A Year of Running

Nike+ sent me a charming email this morning, my review of the year.  Sadly it wasn’t in the style of a school report as I was hoping: “Ben has made some excellent progress this year, but he still needs to realise that eating KFC will not facilitate long distance running” - pfft, what do they know.

What this really brought to mind was how what started out as a new years revolution made looking over a Pot Noodle has turned into a year in which I logged 500 miles.  I ran races, went farther than I have ever been and learned a lot about pushing myself to the absolute limit.

2012 holds my first marathon, challenges at work as well as everything else that spirals in life.  Running has changed me, physically and emotionally.  If you’re thinking about starting, quit the moaning, get the trainers and go, just go, because if you can keep it up, the rewards are great, even if you have to deal with bloody nipples every now and again.

How do you get yourself motivated to run in the dark winter months?

Some of us love running in the winter, but for those who do not, what other things can motivate them and keep them running?

A huge incentive for us is having a goal. We find that a race is a very good target and makes you want to get out running and when you reach and beat your personal best after the race, the running in the cold all becomes worth while. 

Endorphins, ia a hormone which is released when you eat chocolate and makes you feel VERY good. No we are not asking you to stop running and eat mountains of chocolate to keep up your endorphins! This hormone is also released when you run for around 30 - 35 minutes. Healthier and longer lasting are the endorphins released after a run. This is why you feel great after a run. 

Our personal favourite is knowing that when it is raining, windy and cold your other compeitioes won’t be out running, which makes you feel great knowing that you have one up on them.

These are our thoughts, but what motivates YOU?

The Running School Bristol Team