I remember sitting at a party that I was at with my husband and his work colleagues around this time a year ago and the subject of running came up. And I said I wanted to do a half marathon. I'm not sure if it was the drink talking or me just being dreamy because this was when I hadn't long just bought my first running trainers and when I was running a maximum of 15 minutes at a time. And those 15 minutes were bloody hard going, so looking back, how I thought I could run a half marathon I don't know!
It was then after this party that I got really serious about running. I was starting to go for longer and I was actually enjoying it. It was becoming a hobby rather than a chore. At that point I was doing it to aid my weight lose, where as now I do it because I love it and to maintain my weight. So that I can eat that chocolate and sweets in the evening without worrying that I would put the weight back on.
Then in May last year I ran my first 10k, it was for Race For Life. Now that was a challenge. Before the actual event I had run 10k once or twice to make sure I could do it. After each time I felt sick for the rest of the day and I ached for days after.
After that run I caught the bug even more, I wanted to achieve something and I was aiming for more. Then in September of last year I ran my second 10k. This was a little easier but with the route involving hills it was tough but I got a new pb and I was proud.
Then in October I ran my third 10k. It was around a race track so a very flat surface and a pretty boring run but I got a new pb, just under an hour. This was my motivation, to better my times.
I then decided to sign up to do a half marathon this March after talking to family and friends about doing it. It was when my brother in law said he would have tshirts printed with my face on to cheer me on that I challenged him to it!
I wanted to run it to raise money for something as I thought doing a race that big I needed a goal and what better goal than for a good cause. I decided on my sons preschool as they are charity run and they are just fantastic. I couldn't think of a better cause and goal.
Since Christmas I'm been running nearly everyday with the odd day off, be it 2k or 5k. I then ran my first 10k of the year two weeks ago and this Saturday I wanted to ramp it up. I needed to start training hard and getting a bigger distance in. So Saturday I ran 14k and my goodness it was hard! I pushed myself but I made it. My bones and muscles ached and I was greeted home with a warm bath ready.
Even though it was tough I loved it. It's time to myself, to think about things and to get away from the world. To put things into perspective and really think things through.
Running is now a hobby for me as I do truly love it, but even saying that some days I try to find an excuse to not go. Then when I do I'm so glad I did.
Ahhh I used to go running all the time until I bust me knee I miss it so much - that amazing sense of freedom and vitality it gives you it makes me want to run just reading this! Thanks for linking up to #coolmumclub lovely x
ReplyDeleteTalya - http://www.motherhoodtherealdeal.com
Ahhh I used to go running all the time until I bust me knee I miss it so much - that amazing sense of freedom and vitality it gives you it makes me want to run just reading this! Thanks for linking up to #coolmumclub lovely x
ReplyDeleteTalya - http://www.motherhoodtherealdeal.com
I love it too and would go insane without it! #coolmumclub
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to get back into running now I'm recovering from my spinal op. I'll have to take it easy but I'm looking forward to it. I'd love you to link this post to my new monthly linky #FitMamasClub it's such good motivation!
ReplyDeleteThat is amazing. I've been attempting the c25k but find it hard to fit in as my other half doesn't get home till about 6 & then it's dark & dinner/bath time. I hope to do more as the days get longer. Doing 10k is amazing. #coolmumclub lifeinthemumslane
ReplyDeleteThat is amazing. I've been attempting the c25k but find it hard to fit in as my other half doesn't get home till about 6 & then it's dark & dinner/bath time. I hope to do more as the days get longer. Doing 10k is amazing. #coolmumclub lifeinthemumslane
ReplyDeleteOh wow that is amazing, well done! I have just started my running journey, you have given me something to aspire too xx
ReplyDeleteI'm with you on this. Have recently publicly declared the intention to run a half marathon, despite being a wino, crisp loving lazy arse, so now I'm terrified that I'll actually have to follow through. Did my first 10k last year. I did puke. It can only get better from here though, right?
ReplyDeleteLindsay - https://andotheridiots.wordpress.com/
Ahhh this is so great, way to go mama!! I can totally relate to enjoying the alone time, I never thought I'd be able to enjoy running but since having my second baby I really really do!! Amazing target of doing a half marathon I would love to do one, one day!! For now I need to reach 10k!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks so so much for linking up with #fitmamasclub great to have you and hopefully see you again next month :)
So fab! You have done amazing and to be running daily is just brilliant :-) I bet you smash your half marathon xx #binkylinky
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your half-marathon training, what a fabulous goal! I used to run quite a bit pre-baby, and although I'm wanting to get back into it, I keep procrastinating and thinking I'll probably get pregnant again just as soon as I start to gather a bit of momentum! I'm looking forward to keeping back to it one day though. Keep up the great work!
ReplyDeleteAhh well done, I have ran in the past but now I just don't my knees are knackered being a nurse and bending down all the time so no chance there! You are doing brilliantly, love your pink trainers too! Ha. #justanotherlinky #binkylinky
ReplyDeleteWell done! I did a half marathon about four years ago, then I had my kids and haven't run much - must get back on it! #justanotherlinky
ReplyDeleteI used to run and loved it too. I had to stop because of a really bad knee problem. I must admit I feel jealous when I see people running. The only thing I can do is swim and I'm not a fan so I've become a real couch potato. I am looking for something to do that won't hurt my knee. I've had cartilage transplant surgery. Any ideas greatly appreciated !
