My name’s Anna Davison, I live in London with my husband Rob and I have zero natural talent for anything sporty but I love trying to do things that challenge me.
I would describe my younger self as definitely showing more enthusiasm than skill or talent when it came to sport. I was however very good at maths so I guess we all get a talent. Not naturally blessed with any kind of co-ordination, balance or speed but always very good at understanding the rules and being on time I still often got selected for sports teams throughout school and university – I would often win awards such as ‘most reliable’ or ‘utility player’.
I discovered running and cycling in my thirties (this was as much a surprise to me as to anyone) but for me it was a way to get out and explore the countryside, live without a car and try to build a healthier lifestyle after some serious partying in my late twenties. I’ve also moved around a lot over the last ten years (living in London, Glasgow, Toronto, the Gold Coast, Glasgow again and now back to London) – running and cycling has always been a great way to meet new people.
But, as since my childhood, enthusiasm is definitely still outweighing any skill or talent for either of these sports and these challenges are going to be pretty tough for me. I have suffered on and off for over 20 years with sciatica – I have a trapped nerve which effects being able to move evenly (and hence loads my body oddly). I love running but it doesn’t always love me – I can’t load on the miles without injury like many can and I’m working really hard to correct some imbalances which will be the only way I’m going to get through these serious endurance challenges. It’s been a frustrating relationship at times but one I’m determined to persevere with.
So here we are, ready to embark my 39th year and and staring into the unknown but still determined to challenge myself and raise some money for charity. This blog is my journey as an average, everyday runner and cyclist trying doing something I think is pretty extraordinary. I hope it inspires someone to try something they might not otherwise have thought was possible. But at the very least I’d like to raise some money for a very worthwhile cause.
Mrs Davison: Project 39 