On 2 January 2014 I took my steps into the world of running. I left the front door with my Zombies 5k app with no other thought than to try it out and hopefully last the 8 weeks.
I had started to feel a little bit unfit since buying a car and driving everywhere and decided to try running to get fit again. It was something I could do from my front door at the time I wanted and without special equipment. Little did I know that before the year was out I would run a half marathon and be helping others on their running journey.
I lasted the 8 weeks of the programme and had caught the bug. I ran my first 5k race in April, felt fitter and had lost an inch or two on my hips. I then ran another 5k in June before running my first 10k (the British London 10k). This was quickly followed by another 5k, two more 10ks, one 10 mile race and the Great Birmingham Half Marathon.
I am now a member of two running clubs (one of which I have volunteered to be the membership secretary), have persuaded friends and family to give running a go and have helped out with one of my clubs start to run group.
I’m really glad I took those first steps from my door way back in January. I have met some very friendly and encouraging people, have run through some beautiful countryside and have got fitter too! I’m no longer short of breath walking up stairs.
If you are thinking of giving running a try I would thoroughly recommend it. You only need a pair of trainers to start, you can do it at a time that suits you and the benefits are enormous.
I used the Zombies 5k app but friends and family have found the NHS Couch to 5k programme and app to be a great tool and it’s free! It you think you might do better in a group see if any of your local clubs have a start to run course.
All can say is give it a go, you might surprise yourself!
