Lots of mileage

[JaySeeSkinny]

For the 7th month in a row I have managed to run at least 100k a month. When I first achieved these dizzy heights in December 2016 I was exhausted afterwards and couldn't imagine keeping up that level of running regularly. Since March though I've averaged at least 25k a week, and learnt that being on holiday or business trips does not mean I can't run. As the runs get longer the mileage goes up and I am feeling fitter and healthier. Of course, now I've written this I will get a cold as a punishment for being so smug.

And running is forming my body. I have a few niggles, but in general my knees feel better than before I ran, my feet seem to have lost any hard skin they had and despite the pounding they get they are remarkably blister-free, and I am maintaining my weight without too much effort. I have tightened my belt another notch, despite no change in weight. Friends I haven't seen for a while exclaimed how much weight I've lost - although I haven't since last I saw them!

I have discovered a love for running in new places. I pore over maps looking for routes around the hotels I stay in on business trips. In 10 days I'm in Düsseldorf - I've never run there before (I already have a plan and am very excited about it), and I am prepared to get up at ludicrous times to squeeze a run in. This year has seen me run in Portugal, Austria and Italy. And Germany, of course. I have had the pleasure of running in Berlin, Leipzig and Cologne - every single one of those tourist runs was fantastic in it's own way. In November I am spending time with friends and family in York, Manchester and Scotland - and I am looking forward to....... you've guessed it ... running.

So, if you've just graduated and are wondering what to do next, just keep running regularly, the rewards are enormous. They sneak up on you and you suddenly realize something has changed - for the better.

Happy running to you all!

[Joy57 Graduate10]

That's amazing JaySee, well done you! My mileage is much lower than yours but I've also had some comments from friends about being in good shape. And I love the psychological benefits of running 😄

[JaySeeSkinny Graduate10 in reply to Joy57]

I used to get a bit down in winter, but walking and now running has got that sorted. I'm aiming for mileage this year, but at some point I need to think about speed. But basically I'm content!

[misswobble Graduate10 in reply to JaySeeSkinny]

Good for You! You're clearly enjoying your running 😃 When not running, planning your next run sorta thing 🙂, running in new places keeps it fresh 🏃‍♀️👍

[Theziggy]

Superb mileage JSS, clearly working out for you in mind and body.

K U D O S

[Irishprincess Graduate10]

Fab post JSS and you're so right. Just keep at it. And your running tourism list is great! I love mine too although it's not as long as yours ..... yet 🙂

Well done on the mileage.

[Anniemurph Graduate10]

Amazing mileage - congratulations! And running tourism is the best! I'm currently planning my next couple of trips too

[Sandraj39 Graduate10]

Fantastic post JaySee - really racking up the miles and obviously loving it sill! We are all so lucky to be on this journey. I don't get to do a lot of running tourism but I have so many different routes and terrains I can access from my front door - it's all good! Happy running!🏃🏽‍♀️🙂

[ancientrunner Graduate10]

Goodness, well done.

[Decker]

Wow you seem to have found the perfect balance of business travel, fun and fitness.! You are clearly enjoying this too 😀

[SaskAlliecat Graduate10]

Wow! Very inspiring. Thank you, it is exactly what this new graduate needed to hear 😊

[Coddfish Graduate10]

Well done on fitting runs into a busy schedule. I definitely agree that running in new places is great and a real incentive to get up. That said, I struggle with running on business travel to Asia, variously too hot / humid (Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong) or unsafe (India).

[JaySeeSkinny Graduate10 in reply to Coddfish]

I've only run in Europe so far I must admit. We were in Zambia last year and I didn't run once because of the heat and lack of safety. So, yes you're right!

[misswobble Graduate10]

Yay! Go you!, I like a drop. of running tourism meself 🙂 I am a sucker for a new route

I was in Holland a few weeks back and had planned a run by the river near the hotel but it failed to materialise because we were busy as we had an itinerary (not mine 🙄) so I didn't get chance. I was much miffed 😤 Hmff!

The moral in it all is set your own agenda 😃

[JaySeeSkinny Graduate10 in reply to misswobble]

Yes, I hate it when I have plans but someone else has other plans and they clash - or I don't find out until too late. I'm quite adaptable and will even get up at 05:30 for a run on occasion, but if I don't know we're leaving at 07:00 am until 06:50 it makes life very difficult!