Why increasing your distance is all in your mind

Yesterday, endurance cyclist Mark Beaumont completed the challenge of cycling round the world in under 80 days.  In doing so he rode on average 240 miles a day, cycling 7,031 miles in a month.  An incredible challenge which he completed in 78 days and 14 hours.  While many of us can’t comprehend cycling those distances, increasing your distance whether on the road, in the park or in the pool is achievable with a little training and the right mindset.  When I first started cycling I remember thinking 30 miles was a flipping long way and 100 would just blow my mind.   

I find by visualising the distance in small sections, just like you do if you are out of a run or a swim, increasing the mileage becomes a much more manageable and achievable goal.  Also, when I am training I tend to operate in time rather than distance.  For example, if I am going for an ‘out and back’ 30 minute run, I think about it being only 15 mins each way rather than thinking I must run for 30 mins or for a distance of 5k.  When you start to increase the time say to 40 mins and then 50 mins etc the out and back section increases but if you think in time and split it up, then it feels easier than working in kilometres or miles.  It may not work for you but give it a try, I find it really motivating.

Last week, I was forced to ease off my training after picking up a nasty virus from swimming in a river.  I was unlucky but not helped by swimming after heavy rainfall, which is apparently the worst time to do it since all the muck off neighbouring fields and the banks get swept into the river.  It was an organised event and from what I have read since I am not the only one to have suffered so while swimming outdoors is lovely do be careful of dipping in the river after major downpours.  I have to admit I have been very happy to get into a chlorinated pool this week!

Running with the kids

On Sunday, I introduced my two daughters to Junior parkrun.  If you are familiar with the parkrun format then the Junior one is the same, except it is a 2k run as opposed to a 5k run.  It is free and it takes place every Sunday at 9am, at the Odd Down Sports Ground.  Children aged from 4 to 14 can take part and you can run with your child.  All you have to do in advance is register your kids online (www.parkrun.org.uk) and then turn up.  

Lots of people run a bit and then walk a bit and there are also people running pushing buggies.  It’s really fun and inclusive and the emphasis is firmly on being active and having a great time not on how fast you can run.  Running with your kids is a great way for mums and dads to begin running too particularly if they are not confident and don’t feel like they can manage the longer adult distance.  There are lots of park runs all over the UK and you can go to any of them once you have registered.  We chose to run at Lydiard Park in Swindon and about 70 kids turned up, of all ages.

I love running but while my girls like to take part in sport, such as swimming and badminton they rarely (never) go for a run.  It seems their secondary school PE is a lot less focused on running than in my day so I thought parkrun be a good way to get them introduced to running, as well as out of their beds slightly earlier than midday on a Sunday!  And, happily I was right.  Despite both of them getting a stitch half way round they pushed through and finished with a good sense of achievement.  

A 2k run may not sound far to you but it is far enough particularly if you have not done any running.  I am so pleased they enjoyed the experience and they are both keen to go again to better their times as well as go running more regularly.  I hope they discover the absolute joy of running.  It is one of those activities that is so easy to do wherever you are, as long as you have your trainers and a pair of shorts packed.  Best of all the whole family can do it without it having to cost a penny.

@lindatodd74