Good morning- we are no where near you as we are based in Eastbourne so can't give you any advice about local clubs but just wanted to wish you good luck. In September we started our journey to the Eastbourne Half Marathon in March 2013. We were non runners and couldn't run more than 1 min runs/1.5 minute walks for the first few weeks but now we are up to 6.5 mile runs without stopping.
The first few weeks are the hardest and the idea of joining a club is a good one as they support you, give you advice and motivate you to go out when the weather is lousy. We started out with an app on our phones - think it was couch to 5K to get us started before we joined the club. Might be worth looking you looking at that in the meantime.
Also the main things to think about are your breathing and your trainers. You can run in anything initially as long as your shoes are the right ones for your feet.
Thanks for all the encouragement! I ran along Brighton Seafront today for the Cancer Research 10k and managed it in 68 minutes! Not the fastest time ever but I was pleased with myself. Well done Diane for your time.
It rained from the minute we set of till the moment we crossed the line but it didn't matter in the slightest! Definitely on a high now!
Feeling a bit nervous tonight as I am running my first 10km race tomorrow for Cancer Research. The forecast is rain! Heavy rain! But I guess that's all part of the fun! Just trying to work out what to wear - will I be cold in just a lightweight running jacket, crops and a t-shirt? Should I add an extra layer on my top half??!
I was the same as you -I run/walk on and off but sometimes lose the motivation to get out the door -this weekend I haven't been for a run! But.......prior to this weekend I was using the micoach app on my iphone to keep me going. I have also signed up for a 10k run for cancer research and have the t-shirt hanging on the back of my bedroom door as motivation to get out there and run!
The difficulty , as you say, is fitting the training round work and other commitments. I'm thinking that I am going to focus on doing shorter runs of 15-30 mins during the week and save the longer distances for the weekend. I guess if I can get out for at least 15 minutes each day at least that will be better than doing nothing and sitting around eating chocolate!!!
I've enjoyed my weekend off but now feel ready to get back into it again tomorrow -especially with the motivation of a 10k race in 3 weekends time.
I would suggest signing up for a local race in a month or so to give yourself something to aim for and just get out there as often as you can. And if you can't make it one night because of work - don't worry- just go the next night.
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Sarah Miller 3
