The Ealing Half Marathon takes place at the end of September
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If I tell you that I am the sort of person who NEVER runs - not even for a bus, you might just get an idea about the state of my fitness.
Nevertheless, I was excited when I heard that Ealing was to host it's first ever half marathon - it's something I might have done twenty years ago - but I'm older, carry far more weight than I did and just don't seem to have any energy left for exercise these days.
So, with at least 101 excuses as to why I couldn't possibly do it, I seem to have acted bizarrely out of character and signed up.
On September 30th, alongside thousands of others (many far fitter than I'll ever be) I will run - yes run - 13 miles. Yikes!
I feel as though I am at the bottom of a very steep mountain, and have an extremely long way to get to the top. There will be plenty of huffing and puffing (and possibly expletives) along the way but I do like a challenge and reckon if someone like me can do this, well, basically anyone can.
Reading about this amazing woman has also put me to shame - what an incredible achievement.
I shall attempt to train every day in some shape or form. I say attempt because not only am I a reluctant runner - I am also a fairweather one and with all the rain we've been having those 101 excuses will no doubt keep looming large.
I am realistic and know that I have to start with tiny and achievable steps otherwise I will quickly lose motivation.*
The Ealing Eagles running club has a beginners programme on Wednesday evening which looks like a good a point as any to get started. Anyone care to join me?
I will be writing a weekly diary and hope to be able to report some good things happening to my health and finesss levels - who knows, I may eventually even attempt running for that bus!
Wish me luck and do let me know if you are on a similar 'journey'.
Annemarie Flanagan
editor@ealingtoday.co.uk
*The Park Club are kindly allowing me access to the club's facilities - I really have no excuse now do I?
8th May 2012