However, with a low fitness level, it took me many weeks (and a few muscle tweaks) to feel comfortable running, initially working up incrementally from 5 to 25 minutes on the treadmill. I knew very little about training levels, how to avoid injuries, recovery time, nutrition, hydration, footwear, stretching etc. I also had to be able to run five miles before I even started the marathon programme. Nevertheless, despite a steep learning curve and a few setbacks, I strictly followed the weekly schedule and, with great satisfaction, I completed my first marathon in just under a year. Shortly afterwards, a work colleague (an age group GB triathlete) asked me if I’d thought of doing a triathlon. It didn’t immediately appeal but, after some consideration, it seemed like another interesting challenge, so I decided to take adult improvers swimming lessons at the local pool to learn front crawl, and I also bought an entry-level road bike. I hadn’t swum for 30 years, didn’t have a bike and hadn’t done much exercise for about 10 years as the responsibilities of having a young family and working long hours seemed to squeeze out other activities. Participating in endurance events definitely seemed like something for ‘other people’ and sport without a ball didn’t seem much like fun! But it’s funny how the mind works and what the encouragement and inspiration of others can do. The first spark of interest came when I sponsored a work colleague to run the London marathon. I was impressed with her commitment and fitness and I thought that it would be a great challenge, so I bought a beginners guide to running your first marathon. Lifestyle abingdon.org.uk/sports-and-leisure 5 Activities are run by Abingdon School Enterprises Limited on behalf of Abingdon School. Company No.04442429 WR I T T EN BY K I ERAN HENDERSON ( COMMERC I AL D I RECTOR ) From sedentary life to Ironman finisher
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