Kestrel Makes: Running

I never though I would be a runner. It really didn't appeal to me at all, but I was finding it impossible to integrate exercise into my life - classes are hard to commit to and the gym was intimidating. But you can be flexible about running and start it literally as soon as you step out of your front door.

I did the Couch to 5k programme, which I would highly recommend for someone who has never run before. There are lots of apps for it, and I used one that gives you voice commands to run/walk/stop while you play your own music. Over eight weeks, you build up from the smallest increments of running for a minute, then walking, making it very achievable.

I found that I enjoyed running way more than I though and now that I have embedded it in my life, I want to ensure that it stays that way. I love having the reason to get outside and the feeling that I have actually DONE SOME EXERCISE for once. Exercise endorphins can't be under-estimated. I also have developed some leg muscles, which is amazing to me. When things at work are stressful, I feel like running is something I have control over, where I can meet goals I set for myself - even the idea of having running goals is quite a novelty. This is really the first time in my life I have done consistent physical exercise and despite my humble running achievements, I feel like an athletic hero.

Foggy Sunday morning run

I have no desire to run a marathon but would be really happy if I can continue to make running a part of my life. Does this have anything to do with sewing? Apart from being a new hobby that cuts into potential sewing time, of course I want to try sewing some running clothes - leggings at least should be achievable. I'm looking forward to trying out some activewear sewing soon

K x

Evening run view over Glasgow

24 comments:

Wakeymakes21 October 2016 at 13:20
Good for you sticking with it until it becomes a habit. If I don't run I feel tense and more restless and then I don't want to sew. So for me they go together well. Definitely sew yourself some running gear it's great fun K xXx
Unknown21 October 2016 at 16:08
I also started the couch to 5k with my daughter in January. I was 58 (now 59). I kept it up doing 5k 3 times a week. However the heat of summer made it hard(er) and it really put me off. I didn't want to stop so have started doing 3k 3 times a week. I might build up to 5k over the winter but I won't beat myself up if I don't. You should join the Park Runs. They are fun.
Helen21 October 2016 at 17:20
I've been thinking of running for so long, but always manage to think of lots of reasons not too. In general, I hate exercise, but I really do need to do something. Thanks for the inspiration!!! X
Nessa21 October 2016 at 18:07
I came to love running too. It amazed me what my body could do and was capable of! I felt like a machine! Maybe a half marathon as a future goal? Kinross host one that is for runners, not charity around May each year.i ran it and have since loved knowing I achieved such an unimaginable goal.
Jane21 October 2016 at 18:20
I've just started running too. With time to myself and a park at the end of my road I really had no excuse not to do some regular exercise. I joined a beginner's group which has been brilliant, we started out running for 4 mins, walking for 1 min, gradually building up the running time each week. I'm doing my first 5K Park Run tomorrow and feel like Mo Farah! Good for you Kerry, so glad you're enjoying it. x
PS. I still have no desire to sew exercise gear though!
Anonymous22 October 2016 at 07:14
Well done on getting into the habit. Just like u running never appealed but I went to a beginners group to support a friend who was starting it. With that & couch to 5k I built up & this time last year did Amsterdam Half Marathon for Cancer Research. I felt very proud of my achievement but this year have hardly managed to run at all. I need to get back into it but the call of my sewing machine seems to keep winning��
Noelle22 October 2016 at 22:20
Running is great. I started a few years ago and was amazed at how fit I was becoming. Unfortunately I hurt my ankle and can't run anymore but now I ride and do yoga and weights.
You should try the Pacific Leggings by Sewaholic! X
Joyce23 October 2016 at 10:14
Well done on starting and, more importantly continuing with the running. You really can sew some running gear though, and its fantastic to exercise in a me-made item! I started swimming lessons three years ago and paying in advance means you turn up even if it's snowing outside. I sewed a swimsuit which was supposed to be a muslin to check for body length (my tall girl problem) and absolutely astounded myself by wearing it weekly for the last six months. Jalie are great for active wear sewing patterns and the fit for my swimsuit is great. Go for it Kerry!
Unknown26 October 2016 at 09:27
I admire runners....I don't know how they do it. I honestly believe that if I took up running, it would finish me off and I'd die.
Unknown29 October 2016 at 11:55
Hooray! Another sewing runner - there do seem to be a lot of us. I started about 13 years ago, before all the running apps were available and made up my own run/walk programme of sorts. The great thing is that you always retain some level of running fitness even after a prolonged break - you never go right back to the beginning. I've never fancied a marathon either but am considering a half next year. I’ve made the Jalie Cora leggings and can heartily recommend them. Also, Fehr Trade has lots of really fab activewear patterns. Happy running and sewing!
Kathryn30 October 2016 at 20:14
That's brilliant you've got into running! I didn't really enjoy running but I do love, and quite depend on,my weekly yoga class. It's so important to have the time to spend on yourself but you're also right, the exercise endorphins & meeting your own goals are so satisfying too!
Lauriana31 October 2016 at 13:45
I've had a similar experience myself, but not with running. My sport of choice is climbing which is a bit harder to integrate into everyday life, but a lot of fun.
And do you read the blog Fehr Trade? Blogger Melissa started running herself in a way which is pretty similar to what you describe and she never looked back. In fact, she now makes and sells her own line of active wear patterns. As a pattern maker myself, I have never used those but many other people have and it looks like they love them.