It's been a few years since my last post.
Going on from the 5K distances, I have pushed on and now regularly taking on 10K, Half marathons, full marathons and recently completed my first 100K Ultra.
What can I say about my running journey so far? Here are my top 5 points to mention.
1) Consistency is key - Whether you wake up with a spring in your step or wake up feeling like your feet are shackled to the floor, keeping with the routine of running (or fast walking) is really important. This goes both ways. On the days, you feel not able to get out and about, just do a walk or shorten your distance or pace. A little something is better than nothing. On the days, when you think you are overexerting yourself (You will know when you feel like this). Slow down and get back into a steadier rhythm. Having been on both sides of the fence, I know the times when you don't want to put your trainers on can be hard, but I haven't heard anyone moan after a decent exercise. Equally, when I felt good and pushed and pushed to the point I was over-exercising and not listening to my body, and I inevitably got injured, took weeks to recover and get back into the swing of things. So, the message here is to stay consistent and build yourself up slowly and keep yourself motivated and injury free.
2) Eat right / Exercise right - "You can't outrun a bad diet" I would like a pound for every time I hear that phrase, but the truth is that, no matter how much exercise is performed (anything on average under an hour), unless you're doing mammoth strength / conditioning sessions, marathons or ultras distances, the overall calorie usage through exercise is fairly minor compared the general calories we consume. Food these days are so calorie dense that it is amazing when you read the facts (back of food packets even ) that a small portion of food can fuel someone for several hours. It took me a while to work this out and also to come to terms that no matter how much exercise I do I have to be careful to watch what I eat as it is easy to over-consume. Going back to point 1, I was trying to over exercise to compensate but was just injuring myself through over-exertion.
3) The right equipment - Something a bit controversial, but I must confess that getting the 'correct' equipment for me is now considered essential, I don't mean expensive, and I don't mean new technology. But I mean well fitted, suited for the task in hand. The realisation first came to me with ‘running trainers'. For the first few trial runs, it doesn't really matter what trainers you wear as long as they are comfortable to run in. But if the running bug takes hold, invest in a well fitted and suitable running gear that is fit for your ability level, price and type of run you want to do. This goes for other pieces of kit too, running tops, shorts/leggings, jackets, torches, socks. Getting the right gear makes such a bit difference, to preventing injuries, maintaining good technique and enjoyment. It is one of the rare occassions where I have noticed the value in spending on good quality equipment rather than making do..
4) Use your support network - Running is an interesting sport. that can be done alone, with a friend or a group. It really is flexible and depends on the mood you maybe in. As my running developed, it became part of me, and I noticed that the people I interacted more with people with similar interests in running, as the distances increased I found the support network helped with building my confidence, helping with my technique and endurance and above all, making new friends and helping with my mental health too. Some team sports can be polarising, but running doesn't seem to have that challenge, and even for those family or friends who are not into running can often support or see the benefit running can bring, so use these support networks (like this network here) where you can to keep motivation levels up and entice others to join you.
5) Enjoy the journey - It probably won't come as a surprise to you that I have really enjoyed my running journey up to now. With the highs, as I crossed the London marathon finish line to the lows., when I was injured sat at home for several weeks. These were all fundamental parts of the journey that influenced me over time., which has made running a habit and a lifestyle choice rather than a chore. If you give it time and whole heartedly accept it for what it is and how this can affect your life in the long term, I'm sure you won't look back in disappointment.
Running will always be a core activity for me now, but I'm keen to try other sports and activities to experience, running has helped me build my confidence and athleticism to give it a try.
I just hope some of these points will be useful for you in whatever stage of the journey you are at and experience the joys of completing that first race/event!
Good luck!
It's been a while...
My C25k Journey in Numbers
It's been a while... injured :(
Resuming my C25K journey tomorrow 
It's been a while!
