I have been running for well over a year now. I remember that I got impatient one day while I was out walking and thought that I could get it done quicker if I just ran. So I did! I then embarked on a Learn to Run program and built up from only being able to run for a few minutes without falling over gasping for breath to being able to run for 30 minutes or more. It was a great feeling and I now call myself a re-run.
I have another blog called My body is a work in progress where I’ve tried to record some of my experiences while on this journey. I have neglected it recently in favour of this my main blog but I still pop over there every now and again.
By the way when I say run, I don’t mean in a professional way or anything, I mean in a fast walk/shuffle/jog/occasional sprint kind of way. I have managed a few 5km Park runs and fun runs but still have to stop and walk a few times to catch my breath. I’m in training again for a 5km fun run and have got more serious with my running.
I love it – I think while I’m running, it clears my head of work stresses, I plan things to blog about, I listen to music, I chew gum, I push myself, I feel free and young….and I’m getting better (slowly). I run alone in the forest and love the solitude, the kangaroos, the rabbits, the occasional fox that cross my path. The track I use is up and down so really gets my heart going. Sometimes I walk up the hills but I am trying to push myself up them a bit more lately. It’s a great feeling of accomplishment when I get home and check my run stats on my phone app. I try to run 5kms a few times a week with walks or bike rides in between. I have my daughter’s wedding in November and want to be as fit and healthy as I can be. (I’m also growing my hair and my fingernails – I certainly am a work in progress).
I’m quite pleased with myself and remember back to when I first started running in public and I would stop and walk when someone came near me, as I was very embarrassed. Now I just keep running and smile 🙂
This photo was taken today on my run – my legs are made for running!
Do you enjoy running too? I’d love to hear of your motivation for exercise and what you do to keep fit.
Deb 🙂
Deb's World 
I love running too, Deb. I don’t really know why. I was never sporty or athletic at all earlier in my life – but I guess what I love most about running is that feeling of achievement I get when I have been for a run.
I too have music, but I don’t think about much. I just focus on the songs (mostly to distract myself from those thoughts telling me to stop) and try to get into some kind of rhythm. It’s time out from life. A chance to just ‘be’.
Just ‘achieve’.
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You are right Jen, it’s an escape, a timeout and a real achievement when I’m done. I play mind games with myself when I’m running too to distract myself from giving up. Glad you can relate to what I was talking about.
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Thanks for sharing about your running progress! It’s a great stress reliever, no doubt. Glad to hear that your confidence is improving too! 🙂
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Thanks for your comment! Considering my advanced age I feel I am doing well and yes it is a great stress reliever.
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That’s impressive, Debbie.
No doubts you’ll rock for the wedding!!
It’s really distressing sport.
I’ve always been sportive but running was not my thing although I did it for a while. I still do it occasionally.
I now do race cycling, windsurfing and yoga.
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Good on you Lucile! I like riding too but just for fun not racing. I’ve never tried windsurfing but do enjoy Pilates. At my age I’m pleased to be able to find something I enjoy that keeps me fit. Thanks for sharing.
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I don’t participate in competitions though, and do it alone or with my husband. It’s kind of a national passion here in Holland and for that is a popular sport.
I’d say that you’re being too hard on yourself. At your age? You’re a young and fit woman doing much better than many teens that I know.
🙂
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Haha! You are right, I do have a tendency to be too hard on myself. Thanks for reminding me to be kinder to myself. 😊
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Please don’t! There are already many people out there who make life around us hard enough. I think you have more than enough reasons (beautiful, clever, lovely, fit, great wife and mother, and a great blogger) to be a proud woman.
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Ok, ok!! I’ll take your comments on board. I am proud of what I have achieved and what I’m doing. I’m now off to work with a spring in my step after your lovely thoughtful and insightful reply. Thank you for that 😊
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Yay. Go girl! Now you’re talking! Have a beautiful day!
Hugs.
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And I’m wearing an orange jacket! Hugs back at you.
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In honor of the Dutch! Love it!! Xxx
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