The Start of Running

This post is copied over from my “other” blog again, as it tells the story of how I started running again!

When I came back from a week away in May I set myself a challenge.

I’d put on far too much weight while I was away, basically stopped doing any exercise and I felt sluggish, fat and none of my clothes fit.

So I signed up for a 5k. I’d done a couple of Race for Life’s in the past, and a long time ago I used to quite enjoy running, though I wasn’t great at it.

This time I swore to get back into it, and not only that I wanted to finish the 5k in under 30 minutes. Since then I’ve been training, I’ve lost a stone, been plagued with assorted ankle, hip and foot problems caused by my flat feet, and I’ve managed to run 5k under 30 minutes on 2 occasions, but it’s all weather dependent if I manage it on the day.

Back in May I started a “Couch to 5k” program and was worried I couldn’t keep up a consistent run for 3 minutes. Now I can run for 45 minutes without stopping unless I get dive bombed by flies or chased by a dog. I’m terribly proud of what I’ve achieved so far and I’m really enjoying it (If you hate running I recommend running from Zombies, it’s great fun)

The Braydeston 5k is organised by a local girl and her Father who lost their Mother/Wife to Cancer, and the money from the entry fee all goes to charity. I decided I wanted to raise some extra money, so I set up a Just Giving page and vowed that if I made £300 in sponsorship I would be brave and run the 5k in red lipstick.

So far I’ve raised £163.50, or just over half of my target and the run is in exactly a weeks time. So here goes… SPONSOR ME!!!

If you can’t be bothered with the website then you can donate by texting RETR79 + the amount (ie RETR79 £1) to 70070

It’s all for Cancer Research, which I know is a common charity, but one that touches the lives of so many of us in some way or another.

If I hit that target I’ll be sure to post a photo of me in my head to toe lycra after the race, who could resist? In the mean time here’s a taster….