Re-becoming a Runner

It's been so long since I've been uber fit that I'd forgotten how good it feels.

For the previous two years, since completing my cross-Africa run, I have maintained a basic fitness level but I've not really pushed myself.  I have kept fit enough that I can participate in all the activities that I love without struggling too much.  But I wouldn't have described myself as healthy, and I definitely wouldn't have described myself as a RUNNER

 In fact, in the last ten years I wouldn't have described myself as a runner!

​Running has always been part of my life but its more of a habit and stress release than a passion.  I have also been on all kinds of non-running adventures since 2014, so running and being mega fit hasn't been a priority.  (If you are curious about my other journeys, go the 'Adventures' tab at the top of the page.)

Recently, I got stuck in a habit of eating badly and drinking regularly, and it made me lose interest in fitness.  Don't get me wrong, I've had a fab time along the way but now I'm ready to get strong again.  Perhaps because I have been super fit in the past, I know how good it feels and want to be back there.  When you are really fit, you have such a greater love for life and a desire to get out and achieve more.  It's a fantastic feeling.

For the next few years I have set myself some pretty big goals and they require me to have an exceptional level of fitness.  After the summer that I had, enjoying myself a bit too much, I've had to kick start this route to re-becoming a runner with a one month detox.  More info about that here.  Just two weeks in, I felt my fitness improve massively.

When you train for just one activity, I think you can expect to have a lull in motivation.  I guess nobody is going to love running, or cycling, or swimming etc, 100%, all year round, year after year.  There will be times when it's a real effort to put your trainers on.

For the past couple of years I've struggled to run more than 10km without losing motivation.  Now, I am happily going out running 25km on my own with no motivational problems.  I guess that these lulls happen for a reason and if you make it out the other side with a love for the activity, then having a break may have been of benefit.
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So now, on the other side of my time off running and my detox, I have returned mega motivated.  I am ready to re-become a runner.  I have entered my first serious marathon.  I have set goals.  I've got a bit of a training plan.  I have a passion and a love for running that I haven't had since I was about 15 years old.  It feels a bit like a love affair!!!  I'm obsessed!

Cant wait to share all my beautiful trail runs and races with you all. 
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​Over the next week I will be sharing my top tips on making racing more enjoyable and stress free on my Facebook page.  Come and check it out.