I’m not a runner. So why am I running 500k?

Four lessons from my 0-500km journey.

In 2016 I naively set myself the goal of running 500km.

I wanted to raise vital funds for a local Northumberland charity I am proud to support; the Cramlington Voluntary Youth Project (CVYP), and I told people I would do something I hated if they would sponsor me – I would run. When I said this to myself it seemed sensible. When I started to tell other people, I was confronted with a mixture of laughter and concern for my joints. But today, I’ve got just under 70km left. I can’t say I’m not a runner anymore, so here are some lessons I’ve learnt along the way.

1. ‘I am not a runner’ is a myth. 

As people who know me will confirm, I prefer to watch sport rather than join in. Gym, sure. I’d even stretch to a misadventure with the wakeboard on holiday. But like many, I thought ‘I am not a runner’.

Progress starts when you stop thinking you’re either a runner or not. We’re not all Mo Farah or Usain Bolt, but we can all bring home our own metaphorical gold medal. Start slow; don’t be afraid to mix running with walking and stop every now and then. Eventually, you’ll surprise yourself when you least expect it; and beat your PB.  

2. Run for a reason.  

It rains in the UK. It’s cold. My diary isn’t always easy. Every time you want to find a reason to cancel, you need to know why you are running. As people in business like to say – find your why.

For me, it’s all about the team at CVYP. They offer a range of opportunities to help young people in the Newcastle and Northumberland area. They provide safe and friendly services that meet the changing needs of young people with differing ages and abilities, working with around 250 young people every week. In particular, the money I raise is to help them build a new centre in Kielder Forest. That’s my ‘why’; what’s yours?

3. Don’t do it alone.  

This started as my journey. Then it spread to my finance team at Sage. Then – thanks to the ambition of Sage Foundation – it’s gone global. We’ve turned this into a mass pledge to raise $1,000,000 for nominated charities who are building brighter futures for young people, women and military veterans in our communities. We call it our $1 Million Challenge – born in Cramlington; but growing up around the world. 

I’d like to say thank you to every Sage colleague, customer or business partner who has run with me; at Sage Summit’s around the world, Sage Kick-Off events and to the hardy crew who battled freezing temperatures in Newcastle in January. It has kept me going.  

4. Celebrate hitting the target (when you get there).  

I’ll be setting a new target once I am over the 500km finish line, but you can join me on June 10th to make sure I don’t duck the last 6km.

Thanks to our friends at parkrun, we’re hosting a 6km fun run at Sage’s Newcastle HQ on Saturday 10th June. It’s open to all Sage customers, partners and colleagues, along with family and friends.

Of course, we’re running for a reason and I want everyone reading this to help our campaign target. Sage has committed to doubling the donated total, up to ￡5,000. We’ll split your generous donations equally between Forward Assist, Women’s Aid Newcastle and of course, Cramlington Voluntary Youth Project. Thank you for anything you can give.

And trust me – you are a runner.

Want to join us in Newcastle? Register today.

Just want to donate? Give today: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/Sage1million