Running - the work of the devil!

I went for a run on Sunday. Those of you who don't know me are probably thinking "You're a fitness instructor Mal,  whats the big deal about going for a run?" Those of you who do know me are probably thinking "What on earth happened Mal that made him go for a run?"

Thats right folks, I detest running. I'm sure this is a throwback to when I was heavily overweight, and found running physically painful, particularly in the knees. To this day, I still can't stand it. Don't get me wrong, it's a very effective form of cardiovascular exercise, and comes with all the health benefits that accompany any increase of cardio fitness. That doesn't mean I have to like it. But I'm a fitness instructor, so being able to run at least some distance is like an unofficial job requirement.

So every few months I go for a run to make sure i can still do 5 - 6Km without collapsing in a heap. I have a usual route - from the steps of the Carlton gym in Tralee to Blennerville bridge and back- a distance of 5.75Km. Last time I did it was sometime in May, and it nearly killed me. I had to walk the last half Km. I had picked the wrong music for my playlist, and was trying to run at too fast a pace. This time I had music about 140bpm, and while it wasn't perfect, it did make life a little easier. My total time included being stopped for 2 mins to stretch at the bridge. 33:04. I was quite pleased with this, but what was even more encouraging was the fact that I felt I could have kept going for another couple of Km. I didn't though, as  I had to get ready for work. Next time, I'll keep going.

That said, my long held opinion of running hasn't changed.... I still think it's the work of the devil, just maybe a little bit less evil than before. Now though, it's time for some exercise I DO enjoy, I'm going surfing!

The great thing about surfing, is that even if the waves aren't great, the settings and sunsets are pretty hard to beat.