Week 9 Run 3 is done.
So why did I do it?
It all started for me a couple of years ago. I had a desk bound job - I still do.
My boss at that time used to go for a walk at lunch time. One day, I decided to tag along.
I was unfit. But within a week, we were walking 4.5K in about 55 minutes. And that is where it all started.
That same year, I decided to participate in Great Scottish Run - Half Marathon and walk most of it. And I did. I finished it in 3:43:09.
Following year, I signed up for Tough Mudder. And then I started training for it. During a hill walk, I slipped and tore ligaments in my right ankle.
That was last year in April. Tough Mudder was well and truly out of the window. I postponed it by a year.
It took me 3 months just to be able to walk properly.
At that point, I started physio and the aim was to walk and finish Great Scottish Run - Half Marathon again.
As time went by, thanks to the physio, I was able to walk further and further. Still, Half Marathon did seem daunting.
I signed up all the same and went for it. It took me 3:48:23 in 2014 to walk and finish the Half Marathon.
In 2015, I started CrossFit as I was definitely going to do Tough Mudder. Strength wise I was there. The distance didn't phase me either. But I was still worried.
I managed Tough Mudder in 5 and half hours.
I searched around for a running coach, running trainer, etc. I didn't find anything or anyone. And a girl at run4it suggested C25K.
And so my journey started.
Midway through, I caught chest infection - just a week and half before Great Scottish Run this year. I recovered just enough, prepared a plan and finished the Half Marathon in 3:22 this year.
I have signed up for a few Obstacle Course Races - Tartan Warrior, Total Warrior and Tough Mudder - for next year and of course, a few 5Ks and Great Scottish Run - Half Marathon - again.
The plan is now to consolidate. I may go back to week 4 or something and start running outdoors, speed up gently and do some hill walking / hill running.
Once I am able to run for 30 minutes or 5K outdoors, I will do that for a couple of weeks and then go on to Bridge to 10K.
I have found an app which does not have Laura. But it has got a programme to go up to 60 minutes which I feel I will be able to follow.
Long term aim is to do a few overseas Half Marathons in 2017 and a Marathon. Probably Edinburgh or Manchester.
Aim for 2018 is to go for Lochness Marathon, Fort William Marathon and possibly, an Ultra Marathon.
All the while, I hope I stay injury free.
Thanks all for being part of my journey so far and for being part of my support network!
Best Regards,
Ash.