Keep Calm and Jog On - Part 1 – My past relationship with running

Running for me has been somewhat of a sporadic pastime.  I’ve taken part in my share of sport over the years; however it’s pretty safe to say running in itself had never been particularly appealing nor my forte.

During our University years my friend Jane ran and seeing how much she enjoyed it I thought I’d give it a go.  I attempted a couple of sole early morning outings but these were few and far between, and frankly not very enjoyable!  Jane would often tell me about how she was swept up with the ‘running bug’ but I just couldn’t get in to it. 

The year after I graduated university, a colleague and I decided we’d give ‘jogging’ a go in an attempt to get fit and lose a few pounds.  Both starting off as complete beginners meant we were in the same boat and neither of us wanted to let the other down by missing scheduled runs.  I will always remember our first amble along the promenade in Aberystwyth (west Wales), panting and spluttering for breath 5 minutes in accompanied by the constant stream of thought - “I hate it, I hate it”.  Any excuse to stop for a rest, I’d take without hesitation!

But with a little help from my friends we continued and I gradually found my mind starting to wonder, planning my shopping list or putting together jobs for the week ahead.  I stopped thinking “I hate it, I hate it” and actually began enjoying myself.

Running began to become a regular occurrence in my weekly schedule and I quickly started seeing progress in the length of time I could ran between walking breaks.  I gradually lengthened my routes around town and began to notice the physical and emotional benefits running provided.  My body shape started to change and runs becoming a perfect opportunity to de-stress and clear my mind after a long day or pound out frustrations.  I remember thinking “I’ll just run to the next lamppost” then when I got there and found I was ok I’d think “ok, I’ll just run to the brick wall” and so on until I made it all the way around without stopping!  Happy days! 

I miss running in Aberystwyth.  In the dark evenings I felt safe and at ease making my way along the picturesque promenade, along paths to Llanbadarn Fawr or up Penparcau hill.  It was relaxing plodding along with no-one around and I started to settle into a nice routine.  It was then we decided to enter our first race…..

To be continued.