What Fool Runs In Winter?

Nearly ten years ago my then manager announced to everyone that he is training for a marathon. It was in the middle of winter. Cold, gloomy, freezing. What an idiot, I thought. Did he not have better things to do? He would come to work and tell us that he had run in the dark in the early hours of the morning with freezing temperatures outside. Sometimes, even snow. The fool. Why would anyone put themselves through such torments? Not to mention the gruelling distance he was attempting to run.

How Things Change?

Ten years on and a year into my running obsession, I find that I am that same idiot I perceived my boss to be. Or at least referred to by others in the same way. Wish I had known how thrilling it was back then. How things can turn around, eh? Have you had a similar experience? It would have been an advantage if he told me how great it was at the time. But would I have listened? Probably not. Some things you need to grow into.

Maybe I Can Help

For those who are toying with the idea of running, I say do it! For those who have tried it once but are unsure, I say do it! For those who have been running for a while but are not finding joy in it, I say reevaluate your technique. With running, we take one thing for granted - we all think we know how it is done. You put on your shoes, leave the house and start running. Is that you? Have you ever read an article or a book about running, or taken a tutorial? Many people go to the gym and get advice from the trainers about the exercises they should do, but how many people get advice about running?

Get Some Advice

As I was starting running, I came across a wonderful book by Stu Mittleman, who is an endurance runner. Reading it was the best thing I could have done when it comes to running. I have taken on board most of his techniques and thanks to that, one year on, I am enjoying running more than ever before. It gives me great energy. Keeps me in shape and relaxed.

So go on, do a bit of reading, find a technique that caters best to your needs, put on your running shoes and go for a run. Any questions?