As the seasons turn and the nights draw in, I can't help feeling that these September winds bring significant changes for me both as a mother, and as a runner.
For the past 8 years, a considerable amount of my week has been spent looking after my two gorgeous children. But now my youngest has just started in full-time education, leaving me with large swathes of time where I have nobody to chase after, no pushchair to cart about, no hand to hold. I walked away from the school gates last week feeling unanchored and returned to a silent house. I was prepared for feeling lost and so had made a long 'to do' list which I quickly set about. I am someone who needs to keep busy; both mind and body.
And for this reason, I thank my lucky stars that I have recently fallen in love with running. My relationship with running has been a slow-burner. It started about 3 years ago when I took myself off to a reputable running shop and surrendered myself to a very able assistant who videoed me running and told me what trainers, sports bra and socks I needed. Then the jogs began. I didn't particularly enjoy them, I endured them. I built my route up to about 4Km and then stuck with that, running about twice a week. I was tempted to enter a race, but somehow always managed to talk myself out of it.
Then, like much of the nation, I was gripped and inspired by Olympic fever. I watched Mo and Dibaba run and I was in awe. I decided there and then; I had to take the next step - to run a race. So I searched on the internet and entered the Great Yorkshire Run in Sheffield. I felt giddy, then nervous. I had 4 weeks to train. I dreaded race day but when it finally came, I was excited. I ran it and loved it. It was a couple of days before I wanted to run again, but when I did I was all fired up. I realised that I was actually enjoying running; I felt powerful and exhilarated.
Since then, I look forward to my runs. I pay more attention to the articles in my running magazine and find myself playing about with my routes and playlist to help my motivation. I want to run faster, stronger, and for longer. I am excited about becoming a better runner (and I hope it stops me from being a lonely mother!) Time to stop rambling.......