Why do you run?
That's a question I've been asked a lot over recent weeks and I've had plenty of time to come up with some answers, as I've actually not been running very much at all. Since my last race, the Clayton 10k, the tiredness, aches and twinges that I'd been feeling for a while caught up with me fully and I knew it was time for a rest. So instead of doing lots of running, I've been pondering about why I started running and why I continue to run, even when it hurts. I have managed a few memorable runs in the last couple of weeks though and they get a mention too.
Running = Change
I started running in February 2011 with the Coach to 5k podcasts. I'd been consciously working hard to lose weight and gain fitness after my weight reached an uncomfortable peak in 2010 - a combination of sedentary work-from-home life in my new home, very little exercise and lots of large but tasty dinners prepared with Mr T. Dramatic lifestyle changes were needed and after trying lots of different exercise options, running was the one that stuck. I joined a running club - Potters Trotters - and just kept on running. I made new friends, I visited new places and got to know my new city a little bit better. Change is good.
Running = Challenge
I've always loved a challenge - from finishing the crossword to beating Mr T at "Escape from Colditz". However, my sporting challenges were previously limited to winning a house point at school for high jump and the inter-youth club netball tournament as a teenager. Now, with every run or race I complete, I'm challenging myself to do better, to improve some aspect of my run, or conquer something that seems too hard. It's very rarely about "winning" but instead about improving my or trying something different like the cross country and simply completing a run with two shoes on. In April this year, I took on the challenge of the marathon and loved it - it was something I never thought I'd ever be able to do and I did it!
Running = Competition
Along with the challenge, there is also the competition. This year, I've joined North Staffs Road Runners and been competing in Group W. Each group comprises runners of similar abilities and there are points on offer for your best 12 races in the season. I'd had a good start - 4 races (Alsager, Newcastle, Uttoxeter and Clayton) and 4 top place finishes in Group W. Yesterday, I took part in my 5th race - the Westbridge 5 - a five mile race including sections on grass, pavements, roads, footpaths and the canal towpath. It was a tricky little course and I struggled a lot more than I'd hoped - my enforced rest of recent weeks seems to have taken the edge of my speed a little bit. Bu I still had a good run - I'm waiting for the final results from NSSRA, but I think I placed second in Group W this time.
My competitive instincts have kicked in again and I'm ready for my next challenge - the Potters 'Arf next Sunday. Can I beat last year's time? Can I reclaim top spot amongst the Ws? All will be revealed next week.
Running = Cancer Research
For me, running has always been linked with fundraising for Cancer Research. My first event was the Race for Life in 2011. Last year, one of my key motivations for the Stafford Half was to run in support of my friends and family who were battling cancer. Since then, I completed the Greater Manchester Marathon for Cancer Research in memory of my Dad, who lost his battle last summer.
One of my fundraising champions was my mother-in-law Pat. Just last month, she too lost her battle with cancer and I took part in the Great Manchester Run last Sunday in her memory. It was a special privilege to be part of the Cancer Research team at these two big events.
Running = parkrun
Without taking up running, I would never have joined the parkrun family and caught the parkrunning bug... parkruns are 5km timed runs that take place in parks up and down the country (and around the world) every Saturday morning. Reaching the milestone of 50 parkruns was a very special achievement for me and I love wearing my 50 t-shirt for parkrun every week. Next weekend will be my 50th parkrun at Hanley and my 57th in total - I've also taken part in parkruns in London, Leeds, Manchester (2 locations), Glasgow, Walsall and Congleton. Saturdays just don't feel right without a parkrun!
Running = Opportunities
At the Great Manchester Run last weekend, I ran in the same race as running legend Haile Gebrselassie - he was a lot quicker than me obviously - but he ran the same route on the same day, warming up on the same streets. We bumped into him as we walked up to the start. As I began the race, I got a "high 5" from Olympic Long Jump champion Greg Rutherford too.
In July, I'm taking part in the National Lottery Anniversary Run - a 5 mile run around Olympic Park and finishing in the Olympic Stadium. If I didn't run, I could only watch these events - now I get to take part and finish my five mile run on the same track as Mo Farah won double Olympic Gold!
