I sit here typing this thinking: I really should acknowledge this. I really should document it. So here it is.
On 26th August 2021 I was awarded the UK Active Physical Activity Hero Award.
It feels uncomfortable to shout about our wins sometimes but this particular event really did carry some weight for me and the Run Talk Run community. It is our first award, ever.
It should go without saying that I do not do what I do for Run Talk Run for the awards or recognition. I would have given up a LONG time ago if that were the case. Having said that, I am human, and I have a desire to feel seen and heard as much as the next person and I feel like this pat on the back from UK Active did this for me.
Much like other organisations, Covid presented some particularly gritty challenges for our supportive space. We’re a community who pride ourselves on supporting each other “In Real Life”, not over screens, and so to strip all of that away left us feeling a little bit lost at times. The Leaders all responded so beautifully to the ever changing restrictions and rules and yet even so, keeping up with it all was tiring.
What made it most challenging, however, was the indisputable fact that throwing myself wholeheartedly at Run Talk Run was preventing me from finding employment, and so financially I found myself in a really horrible place too. I won’t dwell too much on that, but I think it’s important to be honest about some of the sacrifices that are made to be indulged in the pleasure and glory of taking care of a community of this scale.
So it is with thanks to the Run Talk Run community and anyone else who voted, that I accept this award very very happily indeed.
My promise to you all is that I will keep championing each and every safe space that is being created, and hopefully inspire some new Leaders too, to increase our accessibility to support and running even more.
(p.s. you can follow my story on @jessicamaryrobson)
(p.p.s. my ego absolutely loved all of this so if you see any more awards that you think Run Talk Run is worthy of winning, please nominate us)
