The Joy of Running

In 4 days time, on Sunday, 21 February 2016 I will be running my very first half marathon. The Cape Peninsula Half Marathon.  

A half marathon is a road running event of 21.0975 kilometres (13.1094 mi).

It is half the distance of a marathon and usually run on roads.

 Less than a year ago, I started running. My first experience of running as an adult was after I joined a bootcamp fitness group called Bosch X. Part of the Bosch X training plan includes running and you gently ease into running further and faster.

My first race was The Jive Slave Route Challenge which took place in May 2015. This was two months after I started at bootcamp. It was an easy 5km run through the city and past historic sites. 

I remember how nervous I was for my first race. Yet, now when I run 5kms it's like a walk in the park. In fact I seldom run 5kms anymore, not even for training. Just shows how quickly one can progress when you keep at it.

So, last year was a year that changed my life - I discovered the joy of running!

I've done so many training runs, 5km, 6km, 8km, 10km, 15km races and runs. I'm racking up the mileage and I'm still so motivated and excited when I achieve Personal Bests (or PB's as they're often called) and spend a copious amount of time checking my running records for my progress or problem areas and I'm constantly looking at ways of running better. 

Fact is - running is cheaper than therapy. When I've had a bad day, what helps - running! When I need fresh air - why not go for a run by the seaside then cool off your tired muscles in the cool sea water. When on holiday and want to burn off the braaivleis - let's go for a run! There's hardly ever a time where running is a bad idea. For me, it literally is the best way to shed off negative energy. I have never come back from a run angry. Even when in pain from muscle soreness or any other niggle, I'm never in a negative space. 

I don't even hate that 4.30am wake-up call from my alarm on a Saturday or Sunday morning. I love getting out there before the sun starts baking me or before the crowds start streaming in. The feeling you have after finishing your morning run is way better than it feels to sleep for an extra hour.

So now as I approach my first half marathon, I'm nervous and anxious but determined. Much like how I felt as I approached my very first race, the 5km Jive Slave Route.

My aim is to finish it of course but it would be kinda nice to finish in good time too. So let me try and set myself a goal and see on Sunday if it was achieved. My wish is to finish it in 2hrs 30mins maximum. So In Sha Allah everything will be okay....

"Running has taught me perhaps more than anything else,
that there's no reason to fear starting lines or other beginnings."
--Amby Burfoot