I have wanted to 'be' a runner for years. However, I've always struggled to bite the bullet and start pounding the streets. The treadmill has never been a problem; twenty minutes or even thirty was a comfortable challenge. It wasn't until this summer when I saw a Race for Life advertised in my local Tesco that I thought, yes I'm going to do it! I'm not quite sure why at this point in time I decided to start running on the streets, but I did! And now there's no looking back.
The Race for Life took place in Brighton on one of the hottest days of the year and was a challenge from start to finish. Nevertheless, I completed it, along with my mum and my sister. Immediately after the race, my friend asked me if I fancied doing a 10K run in aid of cancer research, and I said yes.
Training for the race was tough, but at the same time it was extremely rewarding. Soon I was able to run for an hour - I couldn't believe it! Me, running on the streets for a hour! Wow.
Race day arrived, and I was feeling extremely nervous. The fact that it was pouring with rain didn't inspire me a whole lot! Nevertheless, I and three friends tackled the race head on. It was hard work, but at the same time I was loving every minute. I couldn't get enough!
My boyfriend cheered me on from the sidelines and was amazed at how alive I looked throughout the whole race. So was I, to be honest. I completed the race in an hour and 10 minutes and felt unbelievably proud of myself. It was a feeling unlike anything else!
It was lovely returning home and hearing my boyfriend tell people how well I ran and knowing that I really had run well. My boyfriend was so inspired that he went out running the following day!
I'm now planning on running another 10K next month and then hope to go on and complete the Great South Run next year... and perhaps even the London Marathon - who knows!
Running is tough at times, but it's also a fantastic sport that provides you with a real sense of achievement. I'm so glad that I took that step off the treadmill and started pounding the streets. I'm determined never to look back.
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