From Roundhouse Kicks to Running Kicks: Week 1
MY STRUGGLE BACK TO 10K ‘GLORY’
Once upon a time I ran half marathons (and a couple of full ones!) like they were a fun Sunday Activity. Weird I know. Back then, the biggest problem I had was choosing whether to wear the fancy new running socks or the ones that had actually survived a wash without disappearing.
Then life took a turn. A sharp, high-kicking, sweat-drenched turn into personal training, Taekwondo, and Kickboxing. And honestly? I don’t regret it for a second. I love coaching, I love martial arts, and I really love helping others reach their fitness goals.
But somewhere along the way, I stopped running for distance. Sprinting in drills? Yes. Jumping, dodging, and throwing combos? Absolutely. But steady-state cardio for 10+ kilometers? Not so much.
So, naturally, I’ve just entered a 10K race. Because why not remind my body what lactic acid feels like?
2016 When I Thought Running 26.2 miles was ‘fun’
I Have A Bad Habit of Dragging Others Down with me
Day 1 (or maybe Day -100): The Great 3K Effort
Today I laced up, told myself “You’ve done 13 miles before, this will be fine,” and set off.
Spoiler: It was not fine.
At 2.7k, my legs filed for divorce….surely they remember this???
At 2.9k, my lungs were auditioning for a horror movie soundtrack…..it’s hayfever honest!
At 3k, I stumbled to a stop with the grace of a newborn giraffe and the self-satisfaction of someone who just climbed Everest.
Still—3K is 3K. It’s more than zero. It’s the beginning of something.
It Definitely Wasn’t Pretty!
My Last Race Great Scottish Run Half Marathon 2018
Enter: Coral – Running Buddy, Motivator, and New Recruit
Now, I wasn’t going to do this alone (because what’s misery without company?). So I roped in my friend Coral—who is fairly new to running herself.
And yet, despite being a newbie, Coral is somehow the one dragging me along. She shows up, keeps me consistent, reminds me why I signed up in the first place (even when I try to block it out), and doesn’t let me bail even when I suggest we just “go for coffee in activewear and call it cross-training.”
She’s basically my accountability coach, motivational speaker, and part-time therapist—all in running trainers.
So if I do make it to the 10K finish line without collapsing into a bush mid-run, you can thank Coral. If I collapse anyway, please also thank Coral—because I wouldn’t have even made it that far without her.
Run 2: 4K, Near-Miss Rainstorm, and That Sweet Thing Called Momentum
Fast-forward to Run 2 and something amazing happened—we added a full extra kilometer.
Yep, 4K in the bag.
We even managed to time it just right and dodge a looming torrential downpour. The clouds tried to intimidate us, but we ran like two women who definitely didn’t want to spend the next 3 hours blow-drying their socks.
It wasn’t fast, it wasn’t fancy, but it felt GOOD.
There’s something about that second run—when you realise your body is starting to remember how this works, and your brain is (sort of) on board with the idea. Momentum is creeping in, and we’re finally feeling like we’re on a roll.
Next goal: 5K.
And honestly? We’re well on track.
I’m getting back on the running train. Slowly, consistently, and probably with a bit too much complaining. But I’m determined to make it to that finish line—knees willing, lungs compliant, and Coral still speaking to me.
Here’s To All Our Runs Finishing With Big Smiles!!
Stay Tuned!! I’m doing this and I’m bringing you along with me. One wheezy step at a time—with Coral pulling me by the shoelaces if necessary.
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