It’s been a week of small wins and learning opportunities in my marathon training journey. I’m finding my rhythm again, and while it hasn’t been easy, the progress is starting to show. Let me share some highlights from this week.
Parkrun: First and Second Steps
Last week, I finally returned to Parkrun after nearly two years. It felt like such a big step—bigger than I’d expected. I arrived just minutes before the start, which meant no warm-up mile (despite my PT’s advice), and I found myself feeling strangely nervous in the crowd. The first mile felt endless, and I’ll admit the thought of stopping crossed my mind. But I pushed through, and by the end, I was proud to cross that finish line, even if my pace was nowhere near what it used to be.
Fast forward to this week, and I tackled my second Parkrun, which felt slightly better. This time, I had a little unexpected boost from a kind fellow runner. While queuing for the ladies’ before the run, she overheard me mentioning it was only my second Parkrun. Later, while running alongside me, she encouraged me, saying, “Look, it’s only your second Parkrun, and you’re doing so well!”
That simple comment stayed with me. It reminded me that running doesn’t have to be a solitary journey—it’s a shared experience, and the kindness of strangers can make all the difference. Next time, I plan to engage more with the wonderful Parkrun community.
Interval Training: Rusty but Determined
This week, I also reintroduced interval training into my schedule. It’s been a long time since I focused on speed work, and my body feels a bit rusty. I used to enjoy these sessions, but now running fast feels like a battle. Still, I’ve started to oil the gears, and I’m hopeful the results will follow soon.
Endurance has been my focus for so long that adding these bursts of intensity is a big shift. It’s challenging, but it’s also rewarding to push myself outside of my comfort zone. These sessions remind me that progress is about consistency, not perfection.
Strength & Wellbeing on Zoom
Last week, I hosted a strength and wellbeing class on Zoom for the Lifestyle Leap community, and it turned out to be a huge success. Honestly, I was a little nervous about how it would work in a virtual setup, but once we got into it, everyone adapted quickly.
The flexibility of Zoom has been great for accommodating the unpredictable weather and for including people who aren’t quite ready for face-to-face sessions yet. What surprised me the most was how much joy I felt teaching and giving. I’ve learned that sharing knowledge and supporting others brings an incredible sense of fulfillment.
Looking Ahead
With December just around the corner, staying consistent despite the challenges—both external and internal—is key. The dark, chilly days test your resolve, but facing these obstacles head-on is what makes the journey worthwhile. As I keep reminding myself: enjoy what you’re doing, stay safe, and keep going.
Supporting Diabetes UK
I know it’s early days for my fundraising campaign for Diabetes UK, but every little bit of support makes a difference. My goal is to help people live healthier and happier lives, one small step at a time. If you’d like to contribute or follow my journey, your support means the world to me.
P.S.: If you’re struggling with your own health or fitness goals, remember that small wins add up. Be kind to yourself, celebrate progress, and reach out to a community that supports you. Together, we can make amazing things happen.
