Fitspiration

I had not run in eight days. Not because I was injured for once, but because I lost all motivation.
I temporarily felt bored by running.
Luckily that phase has passed and I do not know how or why.
The track I usually run on just does not appeal to me at the minute and I cannot explain it.
But I have found a new route which has more than one benefit.
It incorporates hills, climbs, flat, different terrain and a segment running with a friend.
My good friend and work colleague wanted to get into better shape. He cannot run as far as me so to get my miles in I run to his house, collect him, run with him and then run home.
It motivated me to get back out running again.
Seeing my friend getting fit inspired me to keep up with my fitness and not to let it slip.
Knowing that I am the force that is helping him is also a great motivator. I can't let him down.
I'm doing a 10k in a few weeks with two friends and they have turned it into a competition.
I usually run between five and six miles but I ran 6.4 today.
It was great knowing I could do that distance easily and it gives me a bit more confidence for beating them.
I would not have run that far had I not seen my new running buddy and been inspired by him.
So if you have learned anything from today's post I hope it is this.
Other people are inspirational.

Colour run fun

I might be a little bit late blogging about the colour run but never the less it is worth a post.
I recently ran a colour run with two friends, both of whom I run with separately. 
One of them I enjoy running long distance with, the other I am sort of training.
So we were all of different abilities but it did not matter. It was so much fun. 
I certainly recommend doing a colour run. They may only be 5k which to some is a short distance but it is not about the miles. A colour run is more about the atmosphere and enjoyment of running surrounded by people who also want to get smothered in colour.

Celebrating crossing the line

I have to admit, I did not hang back for the boys I ran on at my own pace. But the pride I felt when my friend crossed the finish line having run the longest distance yet was unbelievable. 
I love that he is starting to run and enjoy himself. 
The sun was shining and everyone was in good spirits, some people walked, some people did two laps some people jogged. There was a huge variety of people all with smiles on their faces and it was uplifting. I had read on many other blogs from marathon runners and serious runners a like that they still do colour runs. Because they are an experience and one that everyone should have a go at. 

Open water swimming

My family always said I could swim before I could walk.
How true this is I don't know but I do know some of my earliest memories are being in the pool and loving it.
I was lucky to have grandparents who had an indoor swimming pool.
I am a Pisces so maybe it is in my blood but I love water, I am in it at every available opportunity. Only last week I was swimming in a local lake because it was a hot day and, well, why not.
It has become ingrained in me now that I want to complete a triathlon soon.
Now, I can run 10k and I can swim a mile easily, but putting the two together will be a challenge as well as cycling, which I need to work on.
A trainer at the gym told me about this open water swimming locally. I thought this was something I should try if I am serious about a triathlon because it is slightly different to swimming in a pool. I headed down, it's called Uswim Openwater and it is an official weekly event that is run by professionals.
I even convinced my boyfriend (who is a swim-a-phobe) to come in and do a lap.
It was exhilarating. Boundary Park is a lake lined with trees so  it was really picturesque which adds to the charm of open water swimming.
Swimming is a bit like running. Yes the treadmill is a great machine - the swimming pool is a great facility, but why be stuck inside when you can be outside in the open taking in the world?
I headed down with a nervous stomach but full of excitement because I have finally found something that was made for me.
As soon as I was given the run down by the friendly professionals I was in and off. Buoys mark the course so you can swim without getting tangled in the weeds as they clear a path for you. On my first lap however, right at the end I did get stuck in a big tangle of weeds but it is something they raked away quickly.
I did four laps of the 400m course and felt fresh. It does not feel like exercise to me swimming comes naturally so I had a great day out and it was something different for a Sunday. It did also help that it was glorious weather.