The Difference a Waistband Makes

Today's post is sponsored by "A Knitter" who very generously donated to Mind to support my half marathon, which is the Great North Run and will take place on the 13th of September.

You know I've been finding this very difficult? Cramps, throwing up, stitches, pain, generally incredibly unhappy - to the point where I was finding it really hard to carry on with my training?

I booked a doctor's appointment for the 18th of May - next week, the earliest I could get it, on the advise of the local running shop. However (and here is the gratuitous information that I only include to keep the story complete) I was getting undressed one evening and realised the lines that my running trousers were making in my waist were very deep and red. Although I'm used to having marks from my clothing (you know like when you've been sleeping on your pillow funny and you get creases all over your face), I thought this was a bit too much.

John took me shopping on Saturday, and I bought two new pairs of running shorts. I could have gone one size higher, but got shorts with string waistbands two sizes bigger than my previous pair to make sure I had some wiggle room...try get that image out of your head.

I went for a 7km run on Sunday. I had no stomach cramps, but I did get a stitch, so I wasn't too thrilled about that. I experimented with my breathing a little bit, and fixed on a new rhythm - two steps breathing in, three steps breathing out. It eased the stitch a little, which was nice.

A 7km run, stopping to look at the drumming kids in Finsbury Park.

My 5km run on Monday had no pain again. Success! I did this running uphill as Newcastle, where the Great North Run is held, is very hilly indeed - so although my knees were killing me because I was using muscles that hadn't been run with for a while, no cramps and no stitches.

A Green Man statue on the Parkland Walk, a reused railway.

I ran again today, starting a new week of my training regime. I managed 6.5km without any issue - even though I went for my run at 9pm because I was feeling unwell for most of the day.

Tonight's run, I can feel my legs getting stronger.

I had absolutely no idea that having the correct fit on your running equipment was so important. I mean, I have the 'proper shoes' and a sports bra, but never thought a waistband would make me so unwell.

I hope this revelation helps other people out - I am so happy, and really enjoying my runs for the first time this year. It's only taken 5 months! The schedule this week is 6.4km today (done), 6.4km on Friday, 8km on Sunday and 5km on Monday. I'm really looking forward to my Sunday run - it will be the first time I've stepped up in distance for over a month. Hurrah!

Much love,

Corrie xx