Claire never used to run. In fact, she used to dread anything physical.
“As a kid, I used to loathe any physical activity, and would dread even the mention of PE lessons!!”
But a few years ago, things changed. In the middle of a mental and emotional low, being burnt out due to work, Claire hit a breaking point.
“I lost my self-belief, my confidence, my fight, and my purpose. I lost me.”
On one particularly dark day, Claire did something completely out of character:
“I remember I ran out of the house, LITERALLY. I didn’t know where I was running to… I had no plan, no money, and no phone. I JUST RAN!”
That spontaneous sprint wasn’t about fitness, it was survival. But that single act became the first step on a path that would lead her toward recovery, community, and strength.
Scrolling through Facebook not long after, she stumbled on a post from Just Strong.
“I absolutely loved the passionate message of the clothing. A clear message of empowerment and confidence building, AND it wasn’t just about physical and fitness strength. In so many ways, it really spoke to me!”
She applied to be an ambassador - nervously - and was accepted. In May 2024, she slipped on her first pair of Just Strong leggings.
“Wow! These leggings were like a second skin, AND there was a perfect pocket in the leg to hold my phone too! It seemed a crime to waste the gear, so I jumped on our treadmill.”
That quick, impulsive workout? It lit something up.
“Whether it was the endorphins or the feeling of accomplishment… but it felt GOOD!”
Claire started sharing her progress with the ambassador community and on social media - something she never would’ve done before.
“I took a few pics (very unlike me!) and shared them. The messages of support from fellow Just Strong ambassadors were a fantastic boost, especially when the doubt crept in.”
This year, Claire took on her boldest challenge yet: the London Landmarks Half Marathon, alongside a team of Just Strong women, all raising over £8,000 for Still I Run, “A charity I quickly discovered had exactly the same reason to run as me - for mental wellbeing.”
The training wasn't easy. But she didn't do it alone, Claire was delighted to be able to do this with such a supportive group of ladies.
"We've inspired each other, supported each other, and picked each other up when it’s got hard.”
From someone who “didn’t do exercise”… To someone running 13.1 miles with pride, purpose, and power. Claire’s journey is a reminder that strength doesn’t always start in the gym - sometimes, it starts when you just need to run.
Give Claire a follow to here see where her journey takes you next!
