Away from the office I’m a keen runner - I run mainly for pleasure but like taking part in races and have won the odd age category prize.
However, at the age of 62, I never thought I’d be able to run for England! Then last year I saw that England Athletics had a scheme to allow older runners to qualify for a place in England age group marathon teams.
My local Greater Manchester Marathon was one of the qualifying races so I thought I’d enter and give it my best shot. I trained hard and ran the race three weeks ago, but found the last six miles really tough and I assumed that any chance I had of qualifying had gone.
But then last week I got the email – I’d made the England men’s 60-64 team! I was absolutely delighted – the only downside is that I have to run another marathon in October! It will certainly be worth all the hard work though and I will be extremely proud to wear the England vest.