The latest winner in our Brooks competition series, Katy Walton tells AW what makes her Run Happy

As several runners (obviously professionals) fly past me on the downhill at Roseberry Topping during my first Gisborough Moors fell race, I wonder what I am doing here.

I claw myself sideways down the descent grabbing at every blade of grass strong enough to stop me from tumbling to my death. Even my trail shoes with great grips are no saviour at this point in this silly race. Why oh why did I say I would run 12 miles of fell?!

As I look ahead and see the ‘professionals climbing yet another monstrous hill I m in awe thinking that one day I would like to be in that group bounding past new runners like myself, where no hill will beat me.

Finally, on the up once again, my legs plead with me to stop, but my Elvet Striders vest makes me feel proud. On I trudge. The wind is rather strong as it whips past me. Just a few more steps and I will be at the top, when it dawns on me that I am rather afraid of heights, but turning back is not an option.

As the summit is reached the wind blows dramatically around me as though it is pleased to see me. I stop and take in several deep breaths. I smell the air, the fresh air so suffocatingly lovely. I can see for miles and miles. I m on top of the world all alone and it s so peaceful. I tip my head back, close my eyes and listen to myself, to the silence of life.

Gosh it s good to be a part of this! My happiest running moment yet.

WHAT MAKES YOU RUN HAPPY?

Brooks believes in the transformative power of the run. The run can turn a day or a life completely around and can flat-out change the world.

That’s why each month they’re rewarding one AW reader for sharing what makes them Run Happy. We want to hear all about your Run Happy experience, whether it’s a first race, a new PB or a moment that changed your race around. It can be anything.

Each month we will pick our favourite story. Not only will it appear in Athletics Weekly, but the owner of that story will receive Brooks kit including footwear, a jacket and a tee.

Click here for further details and to submit your story.

On Twitter? Why not get social?! We’d love for you to share your stories and pictures on Twitter too – just tweet @AthleticsWeekly and @Brooksrunninguk using the hashtag #RUNHAPPYRACES.

The post My Run Happy story: Katy Walton appeared first on Athletics Weekly.