I had the idea of running quite a few years back when I  got my running bible "Running made Easy" by Zest. I think I did about 6 weeks running in Nike cushioned trainers and started getting abysmal pains in my calves and shins. I ended up in hospital being tested for leg clots, was fine, and was then put on quite a high dosage of muscle relaxants. The pain started to ease but for some reason they effected my mood and I became very low. The upshot was I gave up for a couple of years and felt most sad.

Around 2 years later I met my partner and his mum gave me a pair of MBT trainers that were too small for her, but used so could not be returned. I started wearing these and my legs got very happy. I read on the net it was possible to jog in these so gave it a go...

Well with MBT's its really important to use them properly, I got to week 10 but had to give up again bc of shin splits (agony and again despondency). I ended up phoning up an MBT shop and the lady informed me my posture was still all wrong, I was landing on my toes, therefore tipping forward putting all the pressure on my shins, she urged me to try again this time using them properly, landing on the middle and rolling.

So I started again at the beginning (I felt very huffy as my fitness level had gone back some) and worked my way up.

And then, after another 8 weeks of training, last Sunday I ran my first 5k!!!!! It was amazing, I loved it and my legs (cross fingers) are fine. I walk 5 mins to warm up, and 5 to warm down then stretch them to warm down further.

By the way I run intervals and its actually fun.

I have got so much from running, the biggest asset being self esteem. No matter how bad I feel when I go out I fell great when I return. How amazing a guarantee is that ???

Hooray for running and happy legs!!!