ReplyDeleteWell done! I started running at the beginning of the new year and couldn't even run 1k without stopping! Now I can just over 1k without stopping and each time I beat my best. I do a total of 2.5k three times a week and each time I run further and faster. Well done. #justanotherlinky
ReplyDeleteWell done! I tried running before I fell pregnant with Dot. I lasted 2 weeks, but I didn't like it! My hubby does, and keeps trying to get me to run again. I'm running out of excuses, so I might give it a go again! (no pun intended!)
ReplyDeleteLaura xx
#justanotherlinky
Wow that's amazing. I used to run before I had the kids but I was very slow, even after months of doing it. Well done you. #justanotherlinky
ReplyDeleteI was thrilled to read this post, I am so happy that you are staying healthy and enjoying it! #justanotherlinky
ReplyDeleteYou are my inspiration, I will be looking to you to motivate me! :-) #justanotherlinky
ReplyDeletegood for you. Everybody needs something "for themselves". Might as well be something healthy
ReplyDeleteBack again from #justanotherlinky! Writing this after an 8-miler this morning which was hard work but I'm glad I did it!x
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! Such a great achievement! I've never enjoyed running but I admire people who do :) #justanotherlinky
ReplyDeleteGood for you. I am still not a runner but every time I see these posts I am motivated to work out. Thanks so much for sharing.
ReplyDeleteYou must be so proud. I would love to say that I'm a runner but I would struggle to run to the end of the street. Zumba is more my game :) It sounds like you're running for such a great cause too. I'm rooting for you hon. Three cheers to you! Xx
ReplyDeleteThanks for hosting.
#justanotherlinky
Well done it's a fantastic achievement great post thanks for hosting #justanotherlinky
ReplyDeleteWell done you for persevering with it... You've done yourself proud. I'm jealous as I've always wanted to try running, but I just have no time for it. Good luck for more marathons for you! #justanotherlinky
ReplyDeleteThat's an inspiring post! Not so much that I'll go out again (not in this cold!) but it was one of the few sporting activities at school I could actually do. Think my running stamina is long gone by now although I do a mean sprint up three flights of stairs to feed a baby before she wakes the other two!
ReplyDelete#justanotherlinky
Wow you are literally a machine ;) well done lovely I am so unfit at the moment I'm not sure I could do 1K ;)
ReplyDeleteThanks for linking up to #PicknMix
Stevie x
That has really inspired me, I have just got back into running and am going out this morning to try to do 7k. I am training for a 10k in May and although I have done it before it wasn't enjoyable so I want to do it easily this time! It really is a bug isn't it? Good luck on the half marathon! x Julia @ Rainbeaubelle #sundaystars
ReplyDeleteThis is such an inspiring post - congratulations on all your achievements!
ReplyDeleteI started running before I got pregnant, joking that I would get addicted to it if I kept going with it. And I loved it!
I struggled getting back into it, and have a recurring issue with my left foot if I try running so am feeling very frustrated not to be able to get out and run again.
Thanks for linking up to #SundayStars
This is such an inspiring post - congratulations on all your achievements!
ReplyDeleteI started running before I got pregnant, joking that I would get addicted to it if I kept going with it. And I loved it!
I struggled getting back into it, and have a recurring issue with my left foot if I try running so am feeling very frustrated not to be able to get out and run again.
Thanks for linking up to #SundayStars
Oh you amazing girl you!! What goals?! I used to run and got totally addicted running 4 or 5 times a week but I damaged my knee and was advised not to pavement run - destroyed me for a while as running was my thing but I've now found other exercise I love - american pilates - not gentle as you may imagine but i still miss running! Gorge photos - you just look so happy!! Good luck with all of your running dreams this year. Happy Sunday #sundaystars
ReplyDeleteAh well done you. Amazing. I would love to run, but don't really have the motivation at the moment. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteWell done, sounds like you're doing really well. Good luck with the half marathon and your fund raising :) Thanks for hosting #justanotherlinky
ReplyDeleteDebbie
Hi Kirsty, it's funny how running can 'get' you. I was a non runner until I was about 38, I worked out, just didn't see how running alone could be enjoyable. How wrong I was. I'm no natural runner, but what I lack in natural talent, I make up for in persistence and self motivation. I just had a couple of months off with a badly twisted ankle (which happened as I got off the sofa with a dead foot, and not whilst I was running!).
ReplyDeleteBeing able to do something you enjoy, whilst raising money for your sons preschool is a big win-win!
Hope the training goes well and you surpass your own expectation.
xx
Back again - Thanks for linking up to the #BinkyLinky
ReplyDeleteIts great you have found something you live that keeps you healthy as well. I haven't been brave enough to start! Although maybe once my second pregnancy is over I will. As I could do with getting fit!! Thanks for hosting #Justanotherlinky xx
ReplyDeleteYou should be really proud! Running is tough and the training is hard but the freedom that comes with running is fantastic!
ReplyDeleteYour Journey sounds familiar. I started running when I met my wife, the things one does when they meet someone they find incredibly attractive. That was in 2008, since then I've run 115 races including 12 marathons and 2 ultramarathons. You've truly been bitten by the running bug. Don't worry about the half marathon, you will be amazed at what the body is capable of.
ReplyDelete