I can’t express how much I hate running (and rain). As far as I’m
concerned it’s the devil’s exercise – I’m still haunted by the schoolgirl
memory of running 400m, then throwing up at my PE teacher’s feet.
But the time came to face my fear. Lloyd, my personal trainer, suggested
I try a form of exercise that’s easy to do outside of our gym sessions. And even
after telling him of (yet another) class of ‘86 drama, he seemed willing to
take on the challenge of getting me running again.
Lloyd explained that for a newbie it’s not all about pounding the tarmac
for minutes on end. He wanted to set an initial pace that wouldn't scare me, so
I can build on it in time. We began with a 10-minute warm-up of fast walking, then
set to work on 40 minutes of walking and running at a 2:1 ratio – two minutes
of fast walking, then one minute of running. He explained how important it is
not to fly off too fast at the beginning as you’ve got to keep going for the 40
minutes. ‘Easy!’ I hear you cry, but those 60-second bursts of running felt
longer and longer. I did make it through, though, with a small sense of achievement
and a very fetching pair of rosy cheeks – thankfully there was no vomiting.
Go on, then, I'll admit it wasn’t that bad, even in the rain. (Did I
just say that out loud?) I can only think this was down to Lloyd keeping my
spirits up. He also pointed out that varying the terrain and running on softer
ground is a lot less stressful on your joints. It was a great way to get into
running and I’ll be intrigued to see if I'm ever able to complete a parkrun (parkrun.org.uk) without stopping…
So, the big question: would Tina try it again? Yes, I already have! With
the help of my very patient, marathon-running boyfriend, I upped the ratio so I
can now run for longer and walk for shorter periods. And after a particularly
frustrating train journey out of London at the weekend to visit my folks in
Suffolk, there was nothing for it – I had my trainers and the countryside on my
doorstep: I was going for a run.
I even stopped the obsessive 60-second-clock
watching. Not that this particular run didn't come with its share of danger
moments: farmers with guns, dog walkers, a fallen tree in my path and, worst of
all, forgetting to put a bra on! But all my train traumas were soon a distant
memory. How satisfying.
I now have to clean my trainers for all the right reasons (NOT because
I've been doing the gardening in them). I may need a second pair – I may even
have to venture into a sports shop. Note to self: pick up a sports bra while
I’m there.
NEXT TIME: Tina tries those big scary machines at the gym
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