I remember a time quite a few years ago when I was a teenager, and having the idea that I would take up running in order to lose some weight and get fit. Of course there's nothing wrong with that idea at all. What I didn't appreciate, however, was how hard a first time running experience can be.
My plan was that I would get up early every morning and go for a run. Before I knew it I would look like one of those athletes you see on TV with a six pack. I imagined myself running up hills and through the woods, and not stopping until I'd ran at least 5 miles. I would be unstoppable.
Of course my motivation for this new venture was entirely vein. I didn't care about getting fit and being healthy. I wanted to be slim. I wanted to look good. I wanted people to be jealous.
That night, as planned, I set my alarm for 6.00am the following day. My logic was that if it was dark I would be less likely to be seen. I was a lot more self-conscious as a teenager. Now, if anyone laughs or stares at me whilst I'm running, it just motivates me even more. It really doesn't bother me.
So I got up and started jogging alone in the darkness, having decided that I would just run around the block and go from there.
How wrong I was to think it would be easy. I didn't even get to the end of the street before I was gasping for air and wishing I'd stayed in bed.
I managed to make it most of the way round, which wasn't far at all, and stopped to catch my breath by sitting on a wall. Suddenly a car stopped, and the guy driving asked if I was OK. Apparently I was in such a state from my run that a man had to actually stop his car to make sure I wasn't dying. I was completely embarrassed. My hopes of not being spotted had failed. I had been seen! I replied that I was fine whilst I tried not to throw up.
That was definitely a lesson learned. But unfortunately it put me off and I didn't even think about doing it again. I decided that running wasn't my thing.
Then, in early 2015, I thought it would be a good idea to raise money for Cancer Research by running the Ikano Robin Hood Half Marathon. I could raise money for a good cause, and get fit at the same time.
Most of my training was at the gym. I went four or five times a week and ran on the treadmill nonstop. I would also go to my local park and run laps until I was exhausted. I hoped it would be enough.
Before I knew it, September was upon me and I was standing amongst all the others runners. I was about to run 13 miles, and I even started to wonder whether I'd actually be able to do it.
Me waiting for the run to start
Then the claxon sounded, and we all set off slowly. Predictably, people started to pass me, and more and more people passed until finally I was running on my own. I felt deflated.
But I quickly realised that it didn't matter how fast I was going. It mattered that I was there and I was trying, and that if I was to succeed I needed to pace myself.
So I ran at my own speed, and was motivated onwards by all the cheers from the crowd. People were even calling out my name which was in big white letters across the front of my T-shirt. It felt great.
The last few miles were a struggle. At about mile 10 I stopped for a quick breather, but when I went to set off again, my legs just didn't feel like my own legs. I struggled to get going, but I managed it. Well you live and you learn, as they say.
Before I knew it I could see the finish line. My name was called out as I approached it, and I immediately collapsed onto the floor in relief. I had done it!
Showing off my medal after the run
Close up of my medal
I raised money for Cancer Research, and at the same time had achieved something amazing. Something I thought would have been impossible.
Unfortunately I didn't keep it up. But it's been well over a year now and I am proud to say that, once again, I am running with pride.
A couple of weeks before Christmas I went out for my first run just around the block. Again, I couldn't get to the end of street without stopping. I was exhausted. That night I was coughing and wheezing for hours. So I went to the doctor and got an inhaler. Problem solved. Nothing is going to stop me!
It's coming up to two months now and I go running at least three times a week, which I plan on increasing bit by bit. I have spent most Thursday nights out running with a group called Fit to Run. They're a great bunch of people. Running with others keep you motivated when otherwise you might just give up. I really look forward to Thursdays now.
Just yesterday I completed my first Parkrun, which took me 37 minutes. Not a terrible time for a beginner.
Whenever I feel down about how my running is going, I just think back at my first time and realise how far I've come. Each time I go out I get better and better. I can see the results both physically and mentally, and nothing else makes me feel this way.
I know some people reading this might think that running is not for them, and that may be so. But I thought that once, and now there's no looking back. Running makes me feel great. Running gets you out into the world, and best of all, it's free!
A couple of my goals for 2017 is to run another half marathon, and to complete Parkrun in under 30 minutes. So I'll keep you updated as I progress.
