Early in 2013 I ran my first half marathon. I didn't really plan that much at all. It all started early summer in December, a hot summer, it was almost impossible to exercise indoors. I was running casually for a long time and my run was 6km and around 45min at most. That summer I decided to put a hold on my gym membership for three months and try to do more running outside.
I used to go to gym for 4 to 5 times a week, my favourite group training exercises are BodyAttack and RPM. A year ago I did Les Mills Look Better Naked 6 week programme for 4 times in a row, and once or twice a week I do BodyBalance.
I started running a standard route that was 6km and kept adding more distance. As a result my run grew to 9km and then 11km. I like running first thing in the morning usually 6.30am or 7am, start and finish before sunrise. It gave me great satisfaction after a morning run, and if it was Saturday a nice brunch in a neighbourhood cafe.
When I started running 11km I decided to register for the Stirling Sports Half Marathon 2013. I didn't use training programme but just keep timing my run and realised I could probably do 22km in a reasonable time. My last run 4 days before the event was 15km. It wasn't a great training programme but I did manage to run 22km on the day in 2:45hrs not a very fast time but good enough for a first timer.
I did all my runs with no injuries and it all was to the good quality shoes I have. If you plan to run long distance it’s good to invest in a good pair of shoes, and visit one of those shoe shops which analyse your feet and give you the right shoes for your feet.
And if I run another half or full marathon I will use one of the training programmes that are available online so I can be in top condition for the big day. If you have couple of friends you can run together, that would be a good fun as well, I did mine on my own.
This time last year I didn’t think I could do 22km, even in my dreams, but you can do it if you put your mind to it. It’s a great mind refresh tool and of course for health and wellbeing.
If you ever thought about it, Google the next upcoming event, register and then start training you will feel a sense of achievement afterwards!
