THE FIRST RUNNING TOUR

My heart was pounding so hard I could feel it in my mouth (and I hadn’t even started running).

I was about to meet 4 strangers who’d spent their hard-earned money on coming to the running tour I’d spent the best part of a year creating.

A little run around Birmingham with a few people Lucy, why so nervous?? 😱

This day had been my bright orange beacon of hope and purpose after months on furlough and I desperately wanted it to go well.

Before lockdown, I’d been taking part in running tours with incredible guides all over the world through my role as Airline Cabin Crew. Now as a guide myself bringing the concept to my beloved Brum, I wanted to do the #runningtour scene and my city justice.

During lockdown I’d seriously lost my running mojo. I was excited to run with others again but I felt a lot of pressure to ensure they were safe, got along, the pace was right for everyone and they enjoyed themselves.

I was worried about remembering all of the tour info, so much so alongside buying every other orange drink/snack I could find in Tesco, I'd spent the previous evening asking my friends for “iconic times people have forgotten their lines on stage” in case I froze (I had Eminem’s choke in his 8 mile film in my back pocket).

How did it go? Far from perfect!

I definitely forgot facts despite hours of speaking to my mirror. I learnt that it wasn’t very practical or profitable parking in central Birmingham and lugging a box full of post run refreshments to the finish line (who’s saying durrr right now!?) oh and it also pissed it down 🤣🌧️

But their smiles and claps at the end was better than the feeling at the end of my first marathon.

Every tour since that first run has been special and unique. Together we’ve learnt, laughed, sweat and gained a new found appreciation for the place we’ve been stuck in for so long. Many of those runners have become genuine friends and 2 very special ROAK guides.

It's way less nerves and more excitement to start our runs back up after this 3rd lockdown. Fueled (running pun) by the 100's of runners who have brought this experience we’ve brought to Birmingham to life.

Bring on getting to go all over again from Mon 29th March 🧡