So here we go…1st January 2024…the 1st blog post!
I set up this website to try to promote positive mental health.
Well, why am I dedicating a section of the website to running? You may ask.
Well, I feel like exercise can play an important role in promoting positive mental health. From my research, I now believe it’s possible to lose weight and get very fit just by going for relaxed runs. I want to get more structured, set goals, and then share my experiences here.
My running background
I got into running a few years ago. I did casual runs by myself and with others. I probably made all the mistakes that can be made (some examples: used worn runners/didn’t warm up and cool down/didn’t have proper nutrition after runs/over-trained). I did quite a bit of running (and got to a decent enough level whereby I could do 5km in around 19 minutes at my fastest!). Towards the end of 2020, I got a bit carried away with running. I picked up some injuries for my trouble. Since then, I have just been running on and off.
New approach
I have since become aware of low heart rate training. I’m currently learning about it and will be trying this way of training. I’ll be keeping track of my progress (on a month-by-month basis) and as I say, I’ll share how I get on with this approach. As I’ve had some niggling injuries with my foot I’ll cross-train a bit more until I get things sorted.
Short-term plan
I had originally intended to sign up for the Brighton Marathon in April. But I recently found out the tickets are sold out. I felt that was a pity because Brighton vs. Arsenal was on the same weekend. However, I found out that the Southampton marathon is actually on that weekend too (so I think I will sign up for this marathon and perhaps will go to that match before the marathon the next day!).
