Whether we like it or not, people love to judge especially when it comes to size and appearance. Many of us would describe the ideal runner’s body as lean, lanky and lithe. Even at my thinest I would never be described as any of the above.

I don’t look like “a typical” runner, I have curves and boobs but when I put my trainers on I’m a runner. As a friend said to me a mile ran whatever the time is a mile ran. Which made me kick myself when I was talking to a potential customer about running, that I put myself down. Saying “I don’t look like a runner”. Why did I do that, maybe getting that in before I was judged. I’ve had many people say “my daughter ran that quicker but she is thinner than you!” What you’ve run a marathon? Yes people actually say what they think, I’m usually lost for words to reply.

But I am a runner, I’ve completed 5 marathons to date. Running with my Labrador has rekindled my love of running. Studies have shown that heavier set people who exercise can be cardiovascularly healthy and may live longer than their sedentary but skinny peers.

People judging is a comment on them, with another marathon in 2020 I’m happy with being strong not skinny. Curves rule.