KO Running

Type 1 diabetes isn’t a straight line. We all have good days and bad days and it’s how you react to them that really matters.

This week I switched from the Dexcom G7 back to the G6. The G7 was too big and clunky, causing sensor issues and irregular readings. My glucose levels have been elevated for weeks, affecting training and my mental health more than people realise.

After changing back, everything finally started to settle… then this morning everything failed at once. Multiple alarms. And the dreaded alarm of death. Stress levels through the roof.

The photo shows just how many consumables a Type 1 can burn through especially when you run out of insulin and have to draw from pre‑filled pens.

Type 1 is tough. But you can plough through it. And you become tougher in the process.

🌟 Cofton Park parkrun – We Did It!

What an incredible morning. At 9am today, Cofton Park officially came alive with its very first parkrun, and seeing hundreds of runners and walkers flowing through the course made every challenge over the last three years worth it.

I want to say a huge thank you to the entire team who helped bring this event to life , the ambassadors, the supporters, and especially the volunteers who made today possible. Your commitment, patience and belief in this project kept it moving even when the politics, setbacks and barriers made it feel impossible.

This journey hasn’t been easy.
For three years we’ve navigated every kind of obstacle , organisational politics, delays. Even negativity from a few individuals from the public and Park Run HQ doubting our vision. But today, standing there watching the community run together, it became real. It became worth it.

To my family and close friends thank you. You’ve been the backbone of this entire effort, and your support has meant more than I can ever express.

It’s hard to believe that in just three years we’ve built a thriving running club and launched a parkrun that will bring positivity, connection and opportunity to the area. Cofton Park now has something truly special and this is only the beginning.

I’m now focused on future‑proofing the event, making sure it thrives for years to come.
If you’d like to be part of the volunteer team and help keep this event flowing for future runners and walkers, please reach out. Your support will shape the next chapter of Cofton Park parkrun.

Here’s to community, resilience, and proving that determination always wins.

Cofton Park — welcome to the parkrun family. 🧡

Puregym Longbridge

Getting back up@to fitness after a fractured ankle.

Thank you for the nutrition which is helping me recover fast than usual

XC Cofton Park parkrun — Official Approval Secured!

I’m really pleased to share that we have now received written approval from Birmingham City Council for the new Cofton Park parkrun. This has been a long journey, and getting this confirmation in writing means we can finally move forward with setting up the event.

We already have £2,000 generously donated, and a huge thank you to everyone who has supported us so far. Your belief in this project has helped get us to this point.

To bring this event to life, we now need to raise the final £2,000. We’ll be reaching out to local businesses, clubs, and community partners to help us close the gap — but any support, big or small, will make a real difference.

This parkrun will be huge for the community. It will bring people together, inspire healthier lifestyles, and create something that leaves a lasting legacy for years to come.

If you’re able to support, please consider donating using the link below.
Together, we can make Cofton Park parkrun a reality.

👉 Donate here: https://gofund.me/ee22314a8

Thank you for your continued support. This is going to be something special for South Birmingham. 🧡

🧡 South Birmingham Striders — What. A. Day.

Yesterday our SBS family took on the iconic Rhayader Around the lakes a 30km of pure grit through the Eden Valley, over 1,700ft of climbing and some seriously savage descents but some stunning scenery.

What makes this even more special?

Most of this group once believed they’d never run more than a 10k. Yesterday they tore up that belief, pushed past every doubt, and crossed that finish line with heart, courage and seriously impressive times.

This is who we are.
We push each other.
We back each other.
We achieve the things we once thought were impossible — together.

And while most of SBS are resting those well‑earned legs today, we’ve still got Chris out in Paris proudly flying the flag and showing the French what South Birmingham Striders are all about.

Me and Joe couldn’t be prouder of what this club has become. The spirit, the community, the belief it’s something special. Here’s to smashing expectations again and again.

SBS — you’ve done us proud. 🧡

StriderStrong RhayaderRoundTheLakes RunTogether RunningCommunity TeamSBS ProudCoach BreakingBarriers RunnersOfInstagram RunUK ParisRunning BelieveAndAchieve

Monday night are when the track comes alive when SBS tack to it 💪

The last few weeks haven’t been easy. My diabetes has been all over the place after my pump and sensor broke. It’s been exhausting sleepless nights, constant adjustments, and the heavy weight of diabetes burnout.

Now I’ve got a new pump ,but even that takes time. It has to learn me before it can truly work the way it should. And in the meantime, I keep showing up.

Because here’s the truth no matter how crippling diabetes can feel, no matter how tired I am, I refuse to let it define me.

I still go out there and give 100%. Every. Single. Day.

Diabetes is something I live with it is not who I am.
Don’t let your condition become you. Live your life boldly, and make your condition adjust to you. 💪💙

What an amazing day at Combe Abbey today! 💥

Some truly superb performances from the South Birmingham Striders crew, and to top it off we finished 4th in the entire league — an incredible achievement and a real statement of where this club is right now.

From where we were just two years ago to where we are today, the journey has been unreal. The growth, the commitment, and the belief across the club has been something special to watch.

We’re not just about fun, performance, and great socials (although we still do those brilliantly 😄). We’re now stepping things up with nutritional support and sports psychology, delivered through Sport Hub, because developing our athletes properly matters.

Looking ahead, 2026 is going to be huge. After finishing 4th this year, promotion is firmly in our sights next season. Big goals, big plans, and a club that’s ready to go places — I genuinely couldn’t be prouder of what we’re building together.

Next socials coming up:
🎯 Paintballing
🏃 Rhayader Around the Lakes 30k

Trust me… this is the place to be in 2026 🔥
South Birmingham Striders — watch this space. 💙🖤

Fuelled by

General / Club pride





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