Every run starts and ends the same. You start running and then you stop running. It’s what’s in between that’s the ‘fun’ part…
However long my runs are I always seem to go through the exact same thought patterns and it becomes a mental as well as a physical challenge to keep going. I thought I’d share them with you because let’s face it, running is ridiculous.
Stage 1: Right, I’m going to step out of the door and this is going to be great even though I don’t want to go because it’s cold and rainy and stuff.
Stage 3: No, come on, just do it. It’ll help in the long run (lol, I’m so funny) when I’m doing my next race
Stage 4: Aaaaaand I’m into my rhythm and my legs have warmed up and my breathing is regular and actually this is ok and ooooooo that pizza smells so good
Stage 5: OMG I’m actually running and it doesn’t hurt and I feel great. Now that Paula has retired there’s a gap for a new British running superstar. Watch out Olympics, here comes Sophi… oh crap, I just stepped in dog poo
Stage 6: Hang on, why is that person running faster than me and they’re way older than me?
Stage 7: Just focus on your own run, not theirs. One step in front of the other, you’re two thirds of the way through now anyway. FOCUS
Stage 8: Ok, it’s starting to hurt again. Ugh
Stage 9: Ouch, hips, ouch, knees, ouch, blister, ouch
Stage 10: Oh, I’m home again! That was great! I love running! Let’s go again tomorrow! And the day after that! And let’s eat loads of food because RUNNING.