Guest Post: Jogging, Running, Racing... by Pat Walsh

 ** Jogging, Running, Racing **

All the above require the same preparation. Tog out, put on whatever gear is required, lace up the shoes and away we go.

Now the difference. What does it mean to you?

1. Jogging.. Handy miles, no pressure and just meet the buddies for a light jog. Maybe a cuppa. Some of the happiest people. Physical and mental health sorted with no issues.

2. Running… Get out regularly each week, push yourself a bit and come home feeling tired but happy with the effort. Doing good, you like to test yourself a bit and maybe running hard gives a mental release that suits you. Fair play

3. Racing… Pick a race and with single minded determination train hard for weeks / months to hit the one event and nail it.You need that goal, you need to test yourself, you work hard and live for that race. I’m in awe and again fair play to you. You won’t succeed every time but you bounce back and drive on.

Who is the real runner?

You all are. If you go out your front door to run you are a runner. The new world marathon record holder ran over a 180 miles a week for a while. Some people work hard for 3 months to get a 5KM.

To run is the key. Wet or dry, fast or slow, hilly or flat are merely side issues to the main item.

What is the purpose of this post? 

Please, please stop looking at others. If you want to run then run. It is simple as that. Once you start you can then decide where you lie in the old 1,2,3…. If you are injured (I’m sorry) but listen to the professionals, have patience and then resume your running.

To run is to win, to stay on the couch does nothing for you mentally or physically.

After all nothing else makes sense..

Maybe in the future I will offer proper running advise.

In the meantime a little touch of realism is no harm.

#PWR