Half marathon training progress 4: Genesis

Today I had my first ever "all out" speed run; I'm telling you I've done this route tens of times and I always do enjoy the challenging hills and the long straights but today I felt relieved when it was all over.

During the run today I started thinking about how I had started running and the difficulties I faced, I know it sounds so melodramatic but it is true that I had to overcome some barriers so to say before I got to this point.

The obvious reason would be of course a very inspirational and influential character in my life; my father. Of course back in his days he used to post great timings and train really hard and I do admire him for that but one thing I admire the most I think is how he started. I was only about 4 years old when he started but I do remember one factor which hit me greatly;

First week of training the coach gave him an ultimatum "Smoking or running" decide what you want to do and let me know. I really admire my father for quitting the habit cold turkey and resorting to something healthier instead.

Now going forward at about when I was 9 years old, I started having real trouble breathing especially on cold days and at night. I consulted a doctor and a specialist and I got diagnosed with asthma and allergies to dust, pollen and any animal hair (my room being where 3 cats usually sleep). I couldn't even go to the playground like most kids and run around on a cold day because I would get horrid wheezing sounds and sharp pains throughout my chest. The chances of me ever running for such distances where bleak.

Later on as time progressed I handled the 'condition' well enough with regular doses of inhalers and antihistamines. Trust me I tried every brand of them but to no avail. My nose usually looked like Rudolf most days and you wouldn't catch me without a half used packet of handkerchiefs. Yeah right I cant even bweed much lews wun.

One day I decieded to hell with all these pills and stopped right there, and thought OK to get healthier I needed some sort of sport, simple athletics.

Started off with small hops really compared with today, usually before going swimming in summer my mum would drop me off at a particular point and I would run (sometimes walk) to where they would be. Sure it felt good to finally be doing something healthy, but still it felt like such a long distance compared to now. I felt great! So you can say I kind of grew out of my asthma and allergies!

Moving on, I then started exams and stress levels escalated so again I resorted to my run. Mentally it used to clear my head even if it was 20minutes run (3km run). I remember being out of breath most times. But I persevered, I continued on running this route (sometimes joined by my dad who used to take the mickey out of me because I didn't do it as well). Until that day I felt at peace with running; at one point on a spring Sunday morning my dad told me "OK lets start off as we usually do but half way though I want you to stop the stopwatch", Fine so I trusted him. We started off great at a jog pace but little did I know this was to be my first ever long run and I enjoyed every second of it. The spectacular scenery which you don't appreciate as much while driving with a car, the fresh air, it all felt just right. And so I wanted this feeling to continue on and that is how I got to hear. =)

I urge anyone who wishes to start running for any reason be it health, mental relief, weight loss, etc to stop thinking and just do! Set a goal like running 10km one day or perhaps even more ambitious like the half marathon, risk big but you have to be willing to make sacrifices and train. Trust me when I say it's a 110 % worth your while! =)

For any information of tips please comment or email me on markpace123@gmail.com