#whywerun - Jordan Walker

#whywerun - Jordan Walker

Words & Images: Jordan Walker

Hi I’m Jordan Aka @Runningfordad and I initially started running in June 2018 after finding out the devastating news of my dad having terminal lung cancer and needed something to take my mind off the reality of what was going on in my life. When I first started I could barely run a mile without stopping but I kept persistent as I found it really helped keep me together and build strength. I found the sad news really difficult to accept and it really hit me hard if I’m honest. My dad was also my best friend and I had no idea how I could even move forward without him by my side.

I owe running and especially the running community so much as they have been nothing but supportive of my journey so far and it’s been so nice to connect with others who have also lost family/friends and to talk about those loved ones who are sadly missed! I will continue to honour my dad's life each time I lace up and hopefully inspire others by sharing my journey!

 -WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD GO BACK AND TELL YOURSELF WHEN YOU FIRST STARTING RUNNING, THAT YOU HAVE NOW LEARNED?

Run EASY more often!!!! I can’t stress this enough after learning the hard way and not hitting my hard sessions because I was too fatigued.

-WHERE DO YOU DRAW YOUR INSPIRATION/MOTIVATION?

I run to honour my dad's life and to try to show my children what’s possible if you work hard! I want to be a role model to my daughters and hopefully inspire them to take up running one day!!

 -DO YOU HAVE A MANTRA TO HELP WHEN THINGS GET TOUGH?

This is my favourite and one I live by!

Some days it just flows and I feel like I’m born to do this, other days it feels like I’m trudging through hell. Every day I make the choice to show up and see what I’ve got, and to try and be better. Keep showing up! - Des Linden 

-WHERE WILL YOUR RUNNING TAKE YOU NEXT?

Who knows…I am incredibly grateful for everything I have achieved so far with running and I feel as though I have only just rolled up my sleeves and found my feet 2.5 years in!

-ARE YOU JUST ENJOYING THE DAY TO DAY OR DO YOU HAVE A GOAL THAT YOUR ARE GUNNING FOR NOW?

I have a long term goal of a sub 3 marathon but for now my coach is getting me ready for 10k/10 mile time trials in this month.

-FAVORITE RACE?

Brighton marathon as it has incredible support and the city is filled with special memories.

-FAVORITE RUNNING COMPANION? (FRIEND, MUSIC, PODCAST, SILENCE, etc?)

Hmm it depends on the run if its a race/time trial/interval session its normally liquid drum and bass/trance, if it's an easy run it's normally a podcast self development related or jazzy hip hop/something chilled.

-FAVORITE RUNNING RELATED PRODUCT?

Probably my Nike next % trainers because when I lace up it's a signal to myself that I mean business as I only get them out for racing.

 -ANYTHING YOU WOULD LIKE TO ADD?

Train hard and be consistent and you will see results! My first year of running I almost tried to wing it and thought I could just rock up and run a marathon…well that didn’t end well and my body fell apart from mile 18. The marathon will eat you apart if you don’t show it respect!

You can follow Jordan on Instagram here