Tove's Walk to Run - Running Log

Months Four to Eight

Month Four

Spring is here and so incredibly beautiful. One day I realize I have stopped looking at the watch every few seconds and actually just run – though the sight of wild asparagus or poppies starting to flower makes me stop. One of the attractions of running is that you can just put on your shoes and get out of the door. There are loads of new ways I can take and I find that I run for longer and longer distances when I try a new and exciting route. One day I make it 12 minutes straight. A proud moment!

Month Five

Staff trouble at the restaurant keeps me sleepless. I’m also working hard to get my rental rooms ready for the summer. Getting up early, painting, digging in the garden, cleaning – all hard physical work before the restaurant work in the evenings. I’m dead tired and very stressed. To me now it’s not about breaking running records or pushing myself. It’s hard enough to stick to the routine of getting out and working out at least three times a week. Motivation is very low, sofa is very tempting.

Month Six

The stress stuff has been sorted out, I get enough sleep and motivation is back. An inspiring running magazine sent to me from a friend and a new sporty haircut help on motivation! So does a new route – I suddenly find I have run 16 minutes easily. So why do I stop to walk? I think it’s just psychological, because I have no problems continuing another seven-eight minutes after a minute of walking. I try to leave the watch at home to see if it helps, but no way. It’s like I “need” my small walking breaks. It doesn’t really matter. I am progressing in my own tempo.

I do feel great, though! So much more energetic. I find I need less sleep. My friends say my skin looks much fresher and healthier. And of course it’s the weight thing…I dug out a pair of trousers that I haven’t been able to get into for years. What a triumph to be able to close the zip! Though I think I’d rather throw out the old stuff and go shopping for something new, I definitely deserve it.

Month Seven

The summer is here. Full working activity on the beach, as beach bars and restaurants are been fixed for opening. I actually have several attempts of kamaki, men trying to pick me up. As none of them looks like Daniel Craig or Clive Owen it's just annoying. I discover I have an audience when I'm stretching...and decide to wait to stretch until I'm back home. Heat is starting to bother me and I start checking out treadmills. Uough...pricy!

Month Eight

It's very, very hot. Temperatures reaches 42 degrees and I forget about running. It's very easy to forget..maybe because a good friend (also a runner) is staying, and we simply drown all our healthy ambitions in sunset drinks and tons of wine...Guests staying at my place actually go for a run, so despite the heat it's is possible. But not for me...I have too much alcohol in my blood. Though I do Pilates. One day I even go on a long mountain walk.

As my friend has left, temperatures are dropping and I start getting sober I also start thinking about running again.

Now, where did I put my shoes?