How I did it: I signed up to run the 10km race with was the first and probably the most important step: commitment. I was so scared just after because I had never even run 5km without taking rest-walks. So I overdid it royally on my first day of training, doing 8.5km and feeling miserable the next day. BUT with committed and sensible training, rest days and a little help from my running buddy I got better and better, and today I ran the course in 1h 4mins! This is a great achievement for me and I am so happy about it. We also raised over £300 for Cancer Research, so an all round great experience.

Lessons & tips:

• Don't overdo it but stick at it!
• Do it with a friend. It's a lot of fun and really motivating and helps you over slumps.
• Plan the day really well: how are you going to get there, what are you going to wear, what do you need
• If you get shin splints, a great way to help on the day is putting on a tight (but not too tight!) bandage around the whole lower leg. I got this tip from an acquaintance and it saved my life today. Apart from that, your rest days should be holy to you. 

Resources:

• Good running shoes.
• MP3 player and decent headphones
• Good vitamin mix (pill) for energy release.
• The justgiving.com website
• Facebook
• Wisdom from the book "The Buddha, Geoff and I"

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Jul 09, 2011, 03:10PM PDT | 0 comments | 3 cheers