The running bug is back

Just over a year ago I wrote a post  proudly telling you all how pleased I was to have finally run five miles.

I will never forget the sense of achievement I felt as a relatively new runner to have reached that milestone. And that feeling continued for the next few five milers until it just became the norm.

Suddenly I was easily running 10k three times per week. Running makes me so happy, it gives me a sense of freedom and accomplishment.

So you can imagine how miserable and disappointed I have felt with myself these past few months when I let my cardio fall by the wayside.

My strength is at an all time high and I got carried away weight training. I barely looked at any cardio machines in the gym let alone the treadmill. And when I did think "I should go for a run" I was easily swayed against it when I looked out the window and it was dreary and dark. A poor excuse I know - and not the Kirsty I know.

A lot has changed in my life recently though, so I had to do a lot of adapting to do.

I have attempted to go on a few runs recently and not found it too pleasant. To be fair the last four miles I did, I did on a very full stomach after eating out so the stitch which plagued me was nothing but my own greedy fault.

And then a friend of mine who is a gym instructor, asked me to go for a run, and being with her really kept me moving forward. We did 4.5 miles and I felt great. I know I can do more I just let myself believe I couldn't and I got a bit lazy if i'm honest. The warm and comfort of the gym and the free weights had a stronger pull than I realised.

However, it was after this run that I realised, I am still capable of my five and six miles I just have to push myself.

So today, my gym plans were delayed so I didn't think about it I just went. And got to my five miles again. Yes I struggled and there were times I wanted to stop which is the case during most runs but I didn't and I survived.

Yes, I know to a lot of people five and six miles is not a long run but to me it is and I am happy to keep it at that. Extra long runs are saved for special occasions.

So, I learned something from this. It is all about confidence and belief in yourself. I had let myself think I couldn't do it anymore, so I didn't. But as soon as I strapped on my stubborn head (which I am renowned for) I proved to myself I can still do it. And now I have the running bug back I want to keep doing it.

And so I will...