One Foot In Front Of The Other

Throughout the first weeks of the lockdown of March 2020, one of the things that was most startling was the space.

Everyone was at home and no one was driving. The roads for the most part were completely clear. There was the occasional car but if you took yourself out for a run, you could quite safely run down the middle of the road, making sure you were giving everyone plenty of space, without any fear of being mown down by a tuned up hot-hatch or an angry skip wagon.

I’m not going to say those were halcyon days (let’s be honest, they were horrible), but during that time a lot of people laced up their shoes and ran for the very first time.

Running can be many things to many people.

If you’re a competitive person, it’s the exhilaration and joy of pushing yourself as fast as you can go. For many it’s about space. Freedom. Running can be meditative. A chance to get out of your head.

The time when it’s just you and the road gives you the space to work things out on the move, and things which can seem massive problems are thought through, broken down. Many times a run has been just what I needed to figure something out.

For some, running is something they have always wanted to try but have never been able to take that first step.

It’s hard. I know. Since contracting COVID I’ve really struggled with my own training.

The key is to start small.

Be patient with yourself. It can take time.

Short manageable intervals of running with enough walk rest in between so you are ready to go for the next one. Gently pressing the edges of your fitness in order to build it further.

It helps to have someone to train with. Someone or a group who are in the same boat as you rowing in the same direction.

The key is consistency. It doesn’t have to be much, but you do have to do it regularly. Conditioning your body. Conditioning your mind. Getting used to effort, concentration and movement.

Structure how you train. 3 times a week with a minimum of a day's rest in between. Progress gently from one week to the next, so you almost don’t notice that you are running for longer.

What seemed challenging at the start, now is manageable, easy even. You’ll be amazed at what you can achieve with some focus, a bit of structure and some support.

Walker 2 Runner was one of the classes that fell by the wayside over the course of the pandemic. As we returned to a more familiar way of life and restrictions were relaxed I could get back to the shorter bootcamp and Runner 2 Racer groups as they were 6 week programmes.

Walker 2 Runner is a longer programme. I wanted to be sure that we wouldn’t be locked down again before restarting. It’s geared to take complete beginners from zero running, over the course of 12 weeks, to a point where they can comfortably run for 40 minutes non-stop.

We start very gently with short achievable runs and a large part of the early programme is focused on building core strength, mobile and stable hips, and good balance and technique.

Technique forms the foundation of everything we do from there. If that’s solid, then you can rely on it as you gently build the distance. You can recognise when something doesn’t feel right and adjust. You have the tools to keep yourself healthy as you develop the strength and fitness of your body and become a better runner.

Walker 2 Runner is finally returning on Saturday September 17th at 11am. It’s one of my favourite classes and I’ve really missed it.

If you’re interested or would like to sign up you can find all the details here, or simply drop me an email and I’ll send you the details.

Running is for everyone. All you do is put one foot in front of the other.