Tuesday 27 March 2012

That's all folks....

After my unfortunate fall in the Bath Half Marathon a few weeks ago and missing a crucial stage of my marathon training I have made the decision not only to pull out of the Rotterdam marathon but to also take a break from running.

This has been a very tough decision to take but once I finally made the decision I knew it was the right one. I joined my local athletics club at the age of 10, so have been running for more than 22 years! I love running and I love racing but recently it has started becoming more of a chore than a pleasure, I feel if I keep pushing to get results without the enjoyment I will just end up resenting running and I don't want that to happen. I knew there would come a time when running wasn't my number one priority but it crept up on me much quicker and earlier than I expected.

Looking back on my athletics career I can't believe what it's done for me. I've raced in 14 different countries over four continents, met and made so many friends that I know will be friends for life. I've experienced different cultures and without running I wouldn't be the person I am today.

I am and always will be a runner, it's just time for me to move on to the next phase of my life.... whatever that may be......

Tom Payn - Time To Stop Running......




2 comments:

  1. Hi Tom,

    I have followed your blog with interest (and particularly enjoyed your reflections on your trips to Kenya) and it is very clear that running burns brightly within you. May you have the best of luck with wherever your path leads from here.

    Happy trails....

    Steve Cooper
    Blackheath & Bromley Harriers/Harwich Runners

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  2. Very good things are waiting for you, I am sure. Good luck!

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