Ealing's Reluctant Runner Is Back!

Another year, another half-marathon to.. er... look forward to?

(traditional shot of new trainers)

Can you believe it? Another year has gone by and in September, it will be time for the FIFTH Ealing Half Marathon. Good Grief!

If anyone has followed me from the beginning, well done - you deserve a medal for stamina. I certainly didn't expect to be writing about reluctantly running once again in 2016.

For those who don't know what on earth I am on about, a quick precis. Inspired by the huge amount of energy and excitement in London before, during and after the 2012 Olympics, and the fact that Ealing was to have its very own half-marathon, I agreed to take part, just to show willing.

I struggled round the 13.1 miles and was oh so nearly the last person to finish - but finish I did, and have my medal to prove it.

Not intending to do anymore running I'm not really sure how I got sucked back into it. But I did;in 2013, 2014 and as a volunteer marshall last year.

Natural Runner I am not. It's a huge effort for me, and to be quite honest, I haven't really ever enjoyed training. A variety of injuries from calf muscle strain, plantar fascitis and a damaged rotator cuff muscle (from trampolining not running I hasten to add) have soured the experience somewhat; I've also struggled with feeling bored and wanting the nightmare to end.

Well, a strange thing has happened. I am embarking on training once again this year, but with a different and far more positive mindset.

I've made a few tweaks in my running; I won't just run round in circles in the park, I shall avoid headphones (as faffing around with them whilst running irritates me intensely) and I'm choosing to ENJOY not merely endure the exercise.

Suffice to say I have been out TWICE, so far and...( trumpet fanfare please) I returned smiling, strewth!!!

The weather conditions currently suit (I don't mean the storms and hurricanes of course!), colder temperatures are far more conducive for me to feel like running than warmer ones.

I enjoyed the camaraderie from runners I spotted on the circuit. A bit like truck drivers who flash their lights at fellow travellers, I was given, and gave back lots of thumbs up signs, and even got a 'hey well done you!' shouted over at me.

I've started to feel better about the whole experience: It really doesn't have to be an ordeal.

At the weekend I loved the wind blowing on my face, the sun peeping through the ever-changing sky and the early spring blossom on the trees made me feel both upbeat and hopeful.

As I made my way back home, running as slow as ever, I passed a woman walking with great difficulty and apparent pain, with crutches. It made me realise how very lucky I was to have my health, and I vowed then to count my blessings more and to stop moaning.

I can't guarantee this will happen totally, but you know what? I'm really going to try a more positive approach this time round.

Sorry but I am a bit of a sucker for motivational quotes, and I know they can be OTT ( some of the send up ones are also very funny) but they can also hit home, so I shall leave you with this one for now:

Please send me any of your favourites, and I do hope you will join me on my journey to the EHM 2016!

Annemare Flanagan

8th February 2016