Today I ran my very first 5k Park Run!
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| L-R: Lucy, Bethany, Me, Ruth & Rebekah (Ruth's daughter) |
I know lots of folks go running, run marathons, go to the gym, run 10k's, every day of the week perhaps! To some it might not seem like a big thing, to run 5k, it is only 3 miles after all!
But for me, starting the 10 week 'Couch to 5k' programme in January was huge. Ever since being diagnosed with M.E. at the age of 19 I've had pretty rubbish stamina, embarrassingly so! While I'm thankful I no longer suffer from M.E. it left a definite mark on my energy levels.
My biggest fears were not being able to run the allocated slots; being too exhausted and sore the next day!! I needn't have worried, and I couldn't have done this without the support and accountability of my 2 lovely girls, one of my bestie's and of course the inspiring and well run Jog Belfast programme.
Over the 10 weeks we ran through rain, sleet, snow, freezing temperatures and wind (there was the occasional sunny spell too!), I had to dig deep to go out on Tuesday nights after 2 days on my feet, into the cold and rain, Thursday nights with Ruth (in the cold and rain), and Saturday mornings (when I just wanted to stay in a warm cosy bed!). So I'm even more proud of myself for sticking with all 10 weeks.
It was thoroughly enjoyable, and while I don't yet consider myself a 'runner' (my time was 42 minutes!!!!) I hope to continue running Park Runs on Saturdays and with Ruth through the week too. If I can run through the dark nights of January I can run anytime of the year, right!!
If you have ever considered doing a 'Couch to 5k' programme, I would highly recommend it. Join a group and improve your stamina and well being! Let's face it, if I can do it, anyone can!
Happy running!
Jude xo
