From Couch to Leeds Abbey Dash…
In just one weeks time I will be entering my first 10k run - I want to say ‘race’ but for be it won’t be a race for me. It will be an achievement.
After spending far too much time dithering and over thinking, on Wednesday 8th May 2024, I put on my new Inov8 Trainers, with my phone in my pocket set on loud and I marched off outside to start the Couch to 5k Programme. After 30 minutes of jogging and walking I got home feeling amazed and committed to continuing on the programme. I chose Steve Cram as my trainer; he was my Mr Motivator.
The results of my first jog/run.
I can’t lie, it was really hard and I felt wobbly and knackered, but it was what I wanted to do.
At the beginning, I had a secret place that I ran around, where no one could see me, just the odd passer-by. For those little moments I felt very proud to have my running shoes on.
Feeling worried with all of the very experienced runners around…
In May I ran a total of 25km, sticking to the ‘Couch to 5K Programme’ religiously and by June, my grand total was 41km. On the 13th July I achieved my first 5K run. I was soooo proud of myself. I then entered my first 5k Parkrun at Nostell.
P.S. thank you to the lovely lady who was running the event and made me feel very welcome.
Looking back I have achieved so much… but wait, why the anxiety?
On the 4th August I ran 6k, on the 11th August 7k, on the 28th August 8k, on the 3rd September 10k and today I have just run my fastest ever 10k.
You might ask, why are you entering the Leeds 10k when I have already completed a 10k? Good Question! Have you ever heard of running or exercise anxiety? No? Well neither had I, but it exists.
Many of you know I was diagnosed with anxiety related depression in my mid twenties and I have worked tirelessly to keep this under control.
Unbeknown to me, exercising and how you exert yourself can be similar to how you feel at the start of a panic attack. Did you know this? I didn’t and it took me ages to fathom out why I was getting so stressed when running.
Also, little did I know that running with loads of people around me is the biggest stressor ever, which makes sense as I’m not good in new places, with lots people, with new noises, smells, lights etc.
So my own personal challenge for the for the Age UK Leeds Abbey Dash is to keep in check my anxiety when I am around all the 1000’s of other runners and spectators, and to raise money to help older people in Yorkshire and across the UK.
Age UK want us to reflect:
Imagine going all week without speaking to another person. Sadly, thats the reality for thousands of older people across the UK. In todays society, too many older people feel discarded and forgotten. But with your support, Age UK can change things.
Through their 24-hour Advice Line, friendship services and campaigning, Age UK is changing lives so every older person feels included and valued.
Please help me reach my target so that Age UK can continue to be there and provide crucial support and services - today, tomorrow, and in the future.
Let’s spare a moment…
If you can donate a couple of quid or a tenner, please do and if not, maybe pick up the phone and speak to that person that you keep meaning to call.
Loneliness is hard and it’s so easy to become trapped in your own bubble; too busy with work, with home, with this and that. The list can go on and on and on.
Life is so short so go on, what are you waiting for? Live it!
One day, hopefully we will all be lucky enough to grow old with those we love around us.
P.S. If you see me at the finish line, I will probably be the one crying and the one thats peed her pants from trying so hard ;)