Learning to run – diary entries from a newbie

Why run? It all started in a ‘moment’ a moment of madness, of impulse, of spontaneity or something else – yes it was in fact a Senior moment! Reaching the end of my 65th year I had the urge to ‘do something’ I could be proud of, and something that would get me out of my comfort zone. So one cold and miserable December morning I registered to run The Great North Run in aid of The British Heart Foundation. My husband received incredible treatment in August 2013 after a cardiac arrest and subsequent double by-pass, so it is a Charity close to my heart (sorry for the pun!) He loves sport albeit from the armchair; I’m the energetic one so will do this run for both of us. My friends and family, whilst not talking me out of it (they know what I’m like once I make my mind up) secretly think I have lost some, if not all of my marbles! They will support me, nevertheless. Having never run before, I’m writing this diary of the ups and downs of my training in the hope that it will help inspire me to keep going.

December 2014
My first venture out, not long before Christmas, was with a friend and we ran for 1.5 miles; well she ran and I ran and walked, however I was proud of myself. We managed to meet a couple more times before I was left to my own devices, and despite me really needing to talk myself into to getting out there, I have managed to reach 2.5 miles in 34 minutes, which I am very pleased with.

For Christmas I received an MP3 player – amazing – it really helps me focus on things other than my aching legs and gasping breaths! I’ve also downloaded some audio books which help distract me from how I’m feeling. It makes such a difference to be thinking about other things. Another help is an APP on my phone. It tracks my distance, speed, time per mile and calories used. I find this really helpful as I can aim to beat my last record each time I go out.

January 2015
I’ve joined the gym & go three times a week in a bid to improve my stamina and endurance and am running 2 – 3 times a week (most weeks).

9th February 2015
My aim tomorrow is 3 miles. I’ve envisaged the run over and over again in my mind, so watch this space and I’ll let you know how it goes!

Am I enjoying it? Honestly? I’m not sure. It is a bit of a pressure however once I’ve achieved each run I can truly say I did enjoy it. So far it isn’t second nature and I am not in a routine, though it will come.

9.30pm – I’ve just been shopping online for more suitable running clothing with fluorescent strips. At least I will look the part next time I get out there! Funny, though it does seem important to wear the proper gear; to me anyway and as it’s predominantly dark when I’m training at the moment I feel it will be a bit safer too.

10th February 2015
3pm – Home from work and straight out for my run before I change my mind! My envisaged route wasn’t quite as long as I thought, however it was a bit further than I have run so far and I managed a little faster time too, so I’m happy. 300 calories used as well so I’m celebrating with a glass of wine; not sure if that’s allowed in training though at this stage I don’t suppose it will do any harm, unless of course someone advises me differently!

I hope this diary will help inspire other readers in challenges you may have set yourselves. I’ll keep you posted – here’s to my next update!

Chris Mutch
mutchhealthier.energetix.tv