The 2012 Journey by Chect

Top Tip

In the early days it is so vital to get yourself kitted out.  Running is a great sport in that respect as you can literally head out the door with your scruffy kit and your trainers.  Now being a true Scot I am all for saving money (note this is not being stingy this is just good sense !!) but not when it comes to trainers.  You must invest in a good pair of running shoes - care should be taken over their selection and  your comfort is absolutely vital.  If you have not already done so take yourself to your local running shop (or indeed a major UK wide retailer) and try them out for yourself.  Experts can help you with their advice too.  And many of them let you try them out first either running on a treadmill our outdoors.  Note I usually buy a whole size bigger for my trainers than my normal shoes.  It helps to have a thumb sized distance between your big toe and the outer most edge of the shoe.  I liked this blog on the subject

http://running.about.com/od/shoesapparelandgear/ht/runningshoe.htm

I may have mentioned before but a decent on-line retailer (where you can buy once you have found ones your like) may save you a few extra quid.  Visit www.startfitness.co.uk

You get a free pair of socks there too.  Note - also give consideration to the weather outdoors to make sure you dress appropriately - more about that later but for now look after your feet and they will look after you!

Did you know ...?

Running Shoes are designed to cater for different running styles: Neutral, Overpronators (if your foot rolls too far inwards when you run) and Underpronators (if you foot does not roll far enough inwards when you run).  Clever stuff.

Quote of the week 

"I was 12 when I started [running] and 34 before I achieved my dream, that should give people hope." Dame Kelly Holmes  (Well it certainly gives me hope!)

Diary of a running geek

At last I am up and running (so to speak) after a self imposed ban (my infection had spread to my chest and as there is an old running rule that if your ailment is above the neck you carry on, below is a big no no, I took heed and was sensible for once (see previous years blogs for evidence to the contrary!).  So to mark the occasion I did a gentle treadmill run (whilst tuned into some random quiz show I might add) during the week and then pulled out all the stops for my Club Cross Country at the weekend.  I was nervous at the start line, chilly on a Sunday morning and like my fellow runners thinking of a number of better things I could be doing with my time, but as I knew would be the case, as the legs started moving, I warmed up and a smile spread across my face.  Third lady home (it's a small club Btw!) I am a back in the habit and very grateful to be fit and healthy again!