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Running – part 1

I have put off writing this post for some time, to be honest I just didn’t/don’t know where to begin as running plays such a huge part of my life and there is so much that I could say.

I remember hating running at school, cross country in gym knickers in the freezing cold and then the bleep test used to give me nightmares. I am not a natural long-distance runner and never have been, I actually find it really difficult and I haven’t really got any faster in all the years I have been running. I have gained the ability to go further though and can train up to some fairly long-distance races.

I say races but, for most people on that starting line just getting to finish line is ‘winning’ and not crossing the finish line first. With the exception of elite athletes and a few competitive types, most people aren’t there to race against other people, it’s about getting to that start line. I like to think of a race as a victory lap after the training.  A well deserved one!

Am I selling running to anybody yet? I love it and I keep going back for more – endorphins always make me feel great after a run and collecting medals (bling) from races can get a bit addictive. Running has made me discover paths and routes I hadn’t known before, I have a few Ordnance Survey maps covering areas we visit often like our favourite town in Devon.

I am a member of a local running club which also make me an England Athletics member, I also recently completed the course and I am now a qualified England Athletics Leader in Running Fitness which means I can be a run leader too. If you have a local running club I highly recommend joining, many will welcome everybody including complete beginners and you will learn so much.

Running has loads of health benefits. Numerous studies have shown that running increases lifespan and some of the benefits include improved cardiovascular fitness, reduced fat, lower cholesterol, stronger bones and positive neurological functioning. Research at Ball State University found that 75yr olds who had regularly exercised for 50 years had biological profiles closer to a 25yr old than their 75yr old non-exercising peers.

I have found some interesting research which states running actually strengthens knees which opposes the view of many non-runners I speak to.

I am amazed at what myself and other people can achieve, I never imagined that I could ever run two marathons but I have entered into a trail marathon next year. The sense of achievement and level of confidence that gives is huge. It doesn’t have to be long distances though, a 5k parkrun can give that sense of achievement too, its all relative. It’s a huge step for some people to get out and actually give it a go and that is huge.  Everyone has to start somewhere and I am so proud of everyone who takes that first step. Its not easy but so worth it.

There are lots of resources for people to start out running but couch to 5k is a good starting place, the NHS couch to 5k app gives loads of information and advice plus a week by week running plan for beginners.