A bit of motivation

Sat on a packed train home today from London, it was an understatement to say getting my trainers on and pounding the pavements was least of my priorities. Although having felt like a late afternoon siesta, I did manage to head out for what turned out to be a relaxed 40 minute run. Let's face it, there are some days when running is bottom of our ever-expanding to-do list. So here's a few things that get me out the door...

• Set a goal It sounds obvious but when I have a race in mind I'm much more likely to see training as an essential part of reaching that objective
• "Self-talk" I remind myself why I want to run
• Visualise How did you feel after the last run? I keep in mind the energised, positive feeling after running
• Music My Ipod is my best friend I'm lacking motivation
• Shake up the routine a short sprint session, intervals or hills make time fly
• Turn off the pressure Sometimes I forget keeping a pace or covering a distance. I just run and see where it takes me.

I think most of us have a love hate relationship with running but it must be the post-run feeling keeps us coming back for more.



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Kathrine Switzer

Having been reluctant to join the blogging bandwagon, I've decided to write about my passion for running. At the risk of sounding self-interested (which I suppose is what a blog is all about)  I hope to share my highs and lows and anything else that might be interesting! 

With the likes of Paula Radcliffe and Liz Yelling setting a whole new standard for female running, its hard to fathom that only comparatively recently the thought of women completing a marathon was unthinkable. In spite of the "iron-lady"  Margaret Thatcher's ground-breaking political power, up until 1981, anything over 800m at Olympic events was considered too physically demanding for women.


In many ways it was Kathrine Switzer who became the catalyst for inspiring equal-sporting status for women. Kathrine entered under the gender-neutral K.V Switzer yet just fours miles into the race, after spotting a woman ( who was unashamedly sporting red lipstick) the race co-director Jock Semple jumped on her and yelled "Get the hell out of my race" In the face of a torrent of adversity, Kathrine became the first woman to enter and complete the event.

Nowadays, ask an average Briton to name a famous marathon runner and Paula Radcliffe's name is likely to  feature heavily. The 2012 Olympic games will once again bare testimony to the fact that women are equally capable of achieving incredible athletic feats on a par with their male counterparts.

Whilst I can only ever dream of a sub-3 marathon, Kathrine and Paula are trail-blazers for women's running and on a personal level have inspired me to keep doing what I love.
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