Why I run

The very short answer to the question of why I run is easy: Because I enjoy it.

The longer version...

Before having children both my husband and I were quite active. We ran or cycled or swam. We played tennis at least once a week with some friends.

But children have a way of changing things. A bit like a snow globe. Everything is beautiful and calm and serene, then all of a sudden someone shakes it up. It is still beautiful and you know it will settle but it can be hard to see anything other than the snow for a little while.
I enjoy being a Mum. Sure, they are turning me grey and I do yell sometimes, but all up it's a fab job.
Exercising didn't seem so important.
Coupled with that is my fantastic metabolism. I am one of  'those' people - I can pretty much eat whatever I want and I don't really put on weight. For 8 years I did barely any exercise except the odd bike ride with the kids - but even that was at snails pace.

Every few years I'd say to my husband "I want to get fit again. I'm going running tomorrow" or something along those lines. Then for one or two days I'd run and then I'd give up.
I'd give up for any number of reasons (read excuses). It was too hot or too cold or it was raining or it was embarrassing. If you've been there you know what I mean.

So what changed? I really wish I could tell you that I had a lightbulb moment but I honestly didn't.
It was a few things added up. My Dad had had two heart attacks (survived both, the second finally made him change his ways), my eldest son who was 8 at the time was getting annoyed that I couldn't keep up in chasing type games, some of my size 10 stuff was getting snug (for me that was big) and I just wasn't all that happy with what I saw in the mirror.

Another Mum for the primary school where our children went told me about an outdoor class. I thought I'd give it a go. I even hooked up with another friend and promised to pick her up each week. That way I couldn't back out if I woke at 5.30am and it was raining or cold - I'd committed myself to picking her up. So I went. First week was hard. I had no idea what burpees were and could barely do 2 push ups on my knees! I was embarrassed but the group in general were all so lovely and didn't make me feel like a complete idiot.

The trainer is the absolute best and I could write a whole separate blog just praising her.

I don't think I could sit down for a couple of days after that first session. But it was kind of fun. So I went back the next week, and the week after that.
It did take me a few weeks to notice my own improvement but it was the feeling of doing something and getting better at it that was the fun part.

Due to my size I did get a few 'looks' from some who were bigger than me. I don't think bigger people realise that they make the very same assumptions and judgements on thinner people that they think people make on them for being big.
Does that make sense?
For example, I heard talk that went along with those stares about my right to be at the group because I wasn't big so why did I need to be there.

Anyway, after about 6 months of this once a week outdoor group I realised that my overall fitness and running had improved. At school I always enjoyed distance running and would get to zone or regionals for cross country.
Running was something I could fit in at a time that suited me. It is free and, best of all, I found that it allowed me to clear my head. For someone who thinks waaayyy too much it was a great thought sorter.
Running was also something I could do with my children.
I worked my way up slowly. First it was 2 or 3kms, then 4 or 5km for a couple of months. Then 8 or 9km. My children would ride beside me and tell me about their day. Win win.

After 4 months I reached 10km for the first time. I was so excited. A few people started getting into my head suggesting that I could do the Gold Coast Half in July. I wasn't so sure. I kept running, my distances kept improving and then about 6 weeks ago I finally believed in myself enough to sign up for the half.
The mental hurdle is a bitch (sorry, no other word suits it better).
Once I passed that I was even more excited and more determined.
Nerves still creep in. As I type this I have 4 weeks to go.
Thinking about it makes me have butterflies in my stomach.
I am hoping that I don't go out too hard so have been working on my pace and even doing a few runs without my RK lady in my ear.

So, in 4 weeks I am 'popping my race cherry'. I have done no other (organised) races in preparation. That does scare me a little but I think it will also make race day all that more exciting.


Wish me luck!