It is December the first and for many runners, it is the first day of Marcothon, the brilliant 31 day running streak challenge in December, organised by Debbie and Marco Consani.
It is a wonderful challenge that encourages people to run and make physical activity a part of their daily lives. It brings runners together and the community spirit amongst challengers is an illustration of why the running community is so often revered. If you are a runner, it is a fantastic way to make those miserable winter runs work for you as you try to work out how to explain to your family on Boxing Day that you are only going out to run because you HAVE to; not because you are trying to escape the madness around you(not that any of us would dare suggest that).
Good luck to all of my friends taking part, but I will not be joining you.
For there will be no more running challenges for me.
Too often I get fixated on the next and bigger challenge and forget to enjoy being active. I make running and exercise a chore, when it should be a pleasure. Too often, I worry about not running fast enough, far enough or simply often enough. I berate myself for not being hardcore or determined enough. Instead, I will focus on having fun and making exercise something I look forward to. I am determined that I will do more of what I love.
It is also no more running blog for me.
After two years, I have decided to stop writing for Great Run. While I enjoyed seeing my posts receive positive feedback and I revelled in the VIP treatment afforded to me at Great Run events, I never felt part of the team. I never felt that I was truly appreciated or valued and I never felt that the blog was getting the support it needed. Instead, I will focus on this blog.
The end of the Great Run Blog (for me, at least) also unfortunately means no more running group or Facebook page.
For the past year, I have had the pleasure and honour of being the Event Coordinator for Great Run Local in Glasgow. I have watched as we have grown from two runners on a cold Sunday morning in December to forty runners on a cold Wednesday night in December. Although I genuinely love Great Run Local, I cannot continue giving my time when I do not feel that I have been given the support or recognition that I deserve. I will miss my Wednesday nights at the Quay, but instead, I will spend them training with my other love, Teresa.
With more time on my hands, I have also decided that there will be no more running away from my dreams.
I want to help others and I want to use my passion for physical activity to change lives. That is why I am delighted to confirm that I am going to complete my Level 2 Gym Instructor course and pursue my Level 3 Personal Trainer course with Faster, arguably the leading providers of functional training in the world. And also my Nutrition Consultant course with the Advanced Coaching Academy with Dr Gary Mendoza. I have spent too long helping others achieve success; too long believing that I did not have the ability and worrying that I didn’t have the time. Instead, I will now focus on my future success and I will believe in myself and make the time.
Finally, there will be no more running.
Whoa, did I just say that? Yes, I did and I almost mean it. Running has been the main focus of my life for three years and I have forgotten what it is to be a try athlete. I have also gained a few too many pounds and while I will never join the anti-cardio brigade, I do need to change how I train. I am not really enjoying running at the moment and a few months away from it will hopefully reignite my passion. Instead, I will focus on getting stronger and fitter and spend more time lifting, pushing and pulling, rather than simply shuffling along pavements.
I might have given up on a few roles this week, but I have not given up on me. I am howmanymiles, a physical activity champion, blogger, try athlete and a winner. What will there be “no more” of for you?