I love running!Happy and energised at the end of a run

For me, and I realise not everyone agrees, there is nothing better than the feeling of running – and the boost it gives me afterwards.  There is no such thing as a bad run, in my world.  Yes, sometimes there are runs harder than others, my breathing might be more challenging, my body might ache, it might feel like I’m running through treacle, but I know that at the end of the run I’ll feel amazing.  And I always do. Runners high – the release of endorphins which sometimes make me feel like I can run forever and always make me feel energised, positive and yet calm afterwards.

Once upon a time, I briefly dreamt of being an Olympic athlete.  I remember watching the 1984 Olympics – the Mary Decker and Zola Budd era of running – and thought I would love to do that (except for the jostling part – Google it if you don’t know).  But after a few childhood races and a discovery of fashion/going out/generally being a teenager, running got lost under a pile of clothes whilst I focused on a completely different career path.

My career threw me back into running when impulsively (under the influence of a prosecco or 2), I agreed to take part in a corporate 5k.  I fully immersed myself into training. I ran 2 miles on my first training session. Big mistake! It was agony. During and for the days after. My body was so out of practice. At the start of my 5k training, I found running hard and didn’t really enjoy it, but I’d made a commitment.  I continued to push myself, running further, enjoyment growing, feeling some of the buzz, the high. I started to enjoy it so much, that before I’d even completed the 5k, I’d signed up to the London Marathon.  Another lifelong dream, and one I could actually achieve.

And then ouch – whilst on one run my knee started to hurt.  Stupidly, I tried to keep going. Eventually it was too painful. But now I had an even bigger goal – the London Marathon and the commitment of raising money for charity. I didn’t want to give up, I love a challenge and pushing myself.

Physio it was. Diagnosis – a tight IT Band.  Prescription – stretch, strengthen my glutes and a programme to build back up to running from scratch.

Celebrating half way through the London Marathon

5 London marathons later, several park runs, a few 10ks – running is the one thing I feel motivated to do even when I really don’t feel like it. Once my trainers are on, the hard work is over – I always have a good run.  I’ve used it to stay fit, I’ve used it to help think through problems and solutions. I’ve used it to help me work through the emotions of my cancer diagnosis. In many ways it’s been a lifesaver for me.

And there are so many other health benefits:

  • Great for cardiovascular health
  • Enhances bone density and reduces the risk of osteoporosis (something which is on my mind due to my cancer treatment)
  • It helps with so many perimenopause and menopause symptoms – improves joint health, supports better sleep, improves focus, memory and cognitive function (another thing I’m also conscious of)
  • Strengthens the immune system
  • Reduces stress, alleviates symptoms of anxiety and depression, boosts mood
  • Boosts energy and combats fatigue
  • It can even be mindful – from time to time I count my footsteps and calm my breathing as I run
  • Its fairly cheap (unless you spend a fortune on your trainers, like I’ve started to do, or sign up for endless races)
  • And it’s a fantastic way to see a new city – running round the streets exploring. Its one of my favourite things to do when away from home.

Brooklyn Bridge on a run with a view The Little Mermaid, Copenhagen, Denmark on a run with a view Hove seafront beach huts on a run with a view

Have I tempted you to try? Go on, what are you waiting for?  

Here’s some of my tips to get you started (with the huge caveat that I’m not a running coach)

  • Buy a good pair of trainers, or wear ones that are reasonably new
  • Warm up before a run with a 5 min jog, followed by some dynamic stretches/movements
  • Stretch at the end of a run – pay attention to those glutes
  • Add in some strength training to your weekly routine
  • And this is a good programme to follow to start (do each one 3 time in the week):
    • Week 1: run 1 min, walk 1 min x10
    • Week 2: run 2 mins, walk 1 min x5
    • Week 3: run 3 mins walk, 1 min x3
    • Week 4: run 5 mins walk 1 min x3
    • Week 5: run 10 mins
    • Week 6: run 10 mins walk 1 min x2
    • Week 7: run 15 mins x1
    • Week 8: run 20 mins x1
    • Week 9: run 15mins, walk 1 min x2
    • Week 10: run 30 mins
  • Set up a good playlist of podcast to run to

Oh and I did actually make it to the Olympics in the end… London 2012…as a spectator at the synchronised swimming.