Meet Kara, a runner from South London, who balances life as a wife, mum, and retail worker while building an incredible journey through running, one that started in one of her most difficult chapters.
How It Started
Kara began running during a period where she was struggling with depression and loneliness. Like many parents, she poured everything into being a good mum, but in doing so, she forgot about her own health and happiness.
“I was determined to be a good mum,” she explains, “but I forgot about myself.”
Looking for a healthy outlet, she started running; not far, not fast, just five minutes at a time. But that small step was enough to begin something life-changing.
The Journey
Running quickly became more than just exercise. It became connection, structure, and support.
Kara joined the Striders of Croydon Running Club, which helped her move from running alone to being part of a community. What began as a few miles soon grew into something far bigger than she ever imagined.
Over time, she progressed from short runs to completing her first ultra marathon, and is now preparing for an even bigger challenge. a 24-hour endurance event with Endure24.
“I never thought I’d be here,” she says. “But running kept growing with me.”
Highlights & Progress
One of Kara’s most powerful realisations is that some of her biggest personal bests (PBs) have come later in her running journey.
She’s discovered that age isn’t a limitation, it’s an advantage.
With experience has come a better understanding of her body, allowing her to run stronger, smarter, and more consistently than ever before.
What Running Means to Kara
Running has become a lifeline for Kara, not just physically, but mentally.
It helped her move through depression, rebuild confidence, and reconnect with herself outside of motherhood and work.
It also gave her something she didn’t expect: community. Through her club and fellow runners, she found support, friendship, and belonging.
Advice for Beginners
Kara’s message is simple and powerful:
Start small.
Even five minutes is enough.
Build slowly, trust the process, and don’t compare yourself to others. Running will grow with you, just like it did for her.
