Run, Run You Can't Catch Me

well...actually, you probably can because I'm not that fast, I just like the nursery rhyme reference.

I've talked about how running is an alternate form of meditation for me and a little about my struggles with foot, ankle and knee injuries in the last 12 months.  Last night I went for a walk with my friend but I ran to her house and ran home when we were done.  My feet had wings, it was awesome.

I've run (or jogged if you want to call it that?) for as long as I can remember.  When I think back and try to remember how old I was when I started I actually can't.  I used to go out for a jog around the block with mum after school each day.  I'm looking forward to taking my girls with me soon, I feel pretty lucky that it's something I started doing at such a young age and I want to do that for my kids too.

When I was in year 12 I came home from school and ran about 12kms most days.  I was absolutely the more focused on running (and study) that I have been in any other time in my life then.  Healthy body, healthy mind.  At 33, 15 years later I want to get to that place again, but this time without all the negative body issues I had as a 17/18 year old.

In a little under 12 months I plan on running a marathon.  It's been a goal of mine for sometime now.  I was going to be this year but a little trip to the USA right in the middle of when I needed to be training hard made that a little difficult.  I've got a few other running milestones in mind that I want to complete over the next 12 months but the marathon is the number one thing I have my sights set on.

Running is something that pretty much everyone can learn to do.  I know a few people who have started running recently and used the C25K program really successfully.  If you are thinking about taking up running here are a few (totally random) pointers from me:

• Make sure you have the right shoes for the job.  You will injure yourself faster than you can even imagine if you start running and your shoes aren't right for or up to the job.
• Find the time of day that works best for you.  I'm most happy running first thing in the morning or around 5-6 in the evening.  I hate heading out anytime after about 10 and before 3.  Quirky.
• The smell of people cooking dinner when you are running can be pretty horrendous.  Lamb roast is the worst!
• If you like to listen to music make sure your earphones aren't going to pop out.  Mine do so my ipod does not coming running with me.  I need to get some with those hooky things.
• Find your own rhythm.  For me running is a solitary thing.  For you it might not me but, to be honest, people who you can run comfortably with are few.
• Learn to zone out.  My best runs are when I zone out.  My body doesn't hurt as much and it is actually one of the few times that I can actually make my mind still.
• Good core strength is an asset when you are running.  A strong core helps hold you upright so it makes your running motion more natural and comfortable.  I've just started using the Jillian Michaels 6 Week 6 Pack DVD...It's a great workout...I'll let you know in 6 weeks how my abs are looking ;)
• To begin with pick a course and stick to it.  Once you get to know it well it's easier to set little milestones along the way if you are struggling a bit.  It's easier to map your progress too if you can compare distance and time with each run.
• The smell of water from someone's garden hose is seriously incredible.
• Make sure your clothes are comfortable and your knickers aren't going to give you a wedgie.
• There is no such thing as too much support when you are running...I wear a sports bra, a compression bra and a sports singlet when I run.  All that breastfeeding has done enough damage, I don't need to make it worse by letting the girls bounce all over the show when I'm running, besides it's uncomfortable.  When I see girls running and their boobs are bouncing I cringe for them.

So tell me...are you a runner?  do you want to be a runner?  do you hate runners? what are your best running tips?

Tatum xx