Sheryl’s first night nerves
September 28, 2019
by Martin Lawrence
Frontpage Article, Headlines, News Specials, Redway Runners Stories
At the start of our recent beginners groups Sheryl Arnold shared her story of starting running and the first ‘night’ worries, we thought we would share them with you
Thanks Sheryl for letting us use them
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In April, I sat just where you’re sitting. I held the same doubts, the same fears, and the same hopes as most of you probably have. I worried about being the fattest, the slowest, the accident prone one and the one who held everyone up the most. At no point did I think I would ever enjoy running. At no point did I ever think I would be anywhere near the front, and at no point did I ever think that I would sign up for not one, but two half marathons. But I have!
In 10 weeks time, you will have your last session and Sophie will say – thought we’d take it easy tonight and only run for 1.5 – 2 miles. You will smile and say – thank god – let’s go to the pub! At no point will you even consider that just 10 weeks prior to this, you would have died or cried or even wet yourself if Sophie or Simon said – tonight we will run for 1.5-2 miles!
Through the amazing, support of Sophie and Simon AKA The Dream Team, and my lovely RedwayRunners friends I have made since April, I took part in the Bedford 5k and then the 10k both on Saturday! My next run is in September and is 5 miles. I also have other 10k, 5k’s and two half marathons booked in. The ONLY difference between me and you is the fact that I started my journey in April. If I could give you any advice, it would be:
- Do your homework – from week 3 onwards, it will show / you will feel it if you don’t!
- Keep hydrated – especially the entire day you are running (my worst running session was because I had not drunk enough during the day and had no back up energy to call on)
- Believe in yourself – if you don’t, who will? (Running is fun – it’s a chance to get rid of the day’s annoyances and take time for yourself – why else would I choose to come here on my birthday instead of having dinner with my family?)
You’re in great hands. Enjoy the journey you have started. Welcome to the Redway Runners family.