In the past year, I have gone from learning to run to loving it. This time last year I could not run 2 km without wanting (or needing) to walk but I am now on the other side of my first 21 km race with eyes on Comrades 2016!
My running adventure started with my local Parkrun and I will be honest enough to admit that I only completed one lap that first week. After torturing myself each Saturday, rendered useless for the rest of the day, I decided to ‘train’ during the week to improve not only my 5 km Parkrun time but my recovery thereafter. I measured a 4 km route from my house to the local Spar and back and had to do a little walking the first few of times. Doing this once or twice a week made all the difference to my Parkrun experience.
Then I read Running Like a Girl and I was truly inspired. I began working on my technique and reading all things running I could find. Then one week after a fitness exam with a Biokineticist I went for a run that not only found me running the entire 4 km but adding in an extra loop which I later measured to be 1.5 km. That was the day I felt like a runner… when I was almost home and did not want to stop!
The next day I planned an 8 week training program for my first 21 km. Having a goal to work towards always increases motivation. I did not however manage to fully complete my program as I sustained a muscle spasm due to increasing my weekly mileage by too much too soon. While on the cold rainy day of my race, with my quads on fire, I did wish I had done more training, I was also simply in awe of the 100 km I had run in preparation. I actually think that was the greater accomplishment because it still feels slightly unreal to me.
What I love most about running is what it does for me…mind, body & soul. And so, after a 21 km success and many kilometers since I want to encourage you to give it a go … perhaps you too will surprise yourself.
Follow my Facebook page Dietician on the RUN for updates on local KZN events, running tips, nutrition and more….
