Three years after a life-threatening accident, right leg below knee amputee Milly Pickles received a running blade and began documenting her journey learning to walk and run again. The fitness and disability advocate ran the London Marathon in 2024 and again this year. She shares what running gives her and why she believes every body can reap the rewards
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Milly Pickles: ‘Weirdly, I actually felt okay after my accident, despite how much my body had changed. I remember looking in the mirror and not recognising myself at first. I’d gained two stone, lost a limb and half of my hair had fallen out due to the trauma. It was a lot to take in, but in my mind, I still felt like the old Milly. Physically, I was struggling, but mentally, I had grown so much. It was a strange juxtaposition – my body felt weaker, but my mind had never been stronger.
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One of the most grounding thoughts during that time was appreciating how lucky I was. I nearly lost both my legs completely, but my incredible surgeons managed to save one. Losing just half a leg felt like a blessing, and that perspective shaped how I viewed my body. I didn’t fixate on aesthetics as much as I used to – instead, I focused on what my body could still do. I felt unbelievably grateful to still have the ability to move, and that gratitude outweighed any insecurities.’
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MP: ‘Running has allowed me to reconnect with my body in a way I never expected. It’s a time when I feel strong, capable, and free – I’m not worried about how I look or what people think; I’m purely focused on moving forward. Completing challenges like the London Marathon or the Red Bull 400 has been proof that I’m capable, no matter the obstacles. It’s about pushing through when your mind is telling you to stop.
What I love most about running is that it’s not about appearance, it’s about resilience and the ability to keep going. Every small victory, from running my first kilometre to crossing a finish line, has boosted my confidence in a way nothing else could. Running constantly challenges my mind, forcing me to fight through moments of doubt and fatigue. It’s a battle between wanting to stop and choosing to keep going, and every time I push through, it reinforces how strong and capable I am.
I truly believe that if you push yourself to take on a sport like running, you realise the incredible potential of both your mind and body. It isn’t about aesthetics, it instils a sense of self belief that nothing can match. Running isn’t just a physical pursuit, it’s a journey of proving to myself, time and again, that I am resilient and unstoppable.’
RW: exercises to help you live four years longer?
MP: ‘Yes, I’ve faced negativity both online and in person, but it’s actually more common in person. Online, my community is incredibly supportive. Any negativity usually comes when a video goes viral, especially on TikTok. It’s as though the more visible you are, the more people feel entitled to criticise, almost as if they think you’re untouchable.
I choose not to share my amputated leg or bare foot online because they feel sacred to me, and I’m not interested in catering to fetishes. Even without sharing, I still get comments about the large scar on my leg, like “Ewww, what is that?” At first, it bothered me, but I’ve learned to love my scar as a symbol of resilience. I’ve learned to filter out negative comments and I try to see these comments as curiosity rather than malice, as many people haven’t seen scars like mine before.
In-person encounters can be more invasive. Sometimes people question my right to use disabled parking or make comments like, “you don’t look disabled.” Some even run after me or blurt out, “what happened to you?” without considering how triggering that can be. It’s frustrating, especially when adults do it. They should know better. But when I see children pointing and asking, “what’s wrong with her?” I always hope the parent doesn’t hush them or pull them away. Please don’t discourage them from looking or asking, because that teaches them that disabilities are something to be ashamed of or avoided. Use it as a chance to educate and show that it’s okay to notice differences without making someone feel uncomfortable. That way, we can create a more inclusive and understanding society.’
RW: Has documenting your journey online given you extra motivation?
MP: ‘Absolutely. Creating content holds me accountable and knowing that my online community is there to check in and support me makes a huge difference. It’s incredibly uplifting to have people rooting for me, and their encouragement makes me feel more confident and capable. It’s funny because they often tell me that I inspire them and show what’s possible with a strong mindset, but honestly, they help me stay on track just as much. I’m so grateful for my online family – they make this journey feel so much more meaningful.’
RW: You’re an inspiration to many runners, but who inspires you?
MP: ‘I’m inspired by anyone who shows up for themselves, whether it’s through running or tackling life’s challenges. Athletes like Richard Whitehead and Jonny Davies motivate me because they constantly push boundaries and redefine what’s possible. I also love the running community itself – it’s full of resilient people overcoming their own battles to cross the finish line. I use the running app Coopah, and during the London Marathon, they interviewed everyday runners to learn their reasons for running. Hearing those stories was incredibly inspiring and a reminder of just how powerful determination can be.
I also find inspiration from my followers. When they share how I’ve helped them build confidence or push through tough times, it really drives me to keep going. My goal is to show people that they’re stronger than they think they are and capable of living an amazing life if they’re willing to step out of their comfort zones.
