think clearer. I slept better. I had more energy for my family, more focus for my work and a sense of control I hadn’t felt before.

What started as a short 5km run expanded each time - whether it was pushing the speed or the distance until one day I just felt like Forrest Gump - there were days where I felt I could just keep running. Don't get me wrong - there have been plenty of lows - but the high of running keeps me going - it really is a drug!

The distances crept up. 5km became 10km. 10km became a half marathon. And eventually, I thought to myself - how far can I go. One snowy November in 2023 I decided to test my physical limits by running to Gustavsberg and back - it should have been around 70km in total but having got to Gustavsberg my muscles were aching too much and I stopped at 38km - disappointed but still a distance PB.

I had already signed up to the Stockholm half marathon in April 2024 but felt the pressure of running like sardines wasn't what I was aiming for with my training and felt the need to do something different. I decided to test my limits again and entered the Winterbay Backyard Ultra in May 2024. I knew people aimed for 24 hours as a magical number (which coincided with 100 miles) but having failed at my last big run I didn't have high hopes. I also twisted my ankle the week before and actually tried to get out of the run, but having spent my money and with my ankle feeling 95% there on the day I decided to run. I'm glad because I made it to 24 hours and ended up running 160km which was my first ultra. It took a while for my muscles to recover but the ultra bug was lit.

Most people go from a 10k to a half marathon, and from a marathon to an ultra. I've still not ran a marathon as I went onto chasing FKTs (Fastest Known Times) that summer. I broke three records that had been set and my ultra bug was starting to develop.

Running became more than exercise. It became a way to push boundaries, to test resilience and to remind myself that growth lives just outside of comfort.

When I look back now, the question isn’t really “What made me start running?” The real question is: What kept me from running?

Running has changed everything for me. I no longer worry about growing old and feeling old at the same time. Running gave me health. It gave me clarity. It gave me community. And most importantly, it gave me purpose - a foundation for the challenges I take on today, from my lake runs across Sweden to the new charity I'll be launching very soon.

This blog will be the place where I share more than just the finish-line photos. It’s where I’ll tell the full story - the struggles, the strategies and the lessons learned along the way. Instagram is great for the quick updates but here I want to give you the deeper look - mostly about running - but sometimes about other parts of my life.

So, here it is - the start of my story. The first chapter of a journey I never thought I’d take, but one that’s shaped everything since.

And if you’re reading this as someone who’s just lacing up for the first time - trust me, I’ve been there. That first step might feel small but it might just change your life for the better.

A photo of Anna and I at the end of the Winterbay Backyard Ultra 2024