Like so many runners around the world, I’m at home, cheering on the incredible runners participating in the London Marathon. I’m reminiscing about this time last year, when we’d just finished the RnR Madrid half, and were enjoying lunch in a cafe in the centre of Madrid wearing our medals and tees.
This year, things are pretty different. It won’t take a genius to work out that my running at the moment isn’t, well, what it has been in the past 😉
I’m out of shape, I’ve gained weight, but, well, I’m loving life!
I’m not going to be hard on myself – I run for fun, and for me, so I’m getting back into it by cutting my distance, and building back up again. Much kinder than beating myself up for struggling on a four miler! My training has been significanty affected by some personal stuff – so I’ve decided not to run the MOK Half. So, my next run will be the Color Run Glasgow this June, which will be the perfect, fun event for me to get back to it.
And, at the same time, I’m planning to give something back to the running community by volunteering.
We’re going to marshal at the Inveraray Jail Break next Sunday. And, would you believe it, I think I’m more excited than I’d be if I was running! 😀
I love Inveraray, it’s so beautiful. I love the Inveraray Jail – it’s a great day out!
The run takes participants from the jail, past Inveraray Castle (do you watch Downton Abbey? Remember the castle – the country estate- where cousin Rose is from? THAT is Inveraray Castle 😉 ), up a very steep hill to the viewpoint, and back to the castle. Take a look at this photo I took in March:
Now, look closely at the top of the hill. See that view point? That is the turning point in the race 🙂
It’s about time I gave back to running. And this is just the start.
I’m hoping to volunteer more – there’s this year’s Kintyre Way Ultra, and I’m hoping to play a small part supporting in that race too. And we’re also going to marshall at the MOK run, since we won’t be running. I’m sure it will be a brilliant day!
I think that this year may well become a different one to what I thought I’d have this year in terms of running – certainly our particiption in the May events will be – but that’s no bad thing, and I’m very happy about it. Running for pleasure is where it’s at! 😀
TartanJogger 
Have fun! Volunteering is great. And it lets you see another side of the process. That looks like a badass race with that hill!
I’m hoping so!
Sensible decisions. Volunteering is great and now you don’t have to put any pressure on yourself. Cut the miles right down and build up gradually. I bet all that volunteering inspires you to get back to it 🙂
I hope so- that’s the plan. And of course watching the VLM always helps 🙂
It does indeed. Feeling very emotional watching it!
Loving life sounds a great reason not to be running so much! I’ve only volunteered at parkrun but based on that I’m sure you’ll have a great time marshalling at the Inverary race!
I hope so- thanks!
You might find that marshaling will give you the buzz to build up your running again. It’s great fun and good to be able to offer words of encouragement to those at the back. Enjoy every minute of it 🙂
Thanks Steve, I hope so- I’m really looking forward to it 🙂
Sounds like a great plan! I’m hoping to volunteer a bit this year as well.
I’m hoping it might centre me a bit, and giving back is an important thing I’ve neglected.
Good for you Jayne to figure out what you need right now and not beating yourself up on it. You need to do what makes you happy. I volunteered yesterday and LOVED it. It really was the best. If you can make up a sign and hold it for people to read. They loved it.
I will be volunteering in a few more races as well in the next month. You will see a different perspective of the event I bet. Looking forward to reading how it went.
xx
Thanks Kyla, it looks like you had a LOT of fun volunteering- love the idea of making a sign!