Running = Community
I love being part of the wider running community - locally, nationally and internationally. There is a community of runners that I never knew existed - people who motivate me by their achievements and attitude and who are happy to share their stories. I follow runners on twitter, read blogs, join in Facebook debates and listen to running podcasts. When the Boston Marathon was attacked by terrorists, the running community came together in defiance and I was proud to be part of it. When I take part in local races, I'm part of that running community too - wearing the pink of Potters Trotters and catching up with friends from other running clubs.
Running = More Cake
Now I know if you read all the nutritional advice, running doesn't mean you can eat what you want and not worry about. But if you run 25 miles a week in training (my average for the year), I think you can have guilt-free treats at least once a week, if not two or three. So most of my running achievements are usually celebrated with cake or chocolate - why not?
I look forward to be running again regularly soon and I'm sure I'll come up with many more answers to that question: Why do you run?
Happy Running
LizT
That's a question I've been asked a lot over recent weeks and I've had plenty of time to come up with some answers, as I've actually not been running very much at all. Since my last race, the Clayton 10k, the tiredness, aches and twinges that I'd been feeling for a while caught up with me fully and I knew it was time for a rest. So instead of doing lots of running, I've been pondering about why I started running and why I continue to run, even when it hurts. I have managed a few memorable runs in the last couple of weeks though and they get a mention too.
Running = Change
I started running in February 2011 with the Coach to 5k podcasts. I'd been consciously working hard to lose weight and gain fitness after my weight reached an uncomfortable peak in 2010 - a combination of sedentary work-from-home life in my new home, very little exercise and lots of large but tasty dinners prepared with Mr T. Dramatic lifestyle changes were needed and after trying lots of different exercise options, running was the one that stuck. I joined a running club - Potters Trotters - and just kept on running. I made new friends, I visited new places and got to know my new city a little bit better. Change is good.
Running = Challenge
 |
| Completing the Marathon |
Running = Competition
 |
| The Finish at Westbridge 5 |
My competitive instincts have kicked in again and I'm ready for my next challenge - the Potters 'Arf next Sunday. Can I beat last year's time? Can I reclaim top spot amongst the Ws? All will be revealed next week.
Running = Cancer Research
 |
| My mother in law Pat |
 |
| Representing Cancer Research |
One of my fundraising champions was my mother-in-law Pat. Just last month, she too lost her battle with cancer and I took part in the Great Manchester Run last Sunday in her memory. It was a special privilege to be part of the Cancer Research team at these two big events.
Running = parkrun
Without taking up running, I would never have joined the parkrun family and caught the parkrunning bug... parkruns are 5km timed runs that take place in parks up and down the country (and around the world) every Saturday morning. Reaching the milestone of 50 parkruns was a very special achievement for me and I love wearing my 50 t-shirt for parkrun every week. Next weekend will be my 50th parkrun at Hanley and my 57th in total - I've also taken part in parkruns in London, Leeds, Manchester (2 locations), Glasgow, Walsall and Congleton. Saturdays just don't feel right without a parkrun!Running = Opportunities
 |
| Walking up to the start... with Haile Gebrselassie |
In July, I'm taking part in the National Lottery Anniversary Run - a 5 mile run around Olympic Park and finishing in the Olympic Stadium. If I didn't run, I could only watch these events - now I get to take part and finish my five mile run on the same track as Mo Farah won double Olympic Gold!
 |
| The Olympic Stadium - I'll be running here on July 21st! |
I love being part of the wider running community - locally, nationally and internationally. There is a community of runners that I never knew existed - people who motivate me by their achievements and attitude and who are happy to share their stories. I follow runners on twitter, read blogs, join in Facebook debates and listen to running podcasts. When the Boston Marathon was attacked by terrorists, the running community came together in defiance and I was proud to be part of it. When I take part in local races, I'm part of that running community too - wearing the pink of Potters Trotters and catching up with friends from other running clubs.
Running = More Cake
 |
| Ultimate Hot Chocolate for my 50th parkrun |
Now I know if you read all the nutritional advice, running doesn't mean you can eat what you want and not worry about. But if you run 25 miles a week in training (my average for the year), I think you can have guilt-free treats at least once a week, if not two or three. So most of my running achievements are usually celebrated with cake or chocolate - why not?
I look forward to be running again regularly soon and I'm sure I'll come up with many more answers to that question: Why do you run?
Happy Running
LizT
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