Learning to run on just one leg
Hello, I’m Christine Lote, a Stage 4 cancer mummy and below knee amputee. After re-learning how to walk and cycle, my challenge for 2026 is to re-learn how to run and complete a 10k Race for Life for Cancer Research on 21 June.
This month has been a mix of highs and lows. Having been away for a lovely family holiday during half-term, I had hoped I would come back rested, restored and ready to get back to training. However, instead of bringing back sunshine we brought back a tummy bug which wiped me out.
I’m now finally better and up to 28 minutes of running on the couch to 5k training plan. Jo Whiley (my running trainer on the app) assures me I’m now a runner – although looking at the pace on my Strava stats, many could disagree!
I have had to work hard to reframe, in my mind, what progress looks like and not compare myself to my previous running life, when I was on two legs and a lot more lung.
I can’t believe in two weeks’ time I’m allegedly able to run a 5k and who knows, when you read this, I may have done my first parkrun as an amputee, even if it takes me a while.
Running on a prosthetic leg brings its own unique considerations, in particular sweat control. A fellow amputee suggested putting antiperspirant on my residual leg and, so far, this seems to be working in avoiding my leg flying off. Let’s see how I get on when the weather warms up, I may need to think of alternatives.
Follow Christine on Instagram at @half_price_pedicure_vs_cancer
Sponsor her for Race for Life at https://gofund.me/abd80206f
Christine Lote