run routine rox run

I’m not a runner. I never have been and despite everyone telling me that once I get into it I will love it, I have been training for a few weeks now and I can confidently say I like it just as little as when I started. This whole training regime (I use the word “regime” here very loosely) has, however, got me thinking about what is involved with success. While I’m more likely to gasp for breathe after just 2km on the treadmill and then hide my glowing face as I retreat to my locker, I marvel at the men and women who manage entire marathons – an idea that is simply inconceivable to me. Having paid a couple of visits to the recent Wimbledon tournament and enjoyed watching some world-class players, as well as being confronted with endless weeks of football, I’ve observed these sportsmen’s determination and passion with some interest. What we seldom see is the discipline and routine involved with getting to this level. What sacrifices do these athletes make in order to excel…to be the best? And what could I achieve if I was as committed and disciplined? Unfortunately I have little will to apply such fervour to my running; instead my goal is to run my allotted 10k on Tuesday without my body failing me and hopefully raise some much needed funds for HOPEHIV’s work in Africa.
I have, nevertheless, been inspired to try and maintain more of a routine lifestyle. This idea always used to strike me as predictable and even boring, but more and more I can see the benefit. I’ve started by trying to wake up at the same time everyday. This may seem like an insignificant detail but is actually a major achievement for someone whose alarm clock is usually their husband lovingly placing a cup of tea bedside them and bravely nudging them until they start to show signs of life. My mornings are usually a blur of moodiness and fumbling around for about an hour when I feel I am awake enough to face the world. Now, since setting my alarm to the same time everyday, I actually feel ready to face the day quicker than usual.
I’m really coming around to this idea of structure. Perhaps I just need to persevere with the running and maybe I’ll be a marathon runner yet. Or perhaps I should just stick to what I enjoy and commit to routine blogging; it’s less strenuous and I don’t lose partial use of my legs for days on end.