So like most typical women I convinced myself to get into running with a little retail therapy. I stepped into a Nike store looking for (cute, fashionable) appropriate running trainers. As soon as I walked in I locked eyes onto the prize, a pair of bright red/orange Nike flyknits. "I'll be taking them" I said to the ever so helpful shop assistant. Being a runner himself he talked me through the benefits of the sneakers and explained that they wasn't for "newbies", basically talking me out of purchasing them. "Well excuse me mate, I used to compete for my borough in the 200m and 100m I know how to run honey" looking impressed but not at all convinced at my accolades, he walked me over to the treadmill to analyse my run.
"I'm impressed" he says "you can take those".With a fly pair of flyknits on my feet I felt like I could conquer the world. As I pulled out my debit card to complete the purchase the assistant informs me of a free running club that they hold on a weekly basis, running 10k. STOP THE PRESS! I'm not ready to conquer the world just yet. Although, I did promise him I would attend and pippa doesn't break promises. I thought to myself, it's game time now, get in that gym and RUN. I walked to the gym feeling like a brand new woman in brand new kicks, downloaded the Nike+ app and ran like I've never ran before. The flyknits are so light and free and gave me the best running experience to date, I ran an astounding 3.2km in my first tryout.
Even though I now run 3 times a week at the gym upping the distance each time, I do have my moments where I cannot do a flat out run and I walk for at least 2 minutes then continue my run. It's a huge improvement from when I would step on the treadmill, run for 10 minutes and persuade myself "that's enough for today", laughable, I know.
With a total of 3 runs at 11.42 km I told myself I'm ready to join the run club and embarrass myself. Walking into the nike store at Westfield I see a group of people preparing for the run, they all seem well acquainted and fit! What have I gotten myself into? We head over to the Olympic park, still having not introduced myself to anyone, the nerves kick in. One of the ladies approaches me to admire my trainers then jogs off to the starting line. I can't do this. A group of 26 of us form a circle and begin a warm up session, good lord I'm tired already. Before I know it, we're off, half of the group are doing a 10k run and the other 5k, obviously I chose the lesser distance. Lagging behind, close to quitting i hear my Nike app lady tell me "3.4km completed" OMG, not long to go, I can actually do this. I'm still lagging behind but as long as the group are within my sight I'm ok. Wrong! The group took a turn somewhere and I lost them, so I took an alternative route around the park back to the starting line. I did it! I actually did it. Who would have thought I would run 5k after very little training. I am so proud of myself. The lovely members of the Nike club congratulated me on my first run and being able to complete it in 37 minutes. I'm ready for my next run. Why procrastinate? Just Do It.
Nike run club.
Where? Nike store, Stratford westfeild
When? Monday's and Thursday 18:30
Cost? FREEEEEEE
Pippa x
Hey Pippa! Congrats on running your first 5km! Im also a blogger in london...I run a group on FB called London Bloggers! Would love to have you join our community! https://www.facebook.com/groups/743396799055750/
ReplyDeleteHey Elle, Thank you very much. I'll defo have a look at that. I'm trying to get involved in as much physical activity as possible x
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