My Forum

Thanks all for your encouragement and advice. I thought long and hard about whether I do actually enjoy running... I think it's more that I don't really like exercising or getting out of breath but the competitive side of me is also present and I like the idea of 'beating myself'. So... I've downloaded the 'Get Running' app for my phone to get me from 'couch to 5k' in nine weeks and keep reminding myself of the 10k I did do when I felt amazing afterwards (rather than the 10k when I was injured and cold and wet!). My husband has also been very supportive and agreed to let me splash out on a new pair of trainers to get me going - always good to have a shopping motivation - I am female, after all...

So...here we go, nine weeks to run a 5k and here's hoping some lbs drop off along the way!

First run scheduled for Sunday when we're back from hols - and I've signed up for Pilates classes too to include some cross-training and work on my core...

Two years ago I was training for a Half Marathon but it all went Pete Tong on my run-up 10k when I developed horrible blisters during the race (raining, hills, wrong socks...) and I lost my confidence - and my ability to continue training as I couldn't walk for a week afterwards!

Since then I've found it really hard to get back into it - I'm not a natural runner, athelete, exceriser.. And I've found it easy to come up with excuses not to run eg being too tired (I travel a lot for work), the weather, temptation for other options etc.

I really want to get back into it to lose weight, increase my fitness levels and generally feel more 'healthy'. My husband and I would like to start a family next year so I have motivation to get in shape for that reason too...

Can anyone give me any realistic tips as to how I can start again, banish the bad thoughts and stick with it so I can get back in the zone of considering myself "a runner"?

Would appreciate any wise words. Cheers!