Setting the scene

New post at The Running Bug, ‘Setting the scene‘.

I used to hate running with a passion! In fact, for a long time I didn’t even know that I hated running. I was that far removed from it. I was probably one of the most unathletic children in the school and this was a trait that I kept up throughout my years at University.

I started smoking around the age of 15. I then had a somewhat extended foray into academia, spending some seven years accruing an honours degree and a number of postgraduate qualifications. In this time, I smoked and drank unhealthy amounts and a typical breakfast often consisted of a pack of viscounts!

I funded a large part of my studies working the clubs as a DJ and, on days where I was working, my cigarette intake was often in the 40-60 range. The one positive to working as a DJ was that I curtailed and then completely eliminated my alcohol intake.

I don’t recall what it was that led me to the gym that first time but I liked it. To start with, I would work my way around all the machines with the exception of the treadmill and I would emerge an hour later, hugely sweaty and in need of a cigarette! After a few months I realised that I had plateaued, largely thanks to my continued dependence on nicotine.

I had a few abortive attempts at stopping and then, finally, I quit smoking for good. Most people that I have spoken to can tell you the day, the date, the year – even the time when they had their last cigarette. I can’t even recall now how many years it has been (approximately eight or nine) but I can say with certainty that I have never looked back.

My health improved considerably and I even ventured onto the running machine. The treadmill, or for so many people the ‘dreadmill’, became my friend. It let me switch off and run without thinking and as I ran I was always accompanied by my music, usually the kind of trance music that accompanied the exhilaration of running so well.

Thinking back a few years to the midpoint of the local Baker Hughes 10k road race, I can recall that I was absolutely pooped! A work colleague passed me by and offered words of encouragement. It was May and, having just passed the 3 mile mark, it dawned on me that this was the furthest that I had run all year.

This year, having completed six ultramarathons ranging from 33 through to 55 miles and, with my mileage this week likely to hit the 1000 mile mark, I can look back safe in the knowledge that anything is possible. In 2012 I will be looking to achieve six new PB times and to significantly up the ante with a hopeful completion of the 96 mile West Highland Way Race.

I also have a ‘greater goal’ but more on that later. In the meantime, hopefully some of what I have gone through and have yet to go through will be of interest to people, from those considering their first 5k to those who might even be considering an ultramarathon. Whatever your goal, take the advice of one of my friends and always ‘aim high’.