Recovery Running On Tour 2022

It’s been a while since my last running blog back at the start of the first lockdown, when I did the Metric Marathon of 26.2km in my back garden as part of the 2.6 national event (I've just about got over the dizziness!). Only one other event since then, when in the third lockdown I managed to run the equivalent distance (131.5 miles) of visiting all our services back in February this year.

Both of these events took place during lockdown so when the rescheduled 40th Robin Hood Half Marathon came around a couple of weeks ago, I couldn’t wait to get back on the road with thousands of other runners!  It’s fired me up for our future plans to raise awareness of drug and alcohol issues and the work we do to support people in recovering from them - to achieve this, we are launching our Recovery Running on Tour 2022, more about which in a moment.

The Robin Hood Half 2022

Once again the Robin Hood Half Marathon was a great success. I must admit it did feel very strange being around and running with that many people after so much time either training on my own, or with Lisa, one of my fellow Recovery Runners (who also happens to be our HR Manager). Yes, the numbers of runners were a little lower, due to many people deferring to next year due to Covid. It certainly didn’t feel any quieter out on the course, where once again the people of Nottingham did the City proud. The support on the Embankment, up to the Nottingham Castle, through the Park section and then at Wollaton Hall was particularly welcome. I have to give a special mention to Pip for screaming my name shortly before the Embankment in mile 13, when my legs nearly gave up!

I have missed running in the mass participation events so much, but still managed to bring home a really decent time of 01:50:49. I had set a target of under 2 hours, so you can imagine how pleased I was. I do like to set targets as it really helps to motivate me, but to be honest I run to keep both my physical and mental health in good condition. Throughout the lockdowns and Covid restrictions I don’t know what I would have done without my regular running sessions to keep me going

Looking Ahead – Recovery Running 2022 Tour

So, if you like the sound of getting out there again, or for the first time, we’d love you to be part of our 2022 tour! If you fancy taking part we will be participating in the following events:

Boston Half Marathon 18th April 2022
Lincoln Half Marathon 18th September 2022
Nottingham Half Marathon 25th September 2022

There are relay options in both Boston and Nottingham meaning that you don’t have to run the full 13.1 miles as they are set up us four runner relays.
Our focus in 2022 will be on raising awareness. If you choose to also raise money at the same time then that would be a huge bonus in supporting our work.

For anyone wanting to participate in one of our Recovery Running 2022 Tour events, pleased contact me by email grahammiller@doubleimapct.org.uk. You can also follow our running exploits on Twitter @DI_Runs.