Fashion

Run, mama, run

IMG_1183.PNG
I’m just getting back into running after a bit of a break. Ok, so when I say a bit, I mean probably about six years if I’m being honest. We’re going right back to before my first pregnancy, when I was younger, less tired, probably a little bit rounder, but had much more time on my hands than I do now.

I’ve never been a natural runner. I mean, I managed to do the Manchester 10k twice, but the second time I really did not enjoy it! I remember stopping for a drink of water about half way round, and just never really being able to get myself going again. I think that kind of put me off running altogether, and a couple of months later I found I out I was expecting and that was that. Running was off the menu, but running about after one lively boy – and more recently, one lovely boy, one baby girl and one poorly hubby – was most certainly not.

A couple of weeks ago, I decided to get back out there and see how I got on. I was inspired by a couple of good friends who are running amazing distances and looking fantastic for it, and my sister, who despite having two jobs and three kids, still manages to get out for a good six miles before the school run (I’m told this was a rare occurrence, but still).

It seems like everyone who runs these days uses an app to measure their distance, speed and calories burned, so I thought I’d join in and added Map My Run to my phone. I always used to just say I’d run for half an hour then stop, but this way, my mind is more focused on the distance rather than the time, and I’ve found it’s really helped me run further and enjoy it more. Each time I hear that little voice say ‘you have run one kilometre’ I can do a little smile (why do so many runners look so damn serious? I don’t get it). So now I’m up to a couple of 5 or 6k runs a week, and I’m feeling better for it.

I thought I’d do a list of the things I I like about running, feel free to add your own, or let me know if you agree or disagree. Here goes!

1. It’s relatively quick – no getting to and from a gym to factor in.
2. It can be done anytime (or if you have kids, anytime there is another adult in the house to look after them, of course).
3. It’s free.
4. Running is a great stress buster. Maybe it’s no coincidence the one of my friends who runs the most is also the one with the most children!
5. Being fitter means you can run faster for the morning train, meaning a slightly longer time spent sat at the kitchen table drinking coffee.
6. It’s an excuse to buy new running gear (see below).

Have you got any more to add?

X Julia

IMG_1181.JPG

Clockwise from top left:

Helly Hansen long sleeve top, Wiggle

Nike Free 5.0+ women’s running shoe, John Lewis

Rebel runner crop, Lulu Lemon

Runners wristband, Sweaty Betty

Previous Story
Next Story

You Might Also Like

13 Comments

  • Reply
    mummyofboygirltwins
    October 5, 2014 at 8:06 pm

    Go you! Soon you’ll be hooked and won’t be able to stop! Me too. I had a few years off after having the twins and really struggled to get back into it. Now I love it (ish!) but feel so much better for doing it. And it’s free!!!! Bonus! Good luck 🙂 Jess x

    • Reply
      Rainbeaubelle
      October 5, 2014 at 8:22 pm

      Thanks! I will keep asking you for a kick then if I need one! Xx

  • Reply
    Mini Travellers
    October 5, 2014 at 8:54 pm

    Guilt free me time, thinking time, world to rights time

  • Reply
    Louisa
    October 9, 2014 at 10:33 pm

    I have bought some gear for when I start running but haven’t actually gone anywhere yet. I found the perfect spot for a run when I was out with the dog and will give it a go. You are very inspiring by actually doing it rather than just thinking about it like me!

    • Reply
      Rainbeaubelle
      October 10, 2014 at 7:39 am

      If you’ve bought some stuff then you’re nearly there! Just go for it! Maybe you could get the dog to run after you! Multi-tasking?! X

  • Reply
    Laura Evelyn Bee
    October 11, 2014 at 6:48 am

    Go you! I have got back into running this year. After having my daughter I stopped running for two years! It has been so tough getting back into it but I am running a half marathon in two weeks! I certainly feel a sense of achievement and when I am old and wrinkly I can look back and think, wow, I actually ran that! x

    • Reply
      Rainbeaubelle
      October 11, 2014 at 8:43 am

      A half marathon, wow well done! I’m not sure I’m up to that! I know what you mean though, what an achievement it will be. Good luck with it! X

  • Reply
    Mirka Moore @Kahanka
    October 13, 2014 at 9:01 am

    Well done, would love to see you on my newly launched @fitness4mamas blog. http://fitness4mamas.com/life/keep-fit-with-me/

  • Reply
    Steph
    November 15, 2014 at 10:21 am

    Good for you! I agree with all your reasons. I’m a new runner (since Jan last year) and have only found the time since my boys have got bigger. I go out early before work but now the light has gone I do a big weekend run instead.

    For me it’s all about getting fresh air and enjoying the countryside where we live. I realised that I feel too self conscious, even a bit vulnerable, to go for a walk by myself but running feels ok. I love being closer to the changing seasons and am really lucky to see great wildlife too. I’ve lost a stone and a half and feel so much fitter too. Hubby ran this morning so mine turn tomorrow. Hope it doesn’t rain! Enjoy your run x

    • Reply
      Rainbeaubelle
      November 15, 2014 at 8:23 pm

      You’ve done so well to lose all that weight through running! I agree about getting out and seeing the countryside, it’s a great excuse and I love the thinking time it gives me. X

  • Reply
    Another Bun
    January 6, 2015 at 12:21 pm

    Any excuse for shopping I say! Hope your legs remember what they are doing and you are hitting the ground at speed soon!
    Another Bun recently posted…Monday BluesMy Profile

    • Reply
      Rainbeaubelle
      January 6, 2015 at 4:36 pm

      Haha thank you! Xx

  • Reply
    Sam
    February 26, 2015 at 7:20 pm

    I’ve just taken up running and I am the most unfit person you have ever met. I love the peace and quiet of my runs. By peace and quiet I mean music I can listen to without small person yelling in background!
    Hope your running is still going great 🙂
    Sam recently posted…A Day In The Life Of A Mum To 4My Profile

  • Leave a Reply

    CommentLuv badge

    Read previous post:
    Climbing the walls

    Climbing is one of those things I'd always fancied having a go at, but had just never got round to...

    Close