Well, it's been a loooong time since I have blogged about anything, let alone running but I am back! Despite the best efforts of my legs to put me off running (injured back in March, just before Reading half marathon so I had to pull out), I have gone on to have a fantastic year and am happier than I have ever been! I have lost over 2.5 stone in weight (by eating clean & lean-ish! Well, most of the time!) and fallen in love with running, just for fun and also training to take part in a half marathon and 10 miler. I ran the British Heart Foundation half marathon at (a hilly!) Blenheim Palace on 7th October in a PB of 2:23:18 - which is almost 15 mins faster than my last half marathon over 5 years ago with little/no running in between. Super chuffed. And then three weeks later, I ran the Great South Run in a rainy, cold & windy Southampton in my target time of 1:40. Super chuffed yet again.
It's been a welcome return to form for me as I have always loved running, but I don't think I have ever been in the right place mentally or physically to get the most of out it; it's been more of a token gesture to which I have never really truly applied myself but things have changed. I have found myself not having to force myself out of the door.....well, OK there has been the odd day when I can't muster the energy or enthusiasm and I need a lot of coaxing, but generally, I like the fact that I like running. It's a good head clearer when I can switch off from daily life and have some time to think, or not. I like the fact that it keeps me fit and healthy and I like the fact that I have a little endorphin rush after every run - something I never got in my 'half-hearted' days despite waiting for it to happen after reading it everywhere! I like the fact that after switching up some of my runs to hill reps or speed work that I ache a tad the next morning, a satisfying nod in my direction that it's doing me some good. And most of all, I love the fact that I have shaved over a minute off my mile time in the space of 3 months - and I have one of my closest friends to thank for that as she pushed me to run faster; it worked and has continued to work. Three months ago I was running an average of 10 mins 40 sec per mile, my average pace is now 9 mins 37 secs - thank you Sammy! - and this week I ran my fastest ever mile in 8 mins 21 secs! Super chuffed yet again.
I've recognised that I need to have goals to aim for to keep me focused, on track and motivated so I have signed up for a 10k in Feb and Reading Half marathon in March. They are a way off at the moment but I still have parkrun every weekend (when I can make it) and I am 95% certain that I'll be entering Hellrunner Down South later in the year. I've also just signed up to 'Janathon' which is a bit commitment and one I tend to keep to. (Click on the link for further details)
All of these little achievements no, actually fairly big achievements, have made such a huge difference to me and many aspects of my life (sorry if that sounds a bit deep but you know what I mean!) and I am so glad - and proud - that I have made such positive changes to my life. And I fully intend to keep them up and continue to challenge myself. Life is too short not to.
'til next time,
Wonky Wanderer
