About Me
I started Running Lutalica to record my running journey as I ‘wander’ along, trying to improve my physical fitness and mental well-being. I don’t consider myself a ‘typical runner’ (I’ve since learned that there’s no such thing).
I arrived in my 50s, somewhat dazed and confused about how I’d gotten here. Sitting behind a desk at work for the last 25 years had affected my health and fitness. I’d allowed my career to define my identity, which, in hindsight, caused me to lose a big part of myself. Instead, the things I wanted most now were health, happiness, and mental well-being. Running seemed to be an excellent route to these.
As you may have guessed already, I’m certainly no expert, but I’ll share my experiences and any tips I’ve picked up from those who are along the way.
So why Lutalica? (I think the Running bit is obvious). Lutalica comes from the Serbo-Croatian word lútalica, meaning “wanderer.”
My PBs
I need to highlight at this point that all of my PBs have been recorded based on efforts after my 50th birthday. There are two reasons for this.
Firstly, when I was far younger and fitter, I cared a lot less about measuring my progress. Secondly, apps such as Strava or Garmin Connect didn’t exist when I was last genuinely active fitness-wise regularly.
These records allow me to track the progress of my journey. Still, they’re not as important as getting out there, enjoying the experience and maintaining my physical and mental well-being.
It seems very British to start a record of your personal bests with an apologetic-type explanation, but hey, if the cap fits…
Personal Bests
| Distance | Time | Date |
| 1 KM | 4:31 | 30/04/2024 |
| 1 Mile | 7:35 | 30/04/2024 |
| 5 KM | 25:56 | 30/04/2024 |
| 10 KM | 55:55 | 12/02/2023 |
| Half Marathon | 2:10:08 | 07/05/2023 |
| Marathon | 5:09:32 | 28/05/2023 |
| Ultra Marathon (55KM) | 8:39:14 | 15/07/2023 |
2024 Totals
| Total Time | 49 hrs 33 mins |
| Total Distance | 449.8 KM |
| Total Runs | 47 |
2023 Totals
| Total Time | 147 hrs 33 mins |
| Total Distance | 1,310 KM |
| Total Runs | 160 |
2022 Totals
| Total Time | 110 hrs 23 mins |
| Total Distance | 966.3 KM |
| Total Runs | 105 |
My Running Tunes
Music can raise someone’s mood, excite them, or calm them down and relax them. Music also (and this is important) allows us to feel nearly or possibly all the emotions we experience.
It’s important to me, especially when I need a lift to help get me out for a run or to keep me going during a run. So here’s my current running playlist, which is updated monthly.