Blog

Why I run

Tue 24 Aug 2010

Yesterday I received a newsletter with details of the half marathon I'm running in next month - the Run to the Beat race held annually in London. It included a short video showing the highlights from last year's race, accompanied by Ministry of Sound music: http://www.ministryofsound.com/Competitions/CompDetails.aspx?id=66 I was quite excited to find out that Ministry of Sound tunes are going to help inspire all of us around the course. However, it was also a reminder that I need to start upping my training, as there are only five weeks to go until the race.

Why do I put myself through these races? On a day like today, when the weather is dark and gloomy, and I'm knee deep in work, I find it hard to remember why I signed up! But - despite the effort of hauling myself out of bed very early this morning - as soon as I get into the rhythm of a run, I remember why I love it so much. It's great being in the fresh air (even when it's raining!), it's great conquering the Calderdale hills, it's great feeling that I'm getting fitter, and it's also great to 'download' - it's amazing what an hour of time away from the distractions of work and home can do for the mind!

It's also great to have a running goal to work towards once or twice a year. I always look forward to seeing my family at the finish line of a long race - that last hundred yards can sometimes be the hardest, and their encouragement helps!

Caitlin Moran's article on 'how running can make you happy' is a humorous take on the benefits of running - and a great read: http://women.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/women/diet_and_fitness/article6994253.ece

I'm finding parallels between my running and work again at the moment. I'm trying to have the same attitude to the half-marathon and the current project I'm involved with: work as hard as I can to achieve my goal, focus the mind, and break down what often seems like a massive undertaking into smaller, manageable chunks.  

Have a good week,

Tracey