Sunday 20 March 2011

Was I ever a runner?

I was hoping to be in the thick of training at this time of year, but I've been fighting off some 'general feeling a bit rubbish' cold-viral-thing for the last few weeks. I haven't even felt like jogging, let alone running.

I realised I had to attempt to get out of this lethargy yesterday when I got a funny sort of muscle cramp thing walking across a park in Buxton. Walking!! Slowly!! So yesterday afternoon I went out for the slowest 5 miles I've done in a few years. Today I followed this up with another 2.5 miles.

At times like this, it's like my body is trying to convince me it's never been a runner. It's like it's saying "no, you must have me confused with some other body - wouldn't you rather be sitting down?" Fortunately, I know that after 3 or 4 runs, my body will be saying "wheeee, this is so much fun - see if you can go any faster".

I think this is why a lot of people don't go running regularly, even though they might go to the gym or something similar. It takes 3 or 4 outings before you get anything back from running. And for many people, they don't reach that point before deciding it's not enjoyable.

I'm hoping my next blog entry will be something like "the joy of running" and not "lung infection finally takes hold". Watch this space.

4 comments:

  1. Just push through the next couple of sessions Noel and you'll get there. I hate running lulls but I suppose they are part and parcel of what we do. Stick with it and all the best.

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  2. If you remember last year, thats pretty much how you felt right up until you entered wolfs pit and finished in 15th place... ,also you didnt really peak last year till you had spent 2 weeks cross training by building sand castles over easter

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  3. Thanks Simon, I had a nice run yesterday and enjoyed that. Maybe I am coming back.

    Dave, yes, I shouldn't underestimate the value of cross-training. I seem to remember beer drinking was the most important part ;)

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  4. Noel, if it's any consolation, I've had the same. Just getting back into running with 2 good runs in the last 4 days and already feeling better. Stick with it and pull through it.

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