I love running.

Like really LOVE running.

There’s something magical about the feeling of your feet pounding against the floor, arms pumping, you feel so free.

If you’ve followed my blog for a while you’ll know that last year I had quite a rough time for me.

And I  put on a lot of weight.

This caused lots of stress on my joints every time I tried to run, walk or just. move.

Have you ever felt sharp knee pains that’s stopped you moving?

I saw doctors, physios even got a personal trainer.

No luck!

Sadly, I decided to just stop running.

In fact I pretty much gave up on exercise completely.

Nothing.

Zilch.

My running trainers were pushed to the back of my cupboard never to be seen again. 

Sports clothes soon became too tight. 

And then lockdown happened and we weren’t allowed out.

This really started to take a hold of my mental health, so as soon as we were able to go out for short periods I started to make the most of my daily 30-minute walk.

It felt great.

It’s amazing how being outside, surrounded by nature can affect your mood.

I felt alive again.

Soon after I started Bright Line Eating. (A health program where you eat no flour or sugar you can read more about my first 30 days here)

I was meditating, journaling, eating more healthier than I ever have in my life, and losing weight whilst still wearing my bunny slippers (on the program we’re encouraged not to exercise as it drains willpower)

For the first time in my life I didn’t feel lazy for being a couch potato.

I was getting my energy back, loosing weight whilst pretty much sitting on my bum. Living my best life! 

Well sort of…

Being the active being I am I knew I had to get moving so after committing the program successfully for a couple of months I joined a local gym and started to do couch to 5km.

I was rusty, my body ached each time but I was moving.

I felt alive again.

Today is day 100 of Bright Line Eating. 

Let me just say that again day 100. 

I literally can’t believe I’ve been able to stick to a plan for so long.

I am definitely not the same person I was yesterday, 100 days ago, let alone at the beginning of the year.

I feel refreshed, ready, charged and motivated to restart my mission.

When I first started the blog, it’s purpose was to discover local green spaces in my area so I’m going to be starting it back by finding a new park each week to run in or walk in (baby steps).

And I’ve decided to take part in a spartan and run a marathon. 

It’s always been a goal of mine, in fact they’re both on my 30 before 30 list, but truthfully I’ve never felt that I could achieve it.

I don’t know how long it’s going to take me to train. 

I haven’t even picked a race yet, as most of them have been cancelled due to covid. 

In fact, I’ll be honest with you I can just about run 60 seconds.

And don’t even talk to me about lifting weights.

But if you know me, you’ll know I’m determined and if I set my mind to something I’m going to achieve it.

I’m so excited.

Have you’ve even had pain in your knee that caused you to stop running?

Here’s 3 tips that helped me get moving again:

1. It’s ok to take a break. Self-love.
2. Reach out to a professional for support.
3. Don’t let it stop you. Get started gradually, soon you’ll be back on track!

Finally, I invite you to cozy up, follow my journey to train from couch 2 spartan to marathon extravaganza.

Fellow runner thank you for following my journey so far, I see you and appreciate you.

Are you a spartan or marathon runner, what’s your favourite UK race? Do you have any tips or advice I’d love to hear from you in the comments below?

Peace out, Nadine x

Tagged : bright line eating / marathon running / running blog / running goals / running health benefits / spartan race