WEST END WELLNESS

The prospect of a trip to Barbados to take part in the Caribbean island’s Running Festival was just the push Louise Sylvester needed to dig her trainers out of hibernation, as she explains here..
how to start running

‘Mum’ is a role I have held for 11 years, and gladly so. But it has come at a cost in some regards, particularly my running and fitness journey. Now, I know there are some who will see this as a glib excuse (and perhaps it is), when you see the likes of Jasmin Paris – breastfeeding her way through an ultra-marathon then it is hard not to feel that way. But running and keeping fit is an inherent part of some people’s lives – for me it was not. I loved running in the past, but I also love sitting at home reading (and writing) about running… and my two children gave me a reason to do just that. 

A couple of gentle attempts to break back into the habit failed, because to form a habit you must be able to commit to something regularly and with a hectic family life, I found it difficult to pick a day and time to run… and stick to it.

And so, the years went by. There were dalliances with yoga, dance, aerobics and a subscription to an online fitness channel during lockdown – but nothing ‘stuck’. One thing that did make a massive difference, and very quickly, was the addition of a dog to our family unit. Now, it is one thing to forget about your own fitness, but quite another to forget about a yappy dog who needs to get out three times a day. Habit formed, I was leaving the house more often and I got to thinking – if I am willing to do this for the dog, why not for myself? 

Born Again Runner

Fate then struck… the boys had just gone back to school after the summer holidays when I received a call that would throw me firmly into the ‘now or never’ camp. Did I want to take part in 2023’s Barbados Marathon Weekend in December? Well, what do you think I said? 

From that moment on I became a Born-Again Runner. The time I could never find was there all along, hidden under mother’s guilt, fear and a pinch of laziness. The months passed, I racked up the miles and found myself committed to running in a way (truth be told) I never was before. There must be loads of us out there who have been born again to the ‘church of running’! I’m thinking particularly of those who have families and find themselves lost in that world for several years. At least, that’s my story. 

And do you know, in the way that someone may be ‘born again’ to a faith, I do feel a certain spirituality when I am running. As a working parent, I need those moments of calm that running can offer more than I ever did. Running provides a space to think, look into myself and really ‘be in the moment’, something which it is too hard to do at other times when jumping from school runs, to working life, to supermarket dashes, to kids’ club drop offs. 

Life is busy, but somehow finding the time to go out for a run has made it feel like there are more hours in the day, not less. Could this be because I have more resilience, patience and an inner calm since finding that time for myself? 

Body, Mind and Soul Wellness

On a recent 10K run along the River Clyde, I felt that spirituality more than ever. I was about 7K in, the sun was shining, I was taking in some of the amazing architecture that sits astride the river, and I felt something wash over me, like a baptism. In that moment I felt the endorphins fill my body, a tingle ran down my spine and the only way to describe how I felt was ‘truly at peace’. 

The training that commenced in August provided a basis for a half marathon – The Great Scottish Run (my first ever) in October 2023 which was a giant leap for this novice runner – just seven weeks training is probably not something you would see most professionals recommend as a matter of course! And then just a couple of months after that it was time for Run Barbados where over the course of an action-packed weekend, I took part in a 1-mile fun run, 5K and Half Marathon. 

Yes I Can

I’ve already learned so much about myself on this running journey that has only just begun. That I can put myself first more often, leave my family behind if I need to and push my body to do things well out of my comfort zone. The quote from Bake Off 2015 winner Nadiya Hussain has resonated with me over the past year. Shortly after taking the top prize, she said through tears: “I’m never gonna put boundaries on myself ever again. I’m never gonna say I can’t do it. I’m never gonna say ‘maybe’. I’m never gonna say, ‘I don’t think I can.’ I can and I will.”

And so, I am now one of those annoying people who likes to sing the virtues of running a little too loudly. So why not give it a go? It is easy to get started, just you and the road, pick your pace, off you go. It is its simplicity that makes it so special and, in the end, so addictive. The fact that you see progress quickly is also helpful, that hill you always walked in the early weeks of training soon becomes the challenge you look forward to (sort of) and every time you reach the summit you feel on top of the world to have come so far. 

how to start running
6 STEPS TO GET STARTED

1. If you’ve never run before, or maybe it’s been a while, then kick things off by using a Couch to 5K plan. The only question is, who will you choose as your coach – are you more Sarah Millican or Steve Cram?

2. You’d have to have been living under a rock for the past decade to not have heard anything about the phenomenon that is parkrun. For us Westend runners, Victoria Park parkrun is Mecca. Sign up and use the weekly 5K as a challenge to yourself and see the walk to run ratio change drastically over the weeks as your stamina builds. 

3. Make sure you are wearing appropriate footwear, so you don’t end up with an injury. We all run differently and wearing the correct trainer for our style of running or ‘gait’ is important. Visit a specialist running retailer like Achilles Heel for advice on your shoes and while you’re there, treat yourself to some new running gear too. Wearing the right clothing makes a big difference to comfort levels on a run. 

4. Get social and join a club or group. This is a great way to keep motivated and to push yourself. Running with other people will inspire you to run better, faster and smarter. There are loads of options for runners in the West End – West End Roadrunners being one example. 

5. Sign up for a race. Take it from me, there is no better way to stay focused and motivated than signing up to an event. There’s no escaping it, you’ve committed, and you need to make sure you are race ready. 

6. Above all – don’t procrastinate. Just get out there and do it. If you’re not feeling it, then tell yourself you only need to go out for 10 minutes and you will be surprised how long you actually last. 

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