Molly on finding the joy in running

For Molly, the best thing about her first half marathon wasn't the finishing time. She ran quicker than she'd expected, but what she remembers most is how much she enjoyed it. She couldn't stop smiling.

When she shared her story, Molly had been running for between one and three years. She described herself as “racing towards a goal”.

Molly loves the photograph from that day. You can see how much she's enjoying the run, and her outfit reflects her colourful personality. As she puts it, “races can be catwalks”.

Finding a little peace

Molly came to running during a difficult time in her life, when she'd lost a sense of who she was and what she'd expected her life to be. At about 3am one morning, unable to sleep, she felt an urge to go for a run. She ran longer than she'd thought she could, and proving to herself that she could achieve something felt particularly special.

Afterwards, she sat in her parents' garden. She remembers her dad's reaction: “what the hell were you doing?!” She told him she couldn't stop running. She'd switched off and felt peaceful. It's a run she'll never forget.

She hadn't thought of herself as a runner, so she couldn't believe she'd run more than five kilometres without stopping. She was proud of herself, and ready for some good food afterwards.

She still loves the feeling of running a distance she'd thought was beyond her. Running also gives her a chance to switch off and be present.

“It's one of the few activities I can do and be genuinely present in the moment.”

There's often a point, usually around 10km, when Molly's mind switches off and all she wants to do is smile. She enjoys being outside in nature, with some time to herself.

Colour, creativity and a good pastry

Molly works in charities that support people through creativity and loves sharing the joy of making art. She also dabbles in stand-up comedy.

Away from running, she enjoys lifting weights and dancing. Food is another passion, especially a good pastry or a sweet treat.

Longer distances, with enjoyment in mind

After her first half marathon, Molly booked a marathon and an ultra. She downloaded Runna and began putting pressure on herself to achieve a particular time.

She's since reconsidered what she wants from those next races. Completing a marathon and an ultra are still her goals, but she wants to enjoy the experience. The happiness she felt during her half marathon matters to her more than the number on the clock.

Molly prefers running alone. Her running community is “Me, myself and I”.

She once thought she wasn't a runner, yet when she sent us her story she was about to take on an ultra. Her advice is to give it a try, without worrying about looking a certain way or achieving a certain time. “Just enjoy it.”

She loves her own company on a run, but she loves a cheering race crowd too.

“For one day you are a celebrity and it's brilliant.”