1 year and a few months

[christop]

It is one year and a couple a month or two since I done my first 5k race.I went back an re-ran the same 5 k last month, and despite feeling under the weather, I improved my time (not as much as I would have liked, but still).

In May I ran my first Half Marathon and done OK. I have two half's in October too! I am no runner. I still have a spare tyre (although decreasing), and occationally I struggle with runs - I went to do a 14k on Monday, and y body was telling me 'NO!' after 6k. I was annoyed, but when I come here and realise 'I only could manage a slow 6k' (in 33 minutes) it puts the journey into perspective.

For everyone on the program, you can do it. If your heart is trully in it, you will do it. I use to get so nnoyed at the 'If I can do it, anyone can' statements on here - but they are true.

So, some advice...

1. Music helps. Choose a playlist and set it to 'suffle'. Never don't shuffle. Time is an enemy and if you know where you are on your play list and how long is left it can be demoralising.

2. Switch your mobile to 'flight mode'. I guarintee that as soon as you start your run people will call.

3. Water. You need water. For my 14 - 16k's I drink tots of water for the hour before the run, and that is usually enough. If you are doing a longer run and need water, get a small soft waterbottle/ bag and carry just enough for a couple of mouth fulls. If that doesn't work for you, drive and park somewhere, keeping water in the car - run 4km away and then run back to the car and take a drink. Then run 4kn in the opposite direction and then back again.

4. Sign up for lots of races. The medals are nice, but the T-shirts are a true badge of honour!

5. Track your runs. Either by GPS or just a stop watch. Your competition should be yourself, nothing else. Don't spend too much time worrying abot not improving, just really enjoyit when you do.

6. Running gear can be expensive, but it doesn't need to be. Discounters (TKMax, Sports Direct etc.) sell good quality at good prices. Most of my stuff is the brand Run4It - which is a VERY cheap internet only brand - it beats some of my friends very high priced stuff.

7. Nice days are a pleasure to run on, but the heat can cause issues so take it easy. You will make your gains on cool, overcast days with a little rain in the air.

8. Underwear... I'm a guy and I hear it is an issue for ladies... well it's just an issue for men. Get some support is all I'm saying. Oh, and take care of the nipples too!

I suppose you just need to focus on what you are doing it. It may feel hard now, but that isa good thing. Enjoy it when you can. Keep posting on here - after every run (good or bad) and you will beamazed at the support. And, if you struggle with a run, never be downharted - just keep at it.

OHHH..... and I have realised that the first 3km of every run is the worst. So the longer the run the more enjoyable it is!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Nice list of advice.

Thanks for dropping back to encourage newcomers.

Keep running, keep smiling.

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate]

Great tips Christop.😊

I will put my playlist on shuffle in future, that makes sense.

Well done on your acheivements too😊

[Hidden]

Thanks for the advice, some I had now gleaned others not. Who knew men suffered with the Berlei shock absorber too? Seriously though it's fab to see that so many people don't just do C25K they go on to make running part of their lives and that is remarkable. Thank you for a reminder that running is for life😀

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Great post...