Getting Back into running: Run 1

I've started running again. In January I stopped because of the snow and ice. It was impossible to run in those conditions. All my previous attempts to get back into it have failed. But this time will be different. This time I will properly get back into running.

I am going to try to keep up this blog in an effort to shame myself into doing the proper running schedule. Richard Wiseman (what a great name for a psychologist) advises that making something public is one of the most effective ways to motivate yourself. So here I go.

My immediate goal is to try to get back to the thirty minute runs I was doing before I slacked off. A more long term aim would be to achieve something like an hour of consistent running. After this point it would probably be time to at least think about taking up a race of some sort, so as to give myself a clear goal to work towards.

I could not find the running book I used before, so a schedule was guessed at. I decided to do five minutes of running then three of walking and repeat three times. Sounds too easy, eh? So I thought. Yet I quickly found myself desperately sucking at the air. Five minutes is a long time to properly run if you are not fit. I ran up the Dromore road from the bottom of Ballygowan hill, up past the graveyard and as far as the footpath takes you before turning left onto a side road. I did the first two sets of five that way before doubling back. After only this small amount of running I had broken out in sweat and I could properly smell myself. Uggh.

Yet I always love the feeling after a run. It might be because of the endorphins released by the exercise. I feel full of energy and ready for anything. Except, of course, another run.

I'll do these five-three-times-three's five more times before stepping it up. Like any beginner's schedule, tomorrow will be a rest day. I'll write again after Saturday. I should have had another run by then.