Running, 12 years later
I used to quite like running but for some reason I stopped. I think it was going back to a life of curry, beer and late nights at University for Diploma that killed it.
The last time I ran properly was in 2002 and I was kind of ok at it. I used to run after work with the guys from DKA, where I was working at the time, with the aim of training for the Bath Half Marathon which we all did together. I did ok and ran 1 hr 46 with a bit of walking in there as I’d set off too fast. But then than was it for twelve years with no more running.
The more time that passed the harder it seemed to be to want to get back into it. That first trip back was always going to be painful so time just passed. I tried the occasional treadmill session but it’s just so damn boring as well as being harder on the knees that outdoors running in my experience. That thud, thud, thud on the treadmill is also so annoying.
So Emma and I made a pact to start running in the new year. To avoid the pain of that first run and being put off for another few years I found a programme called Couch to Five K or C25K.
Its secret is that it’s a gentle introduction to getting the body moving, starting off alternating between walking and running small distances, and slowly building up until after 8 weeks, you’re ready to run 5 kilometers or 30 minutes non stop.
There’s podcasts and various apps to use to help you do it but we went with this one. After 8 little runs I’m actually enjoying it again and keen to run more as is Emma. The first few are a bit hard and also a bit sore on the knees as they adjust to running again. Having someone in your ear telling you to run, walk, rest as well as a little encouragement also helps.
Lets see how we get on when we get to the end but it’s already surprising how much easier it feels. I’d recommend it to anyone. The gentle start has really help as has the app.
