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Every stride tells a story, and this week's episode is no exception. I found myself at the starting line of 2020, primed for a personal record at the Wokingham Half Marathon, only to watch as the unfolding pandemic rewrote the race calendar. But when I traded my runner's bib for a grocery delivery badge, I discovered a new rhythm in serving the community, a heartbeat that sustained me through the silence of empty streets and cancelled events. The tale I share isn't just about the miles logged or the races lost; it's about finding meaning in the movement and connection in the unexpected roles we play.

Imagine the resolve it takes to confront a solo ultra marathon, the kind where every turn could be a wrong one, and each mile might as well be a mountain. That's the story I bring to life as I recount the muscle-searing, mind-bending journey of pushing beyond marathon distances, alone against the elements. From the adrenaline-fueled start through the punishing elevation to the battle against post-run migraines, this chapter is a raw look at the extremes of endurance. There's solidarity, too, in our shared struggles and the resolve to press on when every fibre screams to stop.

But even as the pavement lay dormant, the spirit of the marathon thrived in virtual races across the globe. I reveal the solitude and solidarity of running a backyard ultramarathon, the rush of crossing a finish line that's both everywhere and nowhere. In the echo of my footsteps, I found the camaraderie of an online community running with me, and in the chiming of my virtual medal, a testament to the unyielding human spirit that races on, even as the world holds its breath. Join me for tales of tenacity, the camaraderie of runners worldwide, and the shared triumphs that defy distance and disruption.

Thanks for listening. Keep on running.