I'm a runner....

Okay so I am a runner, I have to admit it and I NEVER thought that I would enjoy running.... EVER, but I do and I miss it.

I was the kid at school who avoided running, I despised sport days and I was never very good. I still remember the feeling of lining up in school races and running as hard as I could but feeling like my legs weren't going nearly as fast as they should as most of the other kids passed me. That was the problem with running at school it was always part of a competition.

It started my affair with running when I was struggling to get pregnant with our 3rd child 'Master 2'. I was mad and frustrated and I ran it out  and it felt good... everything felt better. I eventually bought a gym membership so I could run whenever I liked.... a month later I got pregnant and I walked on a treadmill for about 12 months....

But I was hooked. As soon as my body had repaired itself I started again. Run/walking on the treadmill until I had done 5km....it took a while and eventually I could run the whole 5km. Then I entered into the 10km Bridge to Brisbane, I trained and made it.... a whole 10km.

When we moved to the bush running took on a whole new meaning. Gone were the gym's and treadmills. The airconditioning, music and televisions disappeared and were replaced with heat, wallabies, birds, trees, the soundtrack of the bush and endless bush trails.

The limestone rocks

I started running around the town... all 10 streets, then after a few months I got game and found the trails. I loved it ....trail running in the bush up and down paths and hills, all the different surfaces, grass, gravel, dirt sand, the colours, the solitude, the birds. I have seen countless wallabies, kangaroos, lizards, and amazing birds. I love watching a flock of black cockatoos take off  as you approach or the wallabies scatter with ease through the shrubs.I love not knowing what you will encounter that run with the ever changing backdrop, it's so very different from the predictability of the gym. It really is spectacular!

View from the top, it's worth the climb

Now I haven't been for a decent run in months, something to do with a baby belly and the heat and realistically it will probably be another 10 - 12 months before I am really running again. So I have taken to doing workouts and yoga in town with some lovely girls who make me laugh and laugh at me trying to waddle my way through a exercise session. We have fun... and work hard, but I do miss my running.

Off we go

So this morning I did the next best thing I got the girls off to school, packed up 'Master 2' in the pram and we walked. It was great having someone to share the birds, caterpillars and lizards with. We did 5km at a very slow pace, but what workout it was pushing the pram through the bush, dirt and sand. I loved it, we loved it. I don't think it will replace running but it is a lovely replacement for the next few months. My advice is get outside with those you love on the weekend it really is the best place to enjoy.... 'these beautiful days'.



Late afternoon cool run