I belong! I joined a running club this week

Posted by Helen in Musings | 3 comments

Nov 18, 11

This week has been pretty good in terms of running stuff for me.  I had gait analysis re-done on Tuesday afternoon by a local specialist running shop with very interesting results – my legs are different (now why does that not surprise me!).  My right leg (the one with the previously torn ankle and knee) is perfectly neutral, the left leg however pronates!  Now did you really expect me to conform

The gait analysis was really interesting, we started off in Asics GT2160 which is my current shoe (stability) then moved onto a neutral shoe and finally onto an Asics Gel 1160 model. (mild stability).  All three attempts were videod and compared side by side, leading to the conclusion that the 1160 was the better shoe all round.  It was explained so clearly to me, including how each shoe works, definitely an experience I would recommend. Roll on Christmas when I get my shiny new shoes as a present and can take them out and wear them in, it should give me just enough time to get comfortable in them before my first half marathon – Brass Monkey.

Of course, while I was there I had to check out the rest of the shop and will also be getting some new running kit for Christmas as well.  It had to be done!  I’ve stuck with Ronhill, it appears that most of my kit is from them anyway, and its comfortable to wear and not as tight fitting as some of the more sporty brands out there.  Worry not, its still bright pink so you will definitely see me coming!

I handed in my form last night and am now officially signed up to a local running club.  I’ve always had a bit of a block about joining a club, preferring to be a member of an online group instead, until now.  I realise that in order to progress my running from 10k to half marathon, and hopefully full marathon, that I need more support and encouragement than I get trying to do it alone.

The weekly club run isn’t just a run, it’s a social thing as well, it’s fun, it’s safer than running alone, and it’s a good experience.

On Simon’s advice (he’s mentoring me towards my first marathon despite running 100 marathons himself in 100 weeks), I chose the shorter of the available routes, and at a slower pace than I would normally run.  We ran just short of four miles and I really enjoyed it.  I know that running alone I have this tendency to go off too fast, and whilst I can just about complete my run, there is no fun in it, whereas last night I enjoyed running.

The weekend beckons along with Sam (my running buddy) joining me for around six or seven miles around the village as she helps me increase the distance over the next few weeks ready for Brass Monkey.  If I can slow it down a little I have no doubt I can do the distances, although I am reluctant to go down the heart rate monitor route to measure this as it just feels too technical and running should be about fun shouldn’t it.

I’m still on a high from completing the Dalby Dash course at the weekend and as a result am much more positive about my running.