12 Months Later

So this day 12 months ago I started running, and what a journey it’s been.

Twelve months ago I ran 4.9km in 36:05 with an average pace of 7:20/km. Now considering this was, at the time, my first run in a very long time I was please I managed to run constantly without walking or stopping.

That was 12 months ago though so if I did the same route again how much of an improvement would there be?

So that’s exactly what I did. I set out on the same day and ran the same route. This time I managed to do it in 26:21 - nearly 10 whole minutes quicker! As it’s so close to being 5km and my pace was so good I decided to run the extra 100m and get a 5km personal best at the same time.

This means I was averaging a 5:14/km pace, this is 2:06 quicker than before. Overall I’m really please with my progress, if you have told me this 12 months ago I wouldn’t have believed you.

While running quicker and further is all well and good have there been any other benefits? Twelve months ago, before my run, my resting heart rate was around 64 bpm and today it’s 47 bpm. That’s a big improvement. My VO2 max was 32 now it’s 43. I’m. seeing improvements all around and I do feel healthier. Running is making a difference and I do feel better for it!