Great South Run 2006
Well there are three days to go until the Great South Run takes place in Portsmouth and Robbie, Richard, and I are as ready as we’ll ever be!
Now I have to be honest, when I started running last May and took part in a 5k run for Cancer Research the sense of reaching the finish line was such a great feeling that I ignored how much I didn’t like running and took part in more to get that buzz. I’ve now got a few half marathons, half a dozen 10 milers and 10 km runs, as well as a few 5kms, and not forgetting one completed WHOLE marathon!
I still find the first four miles of any run boring but if I’m taking part in a 10 mile run like the one on Sunday and I reach the half way point, all I remind myself is that all I need to do is count the miles down. For me running has now become ‘my time’ where I can channel my thoughts and use it as a distraction as I pound the concrete/running machine. It’s become very productive for me and has given me more energy (not that I really need it some would say).
Lately though, running has been pushed to the back of the list of priorities as I wade through the ever increasing list I have created for myself (thank you Outlook and OneNote!) but this weekend marks the start of getting some serious mileage back under my belt so that I can find some ‘my time’ again.
Interestingly, as I’ve carried on this crazy habit (which is also addictive!) I have met so many people in the community who also share the same or similar passion; running, gardening, sailing, astronomy, you name it, most people I know have a way of timing out and letting off steam which doesn’t involve a monitor and a computer (you know who you are!).
In recent months, general chatter between the communities in the UK has lessened as business picks up and we get our heads down. Making sure that we take the occassional holiday or weekend break is important to everyone including your friends and families as it enables you to realise and remember really what is important in life.
There have been a few unfortunate incidents that have affected several people I know this year and it has helped those around them remember what is important… and it’s not what we’re going to do with the looming release of IE7! If you take a look at the way you spend your weeks and realise you aren’t making time for those who are important (including you) then you need to manage your time better.
Life is too short to keep that nose of yours firmly pressed to the grindstone, make your health and welfare top of your priorities. It’s why most small businesses start - we want to be in control of our lives! So if you feel it’s your clients that are in control of you then you need to get that sorted quick-smart!
Having a hobby allows you to learn more about yourself. Running has taught me patience and I now realise that no matter how big a problem I have in front of me, the end is always somewhere round the corner and you just have to keep plodding forwards to get there - no one else is going to do it for you!
Investing in something isn’t necessarily about spending money - it’s about providing for the future.
Good luck to everyone who is taking part in the Great South Run this weekend and I look forward to catching up with some familiar faces!