Running Blog

The Runner - What's it about?


Pain mostly. So what's so enjoyable about that then. Well for me it is the feeling of elation when you reach the finish line. The sense of achieving your goals and race aims. The race atmosphere is very exciting and so it is worth putting in the hard training to perform well in them.
Be aware of the loneliness of the long distance runner
It is very easy to put off going out running if you know you are going to be out there by yourself. Running in groups is very enjoyable especially if you reward your hard efforts with a stop to the pub afterwards. The drink tastes all the more sweeter when you've worked hard for it.

Night Time Runner

I prefer to run at night rather than during the day where the pave can be somewhat crowded and hectic. Be careful however to wait a while if your planning to go out after eating your meal. A two hour wait should be more than enough.

Escape into the Hills

I can't stand running along the main road so I try wherever possible to escape into the hills and run through quiet lanes in Holbrook and Makeney. I challenge myself on the two hills of Red Lane (about three quaters of a mile in length) and Shaw Lane (about a mile and a half.) Hill training is a great strength builder and the feeling you get when you've made it to the top makes getting there seem worth while.
Wearing the right gear
Running gear is not only extremely comfortable but it also helps you to run faster as well. Wearing a good pair of running shoes will make you feel like you are gliding along the pave rather than applying pressure to the ground.
Shirt, Shorts, Shoes, Sound ..... SORTED!

Day time running

If you want to run in the day-time, then I would reccomend running through fields or quiet country lanes. This can help your breathing as it cleanses your aura and also helps to prevent injury as you are running on softer ground. If you feel tired don't push yourself beyonfd the limit, walk and enjoy the scenery. This is something that is not so pleasant to do on the road.
Parlsey Hay - a nice place to run.

Variety

Vary your runs so that you don't become tired of the same old programme. For example a good programme would be to do a short run which includes a tough climb, a long run at a very steady pace and a fairly long run though cross-country.

Music

Music can help to block the mental negativity that comes through struggling or feeling pain whilst on your run. I find dance music helps but it will be different for each person. If you turn the music up real loud when your climbing hills it can help you to really escape away from the intense effort.

Motivation

Set goals and aims - Regardless of how much you eat - the more you run, the fitter you become, the faster you go. Set yourself goals and challenges so that you have some form of motivation when you go out. Use training during the week to prepare yourself for a timed effort at the weekend and keep a record of whether you are accomplishing your goals.

Running is not necesarily an individual sport

I run for a club and though I run for myself and try to achieve certain goals and aims, I am also contributing to a team in the various leagues that they enter themselves in. I know that the faster and fitter I am the more I can help to contribute to their success. This motivates me to train that extra bit harder so that my club can enjoy more success.

Current PB's:

400 Metres - 59 seconds
1500 Metres - 4 minutes, 47 seconds
5 KM - 17 minutes, 55 seconds
10 KM - 37 minutes, 49 seconds