Friday Fire: Owen - Going Big on Something New

On Sunday, Owen stood on the start line of the Cattle Creep A Little Further 10-mile race.

A proper event, a hilly course, and his first ever running race.

1 hour 33 minutes later, he crossed the line having done exactly what Friday Fire stories are about.

Trying something new, committing to the process, and discovering what happens when consistency stacks up over time.

Owen running the Cattle Creep with his running buddies, Jens and Neilly B

From Cycling to GB1fitness

Owen originally joined GB1fitness with a different goal in mind.

Running was not part of the plan.

“I joined GB1 fitness in 2024 to get fit for a cycling event I wanted to do that year. Within a couple of sessions I was hooked with the fitness, the camaraderie, the energy of the group and just the pure fun.”

Like many people, fitness started with one focus.

But being around others chasing their own goals has a way of widening the horizon.

Conversations about races, training plans and parkrun times slowly changed how he saw running.

Owen loving life on his run

Inspired by the People Around Him

The shift did not come from pressure.

It came from exposure.

Seeing friends train, improve and enjoy the process made running feel possible rather than intimidating.

“I’d hear people talking about their training for the next local half marathon or marathon, their stories of their latest 5k times at parkrun.”

Winter arrived, cycling became less appealing, and the idea of running began to take hold.

Parkruns came first.

Then came the decision that set everything in motion.

“I have a view if I’m going to do something, I’m going to go big.”

Signing up for a hilly 10-mile race despite never having run that distance before summed it up perfectly.

Owen training with GB1fitness

Training, Support and Progress

The weeks that followed were not about shortcuts.

They were about showing up, building gradually, and leaning on the people around him.

“The guidance, support and encouragement I’ve received from my GB1 family has been amazing, nothing but love and support from Graeme and everyone at GB1.”

A couple of months before race day, Owen had never run 10k.

By February, he had built enough strength and confidence to take on ten tough miles.

Not by rushing, but by staying consistent and trusting the process.

Owen with his hard earned medal

Race Day and What It Represents

The finish time of 1 hour 33 minutes tells part of the story.

The bigger part is what it represents.

Someone stepping outside their comfort zone and discovering they were capable of more than they expected.

That is what Friday Fire celebrates.

Progress that comes from action, encouragement, and a willingness to try.

Owen’s journey from cyclist to runner did not happen overnight.

It happened through small decisions repeated week after week, supported by a community that wants to see each other succeed.

If you think you are not a runner yet, remember that most people who complete their first event once thought the same thing.

Start where you are, stay consistent, and let the journey unfold from there.

If you want to experience what GB1fitness is about, join us for a FREE 8-Days to see what you’re capable of!