Tom's First Experience with the Last Sunday of the Month (LSOM) Run

Mud, Miles, and Cake: My First LSOM Run Adventure

After moving to a new area, I was looking for something to keep me active and, let’s be honest, a way to trick myself into socialising without the awkward small talk. That’s when I stumbled upon the Last Sunday of the Month (LSOM) Run. It sounded simple enough—turn up, run a bit, meet people. Perfect. Or so I thought.

With a surge of enthusiasm (and questionable decision-making), I decided this would be the perfect time to debut my brand new, gleaming white running trainers. Yes, I know. I’d like to say I didn’t realise it was a trail run, but I absolutely did—I just underestimated the “mixed terrain” part. Spoiler alert: my trainers did not stay white.

The Morning of the Run: Overthinking and Overdressing

I arrived, already regretting wearing a jacket that was far too warm because apparently, I don’t understand weather. The crowd was buzzing with friendly energy—people chatting, laughing, and clearly not as concerned about the mud situation as I was. I tried to blend in, which is hard when you’re staring at your shoes, mourning their soon-to-be-lost innocence.

Michael, who runs the event, gathered us for a pre-run briefing. He was relaxed, friendly, and said something along the lines of, “We’re here to have fun, no one gets left behind,” which was comforting, though part of me still wondered if he’d change his mind once he saw me in action.

And We're Off… Into the Mud

We set off, and within the first five minutes, my pristine trainers met their fate—a puddle the size of a small lake. I pretended not to care, but inside, I was quietly holding a funeral for them. After that, I embraced the chaos. Mud splashes? Part of the fun. Unexpected slippery patches? Character building.

What surprised me was how relaxed the whole thing felt. People weren’t just running; they were chatting, laughing, and even stopping to take photos. Yes, actual breaks mid-run. This was new to me, but I wasn’t going to question it because, frankly, I needed the breathers.

I ended up running alongside someone named Genni, who chatted with me like we’d been friends for years. She was warm, funny, and didn’t once point out that I was trying to dodge puddles like I was on an obstacle course. Turns out, she’s Michael’s partner, which made sense because she was just as welcoming as he was.

The Grand Finale: Muddy, Happy, and… Cake?

Just when I thought the day couldn’t get better, we finished the run, and there it was: cake. Not just a single sad slice, but actual, glorious cake in multiple varieties. I may have been covered in mud, but emotionally, I was living my best life.

I sat with a group of runners, swapping stories and laughing about the day. My new trainers were unrecognisable, but honestly? I didn’t care anymore. They’d earned their stripes—or mud stains, in this case.

Would I Do It Again? Absolutely.

I went in thinking it’d be just a run. What I got was a muddy adventure, new friends, and the realisation that running doesn’t have to be serious to be meaningful. Plus, there’s cake. Did I mention the cake? Because that alone might be reason enough to keep coming back.

If you’re thinking about trying an LSOM run, here’s my advice:
Wear old shoes, expect mud, and stay for the cake. You’ll love it.