12/06/2026
The run that broke me.
I’ve run Grafham Water many times before and always posted a decent time. But this day was different.
It was a hot day, and I started too fast, trying to keep pace with other runners. I eventually backed off, but the damage was done. My water was getting warmer, the temperature was rising, and by three-quarters of the way around I had run out completely.
I couldn’t keep running.
As my body started to struggle, my mind took over. The negative thoughts crept in. All the stress and challenges going on in my life started to surface. Emotions hit hard, and yes, I even shed a few tears.
I walked the rest of the route.
A week later, I came back and ran the same course again. This time I completed it with no issues.
The lesson? You’re never the same person twice. Heat, nutrition, hydration, sleep, stress, and countless other factors can affect performance. One bad day doesn’t define you.
If you fail, do it again.
Keep showing up.
