This one’s for you, Will: losing a friend and learning not to hate running | Max Rushden


Like many others I rediscovered running during lockdown, and a school friend’s death has given it extra purpose

“Distance. One kilometre” says the computerised Strava voice into the wireless headphones. “Time. Five minutes. And 48 seconds.”

Almost six minutes? That must be wrong. Please no more than five. It felt fast. Suddenly my calves start burning. My lungs tighten. Psychologically defeated by an app. Nine more of them? There’s no way. I could just do 5k. I didn’t sign a binding contract before I left the house. No one will know.

Related: Great British Farce if parkrun does not return but clubs and casinos do | Sean Ingle

Running has succeeded in helping us in some small way remember the importance of our friendships

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