I was also recently hugely inspired by Billy Monger completing his Ironman challenge. As a fellow amputee, seeing him take on something so physically and mentally demanding was emotional and extremely motivating. When I ran the London Marathon for the second time in April, I kept thinking that if he can complete an Ironman, I can finish this marathon!’
The only thing stopping you from being a runner isn’t your body – it’s your mindset.
RW: What advice do you have for anyone who might be think they don’t have the right body to be a runner?
MP: ‘The biggest barriers to running aren’t physical, they’re mental. Your mindset and confidence in getting started are the real challenges. And there’s no such thing as a “runner’s body”. Just the other day, my best friend said to me, “I’m not built for running – I’ve got big boobs and short legs.” I told her, “Well, I’ve got half a leg missing, so technically I’m not built for it either!” The only thing stopping you from being a runner isn’t your body – it’s your mindset.
Your mind is incredibly powerful. If you keep telling yourself you can’t do it, you’ll believe it. But if you flip that mindset and say you can, you’ll be amazed at what you can achieve. A lot of people think running means going fast all the time, but that’s not true. Two of my friends once said they hated running and couldn’t go beyond 5K. When I ran with them, I noticed they were just going too fast. We slowed down, found a sustainable pace, and suddenly they could run much further. Now one of them has signed up for a half marathon! If you’re new to running, start small. Focus on time rather than speed or distance. Try running for 10 minutes at a comfortable pace and build from there.
Running isn’t about having the “perfect” body, it’s about showing up and pushing yourself. I went from losing a limb and barely managing a 3K post-amputation to running two marathons.’
RW: Meet the cover star: Milly Pickles?
MP: ‘I want to break the stereotype that running is only for a certain type of person. Anyone can be a runner – it’s about progress, not perfection. Whether it’s your first kilometre or a marathon, every step counts. I hope my journey shows others that pushing past limits and embracing your body can lead to amazing achievements.
Running is a sport like no other – it pushes your mind and body to their limits. Taking on hard challenges like marathons proves that you’re stronger than you think. Voluntarily doing tough things builds resilience, so when life throws unexpected challenges your way – like losing a limb – you’ve already built the mental strength to push through. That’s why it’s important to keep testing yourself. Resilience is a skill that needs constant growth.
Ultimately, my message is simple: You are stronger than you think. Running has given me freedom, confidence and a mindset that helps me face life’s challenges. I want others to experience that too – keep moving forward and never underestimate what you can achieve.’
RW: Five-minute activities that bring maximum results?
MP: ‘Typically three strength sessions, one bike session, one yoga session, and two runs per week. I don’t focus too much on speed work because time isn’t my main priority. I concentrate on long runs. As an amputee, my leg and foot need time to adapt to the mileage since they can break down easily. So, I plan an ideal weekly schedule but stay flexible, adjusting as needed based on how my body feels. I wish I could do it all, but I have to be mindful, listen to my body and be reactive to avoid overloading myself.
Strength training is crucial for me because it keeps me balanced and strong, especially with my prosthetic. But it’s also essential for all runners to stay injury free. Fuel and hydration are also key parts of my routine. I always use Nuun Hydration because it’s packed with electrolytes, helping me stay hydrated during long runs and recover faster. The tablets are super convenient and it tastes amazing so it feels like a little treat during my training.
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MP: ‘I’ve learned to be really intuitive and listen to what my body needs. If I’m low on energy or dealing with soreness, I’ll swap a high-impact session for something lower impact, like cycling or yoga. Sometimes, a mobility or stretching session is more beneficial than forcing a run. I’ve realised that rest and recovery are just as important as training, so I make sure to incorporate rest days to avoid overtraining and injury. Some days, I might feel really strong, so I’ll take advantage and push a bit harder. Other days, I scale back or take it easy. I’ve learned that adapting my routine doesn’t mean I’m not committed, it just means I’m being smart and looking after my body. It’s about finding the right balance between pushing my limits and giving myself the recovery I need.’
RW: What helps you feel strongest, mentally and physically, when you’re running?
MP: It comes down to preparation. Physically, it’s all about proper sleep, nutrition, and hydration. Mentally, it’s about mindset and reminding myself why I’m running. I like to listen to motivational music to get in the right headspace, but sometimes I deliberately run without headphones to train my mental toughness. Fighting that negative inner voice can be a real challenge, but it makes me stronger. During this year’s London Marathon, I didn’t listen to anything for the first 30km, and it was tough. The mental battle was intense, but pushing through those negative thoughts made me proud of myself.
I also focus on progress rather than perfection. Even when it’s hard, I think about how far I’ve come and all the challenges I’ve overcome to get here. That reminder gives me confidence to keep going, no matter how tough it gets. Of course, some days just aren’t great physically or mentally, and that’s okay too. I’ve learned to accept that not every run will be perfect – it’s all part of the process. The key is to keep showing up, even when it’s hard.’
