Now in its 37th year, the Boxing Day Run in Saltwood attracts over 600 mad people that think running around a three mile hilly bog is a good plan the day after Xmas. Some do it for charity, some do it for a giggle, some do it because they have a point to prove to themselves. This year, after watching this run many times, I decided to do it. On Boxing Day 2011, I stood watching the madness as usual, dreaming that I could shift enough weight to give it a go. Well, after dropping seven stone this year it was definitely worth a shot. I was accompanied on this by some friends from work…

Three weeks of heavy rain made this the wettest and muddiest year for a long time and, having never run on anything other than a treadmill or road, I had no idea what to expect. Mud. Lots of mud. Some poo. Lots of poo actually. And water. A river at one point where there used to be a path.

Despite the conditions, this was the most enjoyable run I have done. The atmosphere was great all the way around the course. The decent run-time I hoped for went right out of the window as I had no tactics whatsoever and failed to realise there would be bottlenecks at every gate and stile. Note to self: next year, go off quick and avoid the herd. However, 37:17 with about 8 minutes of stopping in a mud-bath aint too bad for my first attempt at off-road running.

That aside, this was a personal battle for me – to be able to get myself into a decent enough state to do this run and not actually feel tired at the end is very satisfying. To do this as a Vegan makes it even more pleasing. My Dad said he felt very emotional as I ran past towards the finish line, so you can’t ask for more than that… This marked the end of a great year’s transformation in both my body and soul.

Lucky No: 504

A few weeks ago, I joined a running club… This was my first opportunity to wear the Vegan Runners vest! They are Vegan and they run. Perfect.

Even dogs can’t resist watching…

Me, Stano, Sebmeister and Cat – a mixture of nervous tension and the desire to go back to bed.

Countdown began…

And we were off…

Dad, waiting expectantly at the finish…

 Almost there…

Far less muddy than expected, mainly due to the torrents of water that helped clean me on the way around.

Cat and Sebmeister approaching the finish, after (at least) 3 falls, a shoe-retrieval and a toilet break.

Medal time!

Four very proud people… and no broken legs!

Time to go shower and eat.

Ok, I may have been a bit muddier than previously mentioned.

More stuff for the running scrapbook.

Looking forward to next year already!

(Photos by my Dad, Wife and Me)