Jackie and Running Partner Lili Ready for the Challenge

Demonstrating that it is never too late to start running, Jackie has got the running bug. With her trusty running buddy, Lili, at her side, she is gearing up for the amazing experience of running through London!

I started working for ELFT at the very beginning of COVID, in 2020. I was soon attached to the Mask fit testing project, which I am still working for now, as the Fit test service, coordinator.

My running journey started eight years ago. It was just before my 50th Birthday, I saw an ad on Facebook from a local athletics club, recruiting for a Couch to 5K course. I thought if I signed up for that it would give my family a laugh (and it did. They did not believe I could do it!). I started the course and I am still running with the athletics group now. We train at a track mid-week and do our long runs on a Sunday morning, followed by coffee and cake.

We do train for club events throughout the year and I also participate in the three counties cross country run.

I am looking forward to doing the London Landmarks half marathon, representing the ELFT Charity.

I have started to follow a half marathon training programme which will increase the distance I run each week. I do have a running buddy – my daughter’s dog Lilli who loves running with me.

Do follow our progress and feel free to donate to the charity here