It’s not about the medals

Running has been a passion of mine for around a year now. I’ve played with the idea of running before, but I’d usually run for one month, then stop, then a few months later, I’d run again but it wouldn’t be long before I’d stop again.

I always loved the idea of running. Back when I was in high-school, I enjoyed running cross country, but it was never something I was serious about.

In March of this year I decided that I wanted to take up running again. However, I wanted it to be a long-term hobby, not something I’d do for a month and then quit again.

To start with, my main motivation for running was so that I could lose weight. Tipping the scales at 11 stone 8 pounds, I was desperately unhappy with the way I looked, but also with the way my body felt.

When I ran, I could feel my stomach sitting on the waist band of my leggings jiggling up and down. When I walked up the stairs, I could only manage two flights before getting out of breath.

The clothes I wore were baggy so that they’d hide my stomach.

Of course, I wanted to feel fitter too, but my main motivation was to lose weight. With the help of Slimfast and my new found motivation to actually get out of the door and run, I managed to lose two stone. My target weight was 9st 7lbs and I achieved that with ease.

Sure, it took me a little while to get used to the shakes, to eating less and thinking more carefully about what I was eating, but now it’s become the norm to me so I don’t even think about it.

Half Marathons

Earlier this year, my friend asked me if I wanted to run the Cardiff Half Marathon with her. It had been in the back of my mind for quite some time, but I just didn’t know if I could do it.

A few weeks later, I decided to bite the bullet and sign up. I followed a half marathon training plan and I stuck to it like glue! Even when an injury meant I had to take two weeks out to rest, I still managed to exercise by using my exercise bike instead.

On the morning of the Cardiff Half Marathon I was feeling very nervous, but also determined. I knew deep down that I could do it. I knew it wouldn’t be easy, but I also knew that if I took my time, paced myself right, then I could not only complete the Cardiff Half Marathon, but I could also complete it within my target time of 2 hours 30 minutes.

As I saw the finish line approaching, I felt a wave of emotion. I’d done it! I’d actually run a half marathon and within my target time! I completed the Cardiff Half Marathon in 2 hours 29 minutes and 14 seconds. Cutting it close, but I did it! I’ve even signed up to do it all again next year!

My Cardiff Half Marathon is my proudest medal to date, but that’s not the reason why I run.

Yes, I have a lovely collection of medals. From 5ks, to 10ks, fun runs with the kids and even a virtual run medal too, but I don’t run for the medals as some might think.

No, I don’t need medals in my life. Yes, they’re lovely and they are a reminder of what I’ve achieved, but there’s more to running than medals for me.

I recently went back through my runs on the Strava running app so that I could see just exactly how far I’ve come and I’m pleasantly surprised.

In March 2017, I took 10 runs, added up the distance, my pace and the time it took me to complete my runs and I worked out the averages before comparing them to my most recent runs eight months on.

In March 2017, the average distance of a run for me was 2.41 kilometres (1.5 miles). My average pace per run was 6.37 /km and the average time of my runs was just 16 minutes and 36 seconds. 

In November 2017, the average distance of a run for me is now 10.08 kilometres (6.26 miles). My average pace per run is 6:04 /km and the average time of my runs is 40 minutes and 20 seconds. 

So in the space of just eight months I’ve quadrupled the distance I run and improved my pace by 33 seconds.

Oh, and of course I can now run a half marathon!

So why do I run? 

I run to give myself a sense of freedom. For some me time.

I run because I enjoy being outdoors. Whether it’s a hot, sunny day, or a wet and cold day, I’ll be out running.

I run to make myself feel strong. There’s something pretty bad-ass about running on a freezing cold day, with the rain hammering down on you, when you’re in a vest and leggings!

I run to improve my fitness levels and to maintain my weight loss.

I run to set a good example to my children, who now also enjoy coming with me for runs.

I run because I want a long life. I want to be healthy. I want to see my kids grow up. My biggest fear is that I die young like my mum. I know she had cancer, so no amount of exercise would ever have prevented her death, but running gives me a purpose. It makes me feel like I am actively doing something to ensure that I live a long, healthy life.

Most importantly I run for me….

…but medals are still nice!