Run Forest Run!!!

As mentioned in my previous post, I've been thinking about starting running again. This is a massive thought for me, never mind decision. I have not run for over 12 years.... There. I said it, out loud, and in public.

I have however continued walking on and off in the last 12 years, but no running. Too much wobbling. A bit of a chicken/egg thing going here, no running = more wobbling and more wobbling = no running. But no, the time has come, the seagull said, to start working towards running and stop wobbling.

There is, no doubt, going to have to be lots of walking before the running starts. I will take it slowly, yet I will be diligent about this, through hail, snow, rain, heat waves, whatever.... I will run again. I used to run competitively and the longest race I ever ran was the Kellog's 32km in Springs, Johannesburg.  I used to run between 50 and 70km's per week. I loved running and the way it made me feel. I have no idea how I became so disinterested in it.

Running is a character building sport that teaches you discipline and perseverance. It gives you time to think and clear all the cobwebs out your head and lungs. It gives you an opportunity to get close to nature, which we sorely need when working in an office all day. Running used to be my time out to recoup and regroup.

The first step, is to join a running club. I have decided to do the sane and responsible thing and go with Run Walk For Life. There I will have the opportunity to start slowly with other like bodied and minded people, in a safe environment, and take it from there. I have found a branch close to home and will get that all sorted in the next week.

Step two is to get kitted out. The fun part!!! Start shopping for shoes. I'm bracing myself as the last time I bought a decent pair of running shoes 8 years ago, they were over R1000. I'm very curious to see how technology and ergonomics of running shoes have changed. The art of running shoe design is fascinating. Socks are just as important. I'm a very fussy shoe person as it is, as I'm totally claustrophobic. Anything tight, cutting or restrictive over my arch or rising over my ankles is a no-no. So I'm imagining there will be a lot to compare. The interesting thing with my feet though is that the one foot pronates and the other supinates. One rolls in and the other rolls out as my foot hits the ground from heel to toe. This is because of a hip operation I had as a child.


Most people either pronate or supinate or have a perfectly balanced foot roll, but not both and when shopping for shoes in the past, this caused a little problem, as most running shoes, either have a support system on the inside for heavy pronation or a support system on the outside for heavy supination. Not both. People who run "straight" can go for shoes without sturdier support systems, but for someone who both pronates and supernates, there is not enough support in this case. So this might be a little tricky. I will get back on this topic after looking around and share my findings.

The next step is clothing. Underwear or more specifically sports bras. A sports bra was not something I needed 10 years ago, but as mentioned, the wobble factor in direct relation to the no running factor has won out. The word "training bra" has taken on a whole new meaning in this case. Enough said.

Previously I used to run in poly shorts. Those dreadful looking parachute fabric things. Not this time round. Besides having become horribly unfashionable, there is the wobble factor which would be a sight for sore eyes in poly shorts at the best of times. So I think a pair of peddle pushers and a modest t-shirt will do for now. Some sun screen thrown in for good measure and I should be all kitted out and ready to roll.

I can't wait!!! I would like to get my fitness back on track and be able to say I can achieve something beyond my professional life. Something I can challenge myself with that is on a totally different wavelength from what has been my goal orientated professional desk bound life for the last 16 years.

I will keep a regular update as to how the (walking and then) running is doing here. I am glad I have the whole summer to get into this as running in winter is not for the faint-hearted. It takes determination and discipline. Lots of it. And wool lined training bras. ;-)

A bit more about pronation and supination: "A unique set of actions and reactions that your foot performs while in motion to support, cushion and balance your body."

What is Pronation?
Pronation refers to the inward roll of the foot during normal motion and occurs as the outer edge of the heel strikes the ground and the foot rolls inward and flattens out. A moderate amount of pronation is required for the foot to function properly, however damage and injury can occur during excessive pronation. When excessive pronation does occur the foot arch flattens out and stretches the muscles, tendons and ligaments underneath the foot.


What is Supination?
Supination is the opposite of pronation and refers to the outward roll of the foot during normal motion. A natural amount of supination occurs during the push-off phase of the running gait as the heel lifts off the ground and the forefoot and toes are used to propel the body forward. However, excessive supination (outward rolling) places a large strain on the muscles and tendons that stabilize the ankle, and can lead to the ankle rolling completely over, resulting in an ankle sprain or total ligament rupture.