Runners' stories
07.07.08
First timer: Louise Rooney motivated herself to train
I trained for my first 10K in eight weeks
Louise Rooney, 41, Battersea
I had always done some running but I had not done a 10K before - only a 5K some years ago. But I thought it was time I set myself a challenge so I entered the Clapham Common Innovation Sports run - three and a bit laps of Clapham Common. I knew that if I could do 5K - which took me between 26 mins and 29 mins - I could do the longer run. I gradually built up my distance - starting with 15 min runs and then sometimes 30 mins.
Then I got to the 45 min mark and I knew that was probably about 8K so I was nearly there. I didn't follow the recommended training programme because the Easter school holidays came just before the race and I only managed to run three times during those two weeks. The Innovation Sports website recommended four and then five runs a week in the 8 weeks running up to the 10K. But I still managed it.
How was it?
Difficult - but I gritted my teeth.
What got you through?
My target of doing it in under an hour. I knew that if I stopped and walked a bit that would be it - so I decided to just keep running even if I slowed down for a bit. It was also helpful having everyone running with me. At the start loads of runners went past me - there were some serious runners there - but towards the end because I paced myself I was able to go for it and finished in 57 mins without stopping.
Will you do another one?
I have already booked into the next one on Clapham Common and have done a 5K since. But I have held back from doing a half marathon - that's double the distance.
What is your advice to others?
*Set yourself a challenge - if you run for around 30 mins at a time it can get a bit boring. Having the target of a 10K means you push yourself a bit more and train a bit harder.
* It helps to do it with someone else - to keep each other going. Also if you agree to go on a run at a certain time, you have to turn up. If it's just you, it is easy to put it off.
*Go out in any weather- I used to not go out in the rain but now I enjoy running in all weather and rain keeps you cool.
*Wear a shock absorber bra and a baseball hat as it keeps rain, hair and sun out of your face.
*Make sure you go to the toilet before you run.
