Work in Progress

Today is a bit of a self indulgent post as I would like to share the reasons I love running. After a cracking session with Tyne Bridge last night, I found myself elated and reflecting on the reasons I love running so much.

• Runners high - the feeling I get when I’ve ran particularly far or fast or just made myself go our running when I didn’t feel like it and the little buzz it gives me to keep going.
• Sense of achievement - I find running a very personal thing, I’m the only person to beat and if I knock 20 seconds off my 5km PB I’m proud of my achievement, also if I know I’ve worked hard and given a session my all that also makes me feel proud of myself.
• New friends - the people I’ve met through running are all lovely, each with their own stories of races and training, I’ve learned so much as everyone has been willing to share that story with me. When I’m injured they are supportive and keep me smiling and when I’ve ran well they congratulate me and push me to be better.
• Buns of steel - I haven’t quite got buns of steel (yet) but running has improved my fitness massively and I’ve lost inches, lbs and body fat since I’ve taken up running.
• The ability to brag - it’s great being able to say to someone ‘I’ve ran a half marathon’ as they are usually rather impressed and the response of ‘Wow, how did you manage that?!’ makes me feel a little bit special.
• Motivation and positivity - running hasn’t just improved my fitness, but it’s made me more positive, and motivated to do other types of exercise and try new things. Now I love a challenge and enjoy setting goals for the future which push me to be better. 

There are so many reasons I love running and these are just a few off the top of my head! When I look back at when I started running (about 9 months ago) and where I am now, whilst it’s been a bumpy ride it’s been a fantastic journey and I wouldn’t change much about it, long may it continue in 2012 :)

Last nights session with Tyne Bridge was a pyramid session of 1min, 3min and 5min threshold with half the time recovery in between. I really enjoyed it and managed to stay up the front with the quicker runners in my group for the majority of the time. I looked down at my watch and sometimes was running 8min/mile which is fantastic for a slow one like me! My plan for the weekend is possibly cycle/parkrun/cycle tomorrow with a swim in the afternoon on Saturday and a longer run (about an hour) on Sunday. Not sure about parkrun tho - I fancy a lie in!