I started running in January (if you count trying to get a bit faster than a stroll on the treadmill). I'd not seen the inside of gym for over 30 years and last August, given some pressure from my GP, gave it a go. In March I ran a whole 1.2km (downhill) - my first outdoors run since 1st year of secondary school.
But with perseverance I got fit enough for the May 4th BUPA 10k in Edinburgh and finished in 1:05:50. I bumped into a former work colleague and he was even more surprised than me that I'd done the run.
On the spur of the moment I did a jogScotland 5km in June and finished in under 30 minutes.
I've kept at it and managed 00:57:20 in the Scottish Gas Granton 10k a week or so back. While the route was flatter than the May one, it was horribly hot and humid and I'm glad I had my own bottle of water with me.
If I can do it then I'm sure that anyone else can. I was 86kg last year, 80kg in May, and 76kg for my second 10k. (I don't yet have a 'personal best' as, with only to races done, it can only be a 'personal better'. Guess who had a pedantic English teacher.)
I'm now down to 73kg and today managed 18km on the treadmill in the gym - in 1hr 50min or so. My GP has given me the go-ahead for the Glasgow half-marathon on 7th September and I'm aiming to get in under 3 hours. If its good condition (not too hilly or horrible weather) I might even hope for 2hrs 30mins.
I'm going to work hard on running slowly enough that I don't tire myself out too quickly. I plan on having a week with virtually no running before the half-marathon. But lots of stretches, gentle swims, and the odd cycle.
I have no real sense of distance. I have begun to get used to judging distances in kilometers. Is there any way to get the 'smart' coach to give metric measurements? I really have no idea how long a mile is - come to think of it neither does my GPS.
denotes Subscriber-only content | 
Graham Rule
