I have been running for a while now. I believe I started a year ago or so and finally I’m starting to reach my running goals. Ok, so I haven’t been running constantly for a whole year and I have not been consistent in my attempts of doing so but I’m still pleased I’ve reached one of my goals.
Previous Running Goals
I used to run a lot way back when I still lived in Sweden. I decided I wanted to start running as it’s a great and cheap way of exercise. After a few weeks I signed up for a 9K run, weird distance I know but perfect for me as I prefer uneven numbers. Anyway, I trained for it regularly and was pleased as punch completing it under an hour. After that I said I wanted to continue and one day complete longer runs in Stockholm and eventually in New York.
Somewhere down the line I stopped running, possibly after discovering cheap beer in England… Last year I started to miss it and I knew I always felt so better after a run and decided to get back on it. Not being assigned to a gym any longer I thought it would be the best option.
Setting Running Goals
Sign up to organised runs
Again I thought it would help to sign up for runs to gain motivation. So far I have completed two 10K runs, both last year. Luckily we get the signup fee for free through work. I wanted to be back in good shape like I was five years earlier in Sweden and I thought I had set a reasonable goal of completing it in 65-70 minutes. The first race I reached the finish line on 74 minutes and the second time 71. I was really disappointed with my performance in my last run, even though I beat my first time by three minutes but it wasn’t my original goal.
Train weekly
During the weeks I make sure to run home twice a week from home. It’s a 5K distance, the same as Park Run’s which I can recommend attending. I haven’t had a free Saturday in a long while though so for now twice a week will have to be enough. Finally this week I managed to complete the run in 30 minutes and I was so proud of myself. If I can keep that up I’m sure I won’t be far off from completing a 10K run in around an hour.
Give yourself awards
Instead of stuffing my face with chocolate, crisps and alcohol to celebrate I usually treat myself to something nice and useful for my running. the choices are endless, nowadays you can buy running clothes and accessories in more or less any clothing shop. It’s not limited to sports shops any more which is great as you can get hold of nice and cheap stuff and therefor treat yourself more often.
I recently bought new running shorts and socks from Primark. I know it might not be the right season for shorts at the moment but when summer arrives I’m ready. They were only £4 and the a pack of 3 pairs of socks £2.50.
Are you like me a runner or what type of exercise do you do?
Jennie xx
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