2006 – Becoming a Runner

Well 2006 is officially over!

Welcome to 2007, and to my brand new blog!

It was a difficult year for me with some serious health issues affecting someone I love, but fortunately things are looking up on this front now.

For me individually, perhaps the most significant thing in 2006 was realising that to be a runner, all you need to do is get out there and run. It was the year that I discovered the joy of running, and the joy of striving for significant self-improvement and seeing some positive results.

Without doubt the biggest influence on my running during 2006 was the wonderful group of people who participate in the Ausrun internet forum. The amount of running “stuff” I have learnt by participating in this forum, and the amount of inspiration and encouragement I have received from them cannot be overstated.

Participating in my first ever fun run, the Herald-Sun “Run For The Kids” in April, was a life-changing experience for me. I entered with much trepidation, but being a part of the group of approximately 20,000 runners, feeling their energy, feeling the adrenaline rush made this an unforgettable experience.

Completing my first half-marathon (at the Melbourne Marathon in October) must also be a highlight. I set this goal in 2006, for 2007, so to achieve it in 2006 felt really good, and I will always remember how it felt to finish that race.

But probably for me, the following quote, from Jimmy Carter (the ex-American president), which was in my signature block on Ausrun for part of the year, sums up running’s biggest benefit for me.

“Everyone who has run knows that its most important value is in removing tension and allowing a release from whatever other cares the day may bring.”

It has been a pretty stressful year work-wise for me, and this is unlikely to change any time soon. My daily run – which usually occurs straight after I arrive home from work – is a real stress-buster for me. It is time to relax, time to myself, time to empty the mind of the days problems. I have commented more than once this year, that I really think that without the life-style changes I have made over the last couple of years, and the consequent weight loss, and without the stress outlet running has been, I truly think that I might not be around.

I have been very happy with the improvements in my running over the year, as I have steadily increased the distance and pace I’m running. Cutting nearly four and a half minutes off my 8km time from the Mother’s Day Classic in May, to the third Spring Into Shape race in November is an indicator of this.

I’ve decided to blog in 2007 because I’ve enjoyed reading the blogs of fellow Ausrunners during 2006, and because I think that writing about things will keep me honest and will encourage me to achieve the goals I have set for 2007.

Thanks to everyone who has helped me in 2006 – and Happy New Year to you all.