4 years ago I decided to take up running. I had read up alot of reports on how great it is for overall toning, cardiovascular health and the endorphin rush you felt afterwards.

Just 30 minutes of running per week can boost sleep quality, mood and concentration.

I wandered how I would start as I felt I was so unfit. After reading an article in Women's health magazine Australia, on a beginner's guide to running, it inspired me to take the first step.

I also found the app adidas running to be super helpful as it tracked each of my workouts, which I found motivated me.

I then purchased some asics gel running footwear and running gear and started.

My first run was more of a small jog, I jogged a lamp post walked a lamp post. I only lasted 20 minutes that day but i remember it felt good.

After running 3 days a week for a month like this,I started to jog 3 lampposts walk 2. I was getting fitter, but found my knees were suffering.

One night in Omokoroa I came across someone jogging on the beach and through the trail there. So I tried it myself, I found my knees were less sore and being by the sea for some reason gave me more energy. As I climbed the slight rise through the trees and to the cliff side where all the pretty gardens are, I thought there's my running track.

2 years after that first day of running I competed in the 10km we run the forest walk in Rotorua and completed it. Felt so proud of myself I have kept up running to this day as a stress outlet more than anything, and prior to my illness, spent alot of nights jogging on papamoa beach.

Find what works best for you and go for it, you wont look back.

A beginners run guide below to help you plan your first month of running. Running table information courtesy of Women's Health.

Author

Charmaine 2021