Born again runner(ish)

Running and I have had an on-again, off-again relationship over the years.

I ran a marathon when I was 18, and tied my dad’s time of 3:53 minutes. That was the peak of my long-distance running career. Since then I’ve done a few 10ks, coming close to the 40-minute mark, but that so far - 41 minutes is close enough for me! When I moved to Sydney I did the famous City to Surf 14 km run - uphill!! (or what felt like it) in 71 minutes, and I honestly could not have run faster if I was being chased.

Before COVID-19, I was running about once a week, just for mental health and fresh air. But when this started back a few weeks ago I increased my running and was going almost daily.

Which, for those of us who know better (this should be me), this is a BIG no-no.

The key rule of thumb is we should not be increasing our mileage by more than 10% each week. So if I used to run 5-6km, (3-4 miles) then the following week I should run no more than a total of 5 miles maximum - not 25 miles! Too much of a good thing can be ok, as long as it is gradual.

I was out on a run yesterday and thought - this would be super terrible if I got injured right now. So I have to be smart about this.

I’ve adopted a run-walk method to keep me moving outside and to help combat any future overuse injuries.

One song: run

Next song: walk

It is super scientific! But this works. And makes running feel like less of a slog and more of an adventure. I’m exploring new routes, stopping to smell the flowers, look at doorknobs and taking it easy. What a perfect time to start - or restart a run program.