Training and running

As promised, here’s my ongoing training journal in prep for running in The Great North Run later this year

Dear Diary

Week beginning Sunday May 3rd – A determined beginning to the month. Still beset with the ‘niggling knee’ but armed with recommended knee support and a strong magnet on the sore spot, took a short run, taking the grassy route as opposed to hard surface – ouch, thank goodness for frozen peas!

Limping like an ‘old lady’ (well I am 66) though feeling 20 years younger, I ran again on Wednesday and Friday. Disappointed and worried though very, very determined! During the next two weeks I took it easier and things began to look up after visiting a fabulous Sports Physio. My knee only has inflammation and nothing ‘structurally’ wrong so after good advice and deep massages I’m up and running again (sorry for the pun).

Week beginning Sunday May 24th – Feeling a little unfit and unprepared for the task ahead but now I’m off – three times this week I’ve completed my 3 miles with no ill effects and am getting excited again! My APP is keeping me company and tracking every step, calorie and mile encouraging me to beat my last distance every time I go out.

Week beginning Sunday June 7th – What a fun day! My daughter, her friend, and I entered the Colour Run 5k in Wembley, in aid of the NSPCC. Started squeaky clean, then got sprayed with a rainbow of powdered paint at every kilometre, resulting in a myriad of colour all over us – brilliant! Who said training isn’t fun?

Week beginning Sunday June 14th – Something has changed! I’m up to about 15-20 miles a week. Plotting and visualising the route and not having to psyche myself to go, rather I’m looking forward to my running sessions. My recovery time is minimal and I am amazed, to say the least. I now believe people who say it is fun and how much better it can make you feel.

In summary, I would encourage everyone to get up and do something physical, if you can. It doesn’t matter how little, and the way it gets the endorphins stimulated really is addictive. It can be difficult and an effort, though it’s worth it. I’ve lost weight, and my blood pressure and general health are very good. I’m very pleased with myself 🙂

Chris Mutch
mutchhealthier.co.uk

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