Back to Start Running

Thanks so much for everyone for participating in my Question Day yesterday.  It was a lot of fun for me to read everyone's replies.  I'm going to do it every Thursday.

Now, I don't really like to gripe and be negative on here.  I am trying to create a positive uplifting place.  But I have to have a gripe today...

If you are an accomplished runner, one who can already run 5kms at a decent pace, or who runs several times a week for an hour at a time - DON'T JOIN A START RUNNING GROUP AND MAKE EVERYONE ELSE FEEL LIKE CRAP!

Ok, I feel better now.  10 people turned up for the start of Term 3 of Start Running.  2 of us had been there before but not completed the 10 week block due to injury/illness.  Three were new to running but already had a reasonable amount of fitness.  One had been a runner but had had a year off.  And 4 were good runners and I want them to leave...  There is an intermediate running group going at the same time - these people should be in that.  But it's not up to me.

Anyway, as it was the first week we just did some laps of the path near the YMCA where we meet.  The path is a 1.3km there and back loop.  The group did it 3 times, I did it 2.5 times.  I have lost SO much running fitness.  I really thought the increases I have made on the bike would offset the lack of running, but no such luck.  I tried keeping up with the group on the first lap as we started "slow" (or David's definition of slow anyway).  I managed about 300 metres before my lungs felt like they were going to explode.  As a group we alternated between walking and running, but I just couldn't keep up - again.

I am really angry at myself for stopping and letting myself lose so much fitness.  I have not really had an excuse.  A few little injuries but nothing that should have kept me away for this long.  I am so disappointed in myself.  I had a chat with David - the leader of the group - and he said that I have improved before and I can do it again, I just have to be willing to put the work in.  Which is 2 runs in the week, plus Start Running on Thursday nights.  I need to get myself a pair of sneakers that actually fit.  And I need to just suck it up and get out there, even if it is 4 degrees and raining.

So I am going to take this anger and disappointment and turn it into something positive.  I am going to run twice a week in between the Group.  I am going to ride.  I am going to find a yoga class to join to work on my flexibility.  And above all - I am going to STOP EATING SO MUCH CRAP!!!!!

There, I said it.  No more crap.  I am not as fit as I thought I was, and I am not as healthy as I thought I was.  And the time to change things is now.

xox

Don't forget, just a few days left in the Photo Card Give Away.  Make sure you tell me your favourites.

xox