I’ve started running. Yes, if you know me well, you did hear me correctly.

So for years my dear friends and family (people who do actually love me I believe) have always found my running hilarious. Think Phoebe from Friends apparently. And it was commented on so much that I’ve always been a bit ashamed of my running 🙂

But I’ve been walking so much lately and my skin is so much better thanks to my recent, patiently awaited, trip to the dermatologist.

So as of this weekend, I’ve completed my third 5k Parkrun and by the time you are reading this, I should have four in the bag.

Here’s what I’ve noticed so far…

You can make a lot of progress quickly

We know that small steps add up to big achievements and it’s the same with running. Once you get past the initial pain barrier, it’s as if your body starts to learn a muscle memory around running which takes over after the first 1km or so. I’m slightly sceptical about apps but I gave the Runna app a go once I got to 5km and because I really valued the way it kept track of my distance, I’ve gone for the annual subscription. I’m also following the 5k improvement plan which I’m enjoying.

Mindfulness matters

This is a really big one and of course, here, I had a really good start. Mental fitness and mastery undoubtedly is a huge part of running. I can hear the thoughts kick in that I should stop, I’m too hot or even why on earth am I doing this at all? I know it’s just my brain spinning out unhelpful stories and I pull myself back into what I can only describe, as going into my body with full attention on the present. My body just carries on as my brain quietens down – it’s quite a little mental miracle to experience.

Good dopamine is extra delightful

My local parkrun has a nasty little hill during the route and I (and my brain) absolutely hate it. I’ve had a goal that however slow I run, I don’t want to stop running during the course, and when I run up this hill, my dopamine levels go wild. From then on, my body feels like it’s been turbo charged with rocket fuel (although it definitely doesn’t look like that on the outside :)) Parkrun is also perfectly timed on a Saturday morning and I’m sure the dopamine high from completing it lasts for the rest of the day.

Community feels

I knew Parkrun was popular but it really is a master stroke when it comes to community wellbeing. As I set off on my first one, being overtaken by hundreds and hundreds of people, I felt a bit tearful. Not just about being overtaken by pretty much everyone 🙂 but to see everyone coming together for free, all ages, all shapes and sizes, to get moving in the fresh air on a Saturday morning. Well, it was a beautiful thing.

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