FITNESS: FALLING OUT OF LOVE

The last two years of my life have been pretty up and down, everything has been quite up in the air and my only constant really besides my family, was running...

Until that was, our love affair ended quite abruptly.





By the end of my second year at uni, I was down about 3 stone in weight and running a steady three-four times a week and LOVING IT. I felt great, I looked great, I was excited about my future and it seemed that running and I were in a relationship that would never end. Until it did, with a sudden and shocking metaphorical slap round the face!

Running and I had a rocky start; sort of along the lines of me trying to run and sadly leaving my lungs somewhere on the road behind me... Nevertheless I persevered and eventually, the (small) hills got easier and the next lampost didn't seem quite like a marathon away. Then I actually ran a half marathon. Yes people, I dragged my ass round a 13.1 mile route and practically crawled across the finish line!!

Mile 9-- Breaking through THE WALL!!

I'm mega proud of myself for running that half marathon, but looking back, I actually had no idea what to expect and I can honestly laugh at the amateur training I had done. However, it did spur me on to train 3-4 times a week and get into great shape.

Fast forward to that dreaded year abroad and I didn't just fall out of love with running but I fell out of love with life. Now I won't dwell too much because we've all been there with our microwave meal for one, in the corner under the duvet, expecting a symphony of violins to play outside the window, but suffice to say it wasn't my best year and for that, running and I decided to go on a break. 

Now it was whilst on this "break" from running that I realised: I just wasn't in love with running the same way I used to be. Now I liked kick boxing, lifting weights and doing resistance work. Running just wasn't for me anymore....

Or was it...?

Since finishing uni, I've been thinking about getting into shape and trying to get into a really happy place in my life and when I think about when I was happiest with myself, the common denominator is running. 

Cue one of my best friends sending me the link for another half marathon next year and asking if I'd be interested. I actually sparked the idea of another half marathon, but wasn't really sure I wanted to commit to that... I mean, I might actually have to train properly this time!! 

But the more I think about it, the more I like the idea. It will help me get back into shape and by doing so will open some other doors for my future too. 

I think it's about time to rekindle that old running flame and lace up the old trainers once again. Perhaps this love affair has 13.1 more miles left in it!!!