This week's task
I am going to tell you about an exercise which I used to help me prepare for my job interview. It's called visualisation.
If you really want something to happen, such as having the best interview ever and getting the job, then you have to imagine yourself doing just that.
1. Think about what it is you want. Close your eyes and picture every detail. Imagine yourself walking into the office and having the best interview ever, imagine their expressions as they get more and more impressed with your answers, and imagine them shaking your hand and offering you the job.
2. Think positively. Remember the phrase 'If you don't think it will happen, it won't'. Think of the glass as half-full and seize every opportunity.
3. Right before you're about to perform the task, activity or event, focus clearly on what you're about to do. Picture yourself shaking their hands, being calm and confident with each answer you give, and making them laugh.
4. Visualisation is a form of meditation, only more active and vivid. It only works when you are calm and at ease, so turn off your phone and make yourself comfortable. The less distractions there are, the better.
5. It's not enough to just imagine yourself getting the job. You need to think about how you're going to answer their questions, what you're going to say if you are unsure how to answer a certain question, how you're going to present yourself, and so on.
6. Use affirmations such as 'I present myself as a confident and positive person. I always leave people wanting to work with me. I have all the skills I need to get the job'.
Most importantly you have to believe in yourself!
My progress
Having decided that I wanted to do some volunteer work, I had been asked to attend an interview at Mansfield Library. So about a month ago I went to the interview, which went very well, and now I have been asked to go for an induction on Saturday 25th February.
At the interview we talked about how I would be able to help out, due to only being available at weekends, and it was agreed that I would help set up the children's activities.
It's not quite what I had in mind, but actually now that I've had time to think about it, I am looking forward to it. I've never worked with children before so it will be good to do something different. It will definitely be a step outside my comfort zone.
Plus, volunteering is all about taking time out of my own day to help others, and so I should stop thinking about what I want out of it, and be happy to help. Which I am. Very.
So as you also know I've been running regularly to try and keep fit, and it's going very well. I just can't wait for spring to arrive so I can run whilst it's still daylight outside.
It's also important to have a good diet as well. I've been eating three meals a day, which I wasn't doing before. It's so easy to skip breakfast when you're busy, and have a couple of biscuits when you get to work. But eating regular meals keeps your metabolism going, and so it's actually better to eat regularly as opposed to skipping meals, if you're trying trying to lose weight.
I've stopped snacking in between meals and after dinner. So no chocolate bars or sweets for me at the moment. You should remember to treat yourself every now and then. A good diet should contain a bit of everything.
Since starting my new healthy lifestyle I have lost 24 pounds. I have gone from 11"11 to 10"1. I can fit in trousers I couldn't even zip up before, so I must be doing something right.
Another task that I have given myself will hopefully give me some more material for my blog. I have been browsing the internet trying to find some small companies that sell running/exercise accessories, and I will be contacting different companies on a weekly basis. My goal is to try and persuade some of them to provide me with products that I can test out during my running sessions, and review them on my blog. They can only say no, right? I plan to send out my first lot of emails within the next couple of days. I'll let you know if I get any positive responses. Fingers crossed.
Finally I am happy to announce that I have been offered a new job within a company in the centre of Nottingham, and I have accepted.
I decided some months ago that I needed a new challenge, and there was no reason why I couldn't have a look around the job market and see if something took my fancy.
So I applied for a couple and before I knew it I was preparing for my first, and only, interview. It must have paid off because I was told that it was obvious I had done my research, and my experience was a good fit for the role.
It's always nerve wracking when doing something outside your comfort zone. It can be so easy to give up, and then convince yourself that it was the right thing to do. But this time I wasn't giving up.
I watched videos on YouTube, I looked on the company website, I researched common interview questions, I prepared my answers and I even practiced them with my boyfriend who pretended to be the interviewer.
Of course I'm sad to be leaving my current workplace. It was first 'proper' job and I have gained loads of experience and two NVQs whilst being there. I have made friends who are more like family after six and a half years. But there comes a time when you find yourself yearning for a new adventure. It's scary but I can't keep making excuses and putting things off. I said I was going to do something, and I did it! That's progress.
Next week's post: A short story by Kirsty.
Remember: If you do what you always did, you will get what you always got.
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