The road to running a half-marathon; part 2

The road to running a half-marathon; part 2

Sunday 19 May

I stepped it up to 3 miles (5k).  I chose the canal again for my route and I ran out for 1.5 miles and turned around to retrace my steps.  It was another glorious day and the sun was beaming.  I enjoyed watching various wildlife including ducks and squirrels along the way.

Finding a marker

I realised that the canal locks make good distance markers. The first lock was exactly 1 mile into the run, the second lock a further quarter of a mile and the third lock another quarter of a mile. This is where I turned around and started heading back to my starting point.  In reverse good to know as I reached the first lock I had 1 mile to go.

All in all it was a successful run although I did find the last mile harder going with my legs feeling very heavy at the end. This was just my third run but I’m proud that I’ve done 3 miles already; the same distance as a Park Run.

Feeling inspired

I got home in time to watch the Manchester Great Run 10k on TV. It was full of inspirational people and it made me even prouder of my little achievement today and the journey that I have set myself on. The impetus of the programme was to encourage people to get active and get into sport via their #getinspired campaign.  It reminded me of my childhood hero Daley Thompson who inspired me 30 years ago and still does today.

Next week I plan to do a couple of 3 mile runs in the week and a 3.5 mile run on the weekend.

My journey

Join me on my journey. I’ll share my progress with you and whilst my key goal for now is to complete the Great North Run without stopping there’ll be lots of other health benefits along the way. Just because I used to be able to do things 30 years ago, it’s never too late to start again.

Follow me and my journey to running 13.1 miles and be in with a chance of winning a Fitbit. Details will be disclosed before race day.

Grayson, Assistant Manager, Chilwell Olympia

The road to running a half-marathon