So I started running...

My trainers aren't that clean now...

I started this whole running business after my exams (doing some professional exams, just to add to more study time straight after University. Yawn) in December 2012, and have been quite good by my standards. This meant I actually went once a week. This progressed to twice a week. Go me.

Have I lost any weight? Has my body changed? You do assume that from doing no exercise to running averagely 20km (13ish miles) a week will do something to you. Those newspapers and professionals LIED. Wait, my calves have become slightly wider. Completely went the wrong way for me. Even my sister noted I 'looked bigger'!! So in conclusion, running does nothing.

That being said, I have become a tad addicted to a good workout. Your sweaty hair, front, back, bottom and your trainers emitting its own perfume, I love it. I probably look shit but every time I walk back home, I feel more alert, adrenaline is running through me still, I could run more. First time in years, have I felt running could become 'my thing'. I never excelled in sport, although I play Tennis and Badminton occasionally, so to find out that I could outrun (stamina wise) most of the people at my gym is a really good feeling. Makes me all tingly inside. 

I do those annual 10km runs and because, my calves have gotten bigger, I decided to register for the Great North Run this year. This probably will be a bit challenging because training such as running on a treadmill for 2 hours or so, really doesn't appeal. I hope my willpower will be enough to carry me.

Strangely, there is a KFC right next door to the gym. The smell always catches my nose; it's like a greasy cloud of juicy chicken hovering over the gym. You want it but shouldn't. Similarly to the fact you see the hairs on their chicken wings but still eat it.

Anyway, I thought I share a few pointers to those starting to run or interested. Probably not as helpful but hey ho.

- Try to poo before a running session. You heard that right. Poo. There have been a few occasions where I am passed my 5km, and all of a sudden, you need to go toilet. Really badly. It really isn't a pleasant feeling. I just turned 25, you'd think I have good bowel control, but there is a distinct feeling you could crap yourself. But I haven't yet. Why didn't anyone tell me at the start?!
Also, if you are generally constipated, running really encourages you to poo regularly. It helped me. (Sorry, too much information?)

- Do not wear T-shirts. I never understood those people at my gym wearing short sleeves. My armpits need to breathe. I feel restricted in short sleeves. However, don't wear crop tops or just your sports bra. OK, some of you have a good flat stomach but please, don't show it off. It's off-putting and I'll judge you
as a bit of an attention-seeker. Its a gym, not bloody dating club!

- Do not wear makeup. Why would you do that? Does your face not sweat, do you not cry tears of salty goodness? I have seen too many ladies at the gym with their face slapped on. 

- Invest in good pair of trainers. My first cheap pair kept giving me blisters and it never has the time to heal as it is always in socks! Also, don't tie your laces too tightly.

- Don't look at other people's monitors. Most gym-ers do. I feel this should be gym etiquette along with if I am stretching in awkward positions, look away! I am probably in the minority - I just hate people looking at my time, speed or how far I have ran. Focus on your own running! I went yesterday, and this woman eventually stops running, pauses her treadmill and turns to face me and occasionally drinks from her bottle. This went on for about 5 minutes. Awkward for me, less perhaps for her but I still beat you. Ha! 

Even though, running didn't transform my body into that of a goddess, I do enjoy it. It balances out the amount of junk food I eat and somewhat given me a boost of body confidence. Plus, I can't get out of it now - I have my 20km in a few months to look forward to. :/