When I was about seven, my mum took me into town to buy a new outfit. We chose green shorts and a matching t-shirt bought in John Lewis that were to be worn for a 5k fun run. The shorts and t-shirt were made of cotton, but this was long before the world knew about wicking fabrics.

I remember us run-walking round the course. Running when we saw Mr Cadmore, one of our neighbours stood out cheering by the park, and being stopped by someone else we knew as we ran down the finishing straight so that they could give me a pound.

I run this course every year now as part of the Great Eastern Run, choosing the half marathon distance rather than the fun run, and my mum and dad stand cheering by the side of the route. They’ve cheered me on in marathons in Nottingham, Manchester and Venice, and this weekend sat watching the live online streaming of Frankfurt marathon to watch me and Liz cross the finish line.

One year my mum did the Seabank marathon which runs from Boston to Skegness along the seabank. This is my earliest memory of spectating a marathon. My dad and me drove to points along the route to see her and her friends go past and give them a cheer. She requested a pint of beer at the finish line and we obliged – holding it up when we saw her coming and causing her to sprint for the finish. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.

Today is my mum’s 60th birthday and yesterday she announced her intention to do another marathon next year. Wherever it is, I’ll be there cheering her on and making sure I’ve got the beer ready for her sprint finish.

Happy birthday mum (and dad) – thanks for all your support.