Running resumed
Hello there… Yes it’s me and yes I am still alive! I must apologise for the severe lack of blog posts over the past two months, but I am finally back up and running (in every sense of the word). I had been doing so well until I came down with a horrible dose of glandular fever which really knocked my body and my confidence. It took a good four weeks to recover and another good four weeks after that to muster up the courage to take myself out for a jog. I did attempt to get back into it a few times before I actually managed to jog a short distance. People say that it’s important to listen to your body and I just knew I wasn’t ready. Anyway, long story short, I am finally back in the swing of things and for those of you who have fallen off the track, hop back on (I promise it’s not as scary as it seems)!
Last Tuesday I took part in the 5K Bob Heffernan run in Meath (another county ticked off the Leinster Challenge), which was my first race in a long time. I use the term race loosely as I don’t take part in 5k’s from a competitive point of view. I use them to push and motivate myself to reach my own goals, and pretty much forget about everyone ahead of me and behind me (although there’s never many of those!). I finished the race in 37.00, coming in third last place and I was over the moon. I was thrilled crossing the finish line because for the very first time, I ran the 5k in its entirety – no stopping, no walking! I found that slowing my pace allowed me to maintain a run/jog and reduced the need to walk or stop. My time was a minute or two slower than when I run/walk but I know that I can build on my pace now that I know I have the stamina and ability to keep going!
I’m so glad to be back in the swing of things, and I need to thank the fantastic girls who run with me for encouraging me and motivating me to get back going again. For anyone who struggles with the motivation side of running, or exercise in general, try doing it with a friend or a group. I used to worry that I would slow them down and frustrate them, but that was never the case. People who I didn’t know this time last year are now great friends and have helped me achieve goals I thought impossible! There is definitely strength in numbers!
