Running Up That Hill (one year on)
Be prepared for a good old ramble…
One year ago I started running. I was full of hope, excitement and felt optimistic incorporating exercise into my life, after years of doing nothing but walking and sitting on the sofa. It lasted a while, it really did, but then Summer happened.
The heat was just too much and by the time it got cooler at night I was already settled for the evening on the sofa watching Parks and Recreation and googling Jon Snow. I did venture out a few times with my running buddy but each time I couldn’t complete my usual run and I ended up hating every second. Running is hard at the best of times but in the heat, it is a nightmare. I hated it.
Hurrah for wet and cool weather!
A new t-shirt for my twice weekly run
Comfy trainers
A little reminder
V-Lite Infinity HPI ION Mask Trainers c/o Hi-Tec
Sadly, yoga was also off the menu, my body seized up and I gained weight (and that’s only in a matter of months). We don’t have weighing scales at home but a trip to the doctors gave me the push that I needed to get a grip and stop making excuses. Luckily, combined with the cooler weather, new trainers and a healthier attitude I think I have turned a corner.
I had a great run on Thursday but yesterday wasn’t as successful. I’ve got a cold and I didn’t realise until I started running how weak my body felt. So I ran and walked – that still counts as exercise, right?
As for the trainers, they suit my new running routine perfectly. They are waterproof (hurrah) and are designed to feel light as a feather once wet. One thing I have learnt is that you don’t want to be thinking of the clothes and shoes you are wearing whilst running. Comfort and focus is key.
I must confess, the extra pounds I have gained have spurred me back into action which I don’t like admitting. I hate being held hostage by my weight but with Winter on its way, I need to make sure I don’t gain any more. Oh but I love my puddings!
Wish me luck guys, I’m in need of support and encouragement!
♥
7 Comments
Vikki
I’m a huge fan of cake, and food in general so it’s very much a case of “I eat therefore I run”. Well done on making the first move to get outside and active again. Of COURSE run/walking counts as exercise. You can’t expect to dive straight back in right away… it’ll take a little time but you’ll get back to your previous level of fitness quicker than you anticipate I bet. I’m struggling to get out in the cold and wet weather at the moment so we can spur each other on.
Best of luck!
Lisa
Thanks Vikki! best of luck to you too. It’s heartening to know there are so many runners out there who understand the ups and downs : )
Gemma
I am a foodie so suffer with a little bit of extra weight in unwanted places! A trip to the doctors and the mention of high blood pressure spurred me to get fit and healthy. I completed the 30 day shred and am now doing the Couch to 5k running program which is a combination of walking & running (each week you run more walk less). I’m starting week 4 tonight which will be 5 minutes of constant running…eek! Anyway I definitely run to eat. Especially now Christmas is on it’s way. Hopefully running will pick up for you soon.
Gemma xXx
Lisa
Thank you for the tips Gemma. Whe I first began runnning it was to feel healthy and not about weight (I love food too much). But the weight gain did throw me a bit (heaviest I’ve been). I think I knew I was eating a bit too much cake and choc but needed a little push to cut down a bit! Running helps me so much with stress etc and I know, once I’m out, I’ll feel brill. Loving the walk/run routine – gonna have a go at that for sure! Well done for sticking at it! xxx
sarahsscribble
I am with you 100% of the way! Just like you, I started running, loved it, stopped running, put on weight, hated running and here I am in September trying for the life of me to get BACK TO IT. I keep staring at my (very pretty) trainers but cant seem to do the laceup thing…. I dont find running easy and after doing it for 3 years now and 7 half marathons down I STILL dont see any improvement. It’s hard. The best thing to do is just go with it, run/walk whatever you feel like it and enjoy it for what it is. You have done amazingly for getting back out there… I need some of this motivation! x
Lisa
It is ridiculously hard. My problem is the motivation on a bad day. Once I’ve done a run, I feel amazing (body and mind) but getting out is hard especially when you’ve been on a break. What we put ourselves through!x
Siobhan
This is really interesting I went running once and loved it and then have found it hard to go again. I think I need to just do it.