How’s everyone’s running diary coming along for
2016? I hope you all have lots of awesome things coming up!
I never imagined that I would one
day hit the road early in the AM, so happy I’m doing it. Aside from the obvious
health benefits, I’ve come to appreciate other perks that make running great. You
can do it just about anywhere and it’s incredibly therapeutic! For me, running
is relaxing. It clears my thoughts, I feel better afterwards. That’s why I do runs on a regular basis.
I have met amazing people who keep
supporting me on this journey J. My colleague and good friend Franklin,
you are one in a Million! Thank you for challenging me to take this up. I have to say that his enthusiasm is very
contagious. Whatever I have achieved this far, I owe it to my family and
friends. Running has made me realize that difficulties are great teachers in
our day to day life, if we get into the habit of fighting difficulties, it
prepares us for bigger trials in a very silent way.
An old friend once told me that when
a good opportunity comes along, you should take it and figure out on how to do
it. Well, this was very much one of those moments! I have always wanted to be
an active runner, but didn’t think it was possible. This was a massive personal
challenge, and at the beginning I had absolutely no idea if it would be
possible. Frank gave me an amazing plan. The best advice he gave me was, if I
stick to at least 3 runs a week for starters, it could be done. (Baby steps) Every
week, I build my fitness levels bit by bit and end up finishing my race at a
planed time. The Nike running app is my best friend! This keeps me on toes J Thank you Frank!
Occasionally, my iPod is a
pre-requisite for a run. Music relates to my mood, physical fitness and confidence
in my ability to go uphill. It has to be the right song at the right time given
that I have selected every song in my iPod. It’s important to consider why
music is important during your runs.
Right from the start, my breathing was
the biggest obstacle. Midway, it was the strength on my legs especially when
going uphill. Maaaan!!! That’s tough but getting there! Am finally learning to persevere
the sore muscles and fatigue once in a while. I never forget to keep track of
my weekly progress, to me, this is all about the mental battle, to keep focused
and motivated and stop letting pain or negative thoughts be a barrier. There just
comes a point when your body is fit enough but your mind needs to be in the
right place. This was and still is my biggest learning; and running is as much
about your mind set as it is about your physical fitness.
Another important lesson is you have
to be committed, it’s such an incredible experience! As you go on with the
journey, you’ll learn that you are stronger than you think. Waking up in the
morning to hit the road is the most focused I’ve ever been in my life.
Now, am deciding what goal I would
like to achieve next year. I’ve always had this mind set professionally, but
now I’m taking this attitude to my personal life and focusing on getting to a
level of fitness I am happy with, so watch this space!
A good reminder, take time to
celebrate your growth, appreciate your journey. Am the ultimate newbie runner,
and proud of it. Looking forward to sharing my daily
running experiences in 2016! Be sure to check out my blog. Comments and critics
are also welcome!
Special thanks to my fitness mentors
Jane Mukami / Franklin Juma / Lucy
Mwambia.
Happy holidays and remember to get up and choose
exercise, even if it’s just a brisk walk for 30 minutes, it will make you feel
better!
Hope your week is going on well! I cannot believe Christmas is a few hours away!
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