Catching the exercise bug…

I have never enjoyed exercise. In fact I hated it.  It always felt like a chore, it was something I did occasionally when I felt guilty or lazy. My gym membership was a waste of money and for years I didnt even own a pair of trainers.

And then one month ago, out of the blue I just decided I was quite sick of not really liking exercise. I was sick of the sound of my own voice complaining how I had put on weight, usually complaining while I was sitting on the sofa with a chocolate bar and a cup of tea. I didn’t feel healthy or that I looked good. Some of my clothes were a little tighter than they used to be. Inspired by another blogger (Janine Walker) I decided to set myself a challenge to get into the habit of running.

And so the 30 miles in 30 days challenge began.

This may not sound like a lot to those that run but prior to starting this challenge I couldn’t run more than 500m without getting a stitch. And the transformation has been incredible. I can run now, a full 5km without stopping and doing that several times a week. I am surprised by how addictive it is, after week two I had seriously sore calves so had to take a few days off and I really missed it! And my excuses that I didn’t have time were a load of crap, it is so easy to make time once you make getting some exercise a priority.

I completed my goal after only three and half weeks as well which was really good and has inspired me to start a new challenge for November! I am going to try and run 40 miles this month and hopefully improve my 5km pace and try running a little bit further. I just need the weather to improve, running in the rain is not fun!

Recommendations for doing a challenge like this:

• Set your goal as something challenging but achievable. 
• Go shopping and get some new workout clothes, is such a motivation when you feel nice in your clothes and you want to get your moneys worth! Check out Sports Direct for some good bargains. 
• Download a running app, I used mapmyrun and it was great but as a little bit glitchy sometimes.
• Get a great running playlist, I had one made up of all chart tunes: Taylor Swift, One Republic, Jessie J etc. It helps so much!
• Run somewhere pretty; I usually ran either in the City, along the river or in a park near my house. Is such a great way to get fresh air and explore a new area.

Any advice from other runners on what works for them? What songs keep you motivated? Any recommendations for stretches after? And leave comments on your own running challenges or goals, inspire me!