Learning to love running

I always get very jealous of people who love exercising. This endorphins thing always bypassed me.

Science proves we all have them, I just can’t find mine!

Hormone hide and seek really sucks. Being a woman, does make you a little more used to dealing with the balance, but this one eludes me or has eluded me for 37 years.

I have tried netball (again), badminton, squash, yoga, pilates and aerobics. Still no endorphins found.

Walking is my number one love. Nothing better to clear the mind, get outside and put life back into perspective, but it doesn’t get my heart rate up, make me sweat or give me the hidden gem!

I know several people, friends and colleagues that live for running. They run in the morning, lunchtime, weekends, buy clothes for it, race each other and join clubs. Sounds like a religion. It must be addictive and great fun.

So I brought some trainers and started the couch to 5k. I found the NHS app really easy to follow. So an ideal tool for me to follow. I can’t say it was love at first sight….. maybe a slow burner. I have persevered. I can now run a mile without starving my lungs of oxygen and collapsing, its certainly makes you feel accomplished. Its cheap, free and easy to challenge yourself, so a thumbs up so far. I am hoping to run a park run soon. Just need to get the confidence to try.

Parkruns are free and a great way to meet like minded people. You can walk, jog, run or cart wheels if you want. You can find local ones here: https://www.parkrun.org.uk/

What I do find, is that if I run, I think I can eat whatever I like. I really need to get motivated and make my food intake leveled and less ‘eat till I feel sick’ type attitude. This is definitely something I need to work on!

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There is so much written about these days about the link between depression and lack of exercise. There is also so much written about the link between nutrition and depression . Linking your mental health, diet and exercise is so important for making life changes and getting out of poor mental health cycle.

There are so many people who feel the same. I am lucky. I have a very supportive husband. Finding that mentor, friend and close encouragement, can be good for both of you. I know its not always easy. If I didn’t have him, I would have no-one.

My first tip would be, download the app. Try running. You may tolerate it, love it or become addicted. But at least you are outdoors, doing something, helping yourself.