Well, I started running in October and there is no stopping me now! I have lost around 4kg and am feeling brilliant. First had the idea to run when I started my new job, spending so much time at the desk all day doesn't burn much energy. So I decided that I'd reached a time in my life where I had to decide if I was going to wait until I was fat and 40 before I got off my arse and did something!
My first aim was losing a little weight and increasing my short term fitness. But I think that my main reason for running is to give my body the best chance of lasting for many many more years. I realized, if I act now I can give my body the best chance for the future! (Even if I do lose my mind first)
I started off with 3 mile runs, I found a training program on the internet which I only stuck to for 2 weeks! I didn’t like the restraint of running to a time table. I decided that my shortest run would always be 3 miles, and if I felt good on the day I would increase it to suit. After a couple of weeks settling into the pace I did 4 miles. After around 4 weeks I did a couple of 4 mile runs which felt great, I was waking up feeling refreshed! A new lease of life!
But then came November! Our late Halloween party and my brothers birthday in two consecutive weekends! I am not one to turn my back on a party! But oh did I feel the pain after all that drinking! Not good! Almost back to square one I thought?! But after a telling off I decided I had to get back out and start again! So 3 miles 4 times a week, and two weeks later I was back into the swing of things.
In late November I decided to run 5 miles. Not far short of the 6.5 required for a 10k race! And what an amazing feeling it was for me to finish that distance. I got such an adrenaline rush the last mile that it made it almost easy! But I felt the pain the next day...
So up to now I have ran 5 miles on four occasions, and I am feeling confident about my runs. I have just entered into the Wilmslow, Cheshire Half Marathon on March 25th 07! That gives me 11 weeks after a greedy Christmas period to lose some weight and get my distance and pace up. Things are looking good and I feel very positive about my running future..
MM