Anushka

My new found love of running discovered earlier this year aged 46! It’s been great seeing that you can start at any age and improve to be better than you were in your 20s. I moved from a once a week 5km runner in May (PB 23.31 mins) to joining my local athletics club @highgate_harriers aged 46 and running 3/4 times a week, competing in a few events and , by November, aged 47, running a 21.21 mins 5km and 42.23 mins 10km and competing in a British Masters 5km event, something I would never have imagined possible. I had all the excuses not to do this: perimenopause, unattended knee issues, busy full-time job and parenting , but recognised that running actually helps with all of the above (including finally addressing knee issues). I’ve benefitted from a super supportive club @highgate_harriers @ninaruncoach and external support actually encouraging women my age with free or discounted race entry and training help. Thanks @nikerunning @runthroughuk @vitality_uk @tomsrunclub @nickolfloodx @jaycopley @christianmitchell.yt @runningreimagined Adaptability of mindset (I do not beat myself up about not sticking rigidly to a training plan) has meant that I have kept going. I’ve also recognised that your body can adapt to whatever discipline as long as you are consistent when I see throughout the years how my body has adapted from running a marathon at 26 to running in my late 40s, gaining 30 kilos and 25 kilos respectively with each pregnancy, to slimming down with consistent exercise and learning about good nutrition at the age of 34 thanks @nicola_j_sinclair, then adapted again when I got into @bouncefitbody and qualified as an instructor aged 42. Thanks to @bouncecamden and @lauraannsanson and learning to lift and gain muscle thanks to @davide.alf I’ve sought out older female role models on social media but it would be good to see more spotlight on them to show the path to others. In Highgate Harriers alone, there are world class athletes aged 45-70, it would be great if more people knew about them @runthroughuk @runnersworlduk @womenshealthuk