My journey to enjoy running.

I have really been improving my running fitness and technique over the last 2 years, am I ready for a pb at the Bristol Half Marathon?

The pandemic and cancellation of races that followed allowed me to take a step back and analyse how I spend my time to work on my weaknesses.

Time to enjoy running

I have always struggled to enjoy running and found it difficult. Now was my time to embrace it and learn to love running.

Coming from non-impact sports such as swimming and cycling has meant I have had a long journey to become a competent runner. The first few months of running after my cycling career were very tough and I came home in pain and unable to walk down the stairs for days after (this is after a 3-5km run). Over the years I have built up my tolerence to the impact running has on your body but never fully embraced it as a sport I was keen to do. I did enough so I could finish the triathlons I entered, though without any speed or effectiveness. Running was always my weak link.

Joining a running club to become one

I had moved to a new home on the outskirts of North Bristol and after attending a park run (which literally takes place outside my house, would be rude not to go) I noticed there was a well represented and friendly running club, the Hogweed Trotters. In my bid to become more of a runner I joined the club, started attending their weekend runs and their track sessions. This helped me put some structure into my run training, having club sessions to attend each week and meeting new friends. I then spent a good year putting in at least 3 good quality runs a week and saw a big improvement in my running abliity as well as my enjoyment for the sport.

To be as good as them you must join them

“Plan a flat 10k and go for a pb, or just include this climb half way round”

Christmas Eve 2020 I decided to head out and try to beat my 10k time. I had been running some good times in training and already recorded a pb of 48 minutes when I just felt good one day and decided after a few km to push on. I kept telling myself to plan a flat route, maybe with 2x 5km loops so I could go for it. What did I do instead, went round my normal route with a steep climb after 4km. I like this route as the climb is steep and works on my strength but also running down the other side opens my stride and allows me to build up to a pace that I then try to hold onto.

The result - A new 10k pb of 46 minutes.

There may be aspects of Triathlon that you have not yet found your love for. My advice is to take the time to fully embrace it. Find a club or friends who are on that same journey and learn about the sport. You may be surprised with what you find.