If you’ve ever thought you’re too old to start running, take note of this lovely local lass, Shirls du Plessis. Being 51 years old hasn’t held her back and she hopes to inspire you to run if that’s you’re dream! Over to you Shirls!
I used to be a long distance runner at school and used to go to many fun runs on weekends. The longest I ran was 16 kilometres / 9.9 miles.
But as the years went by I gave up running.
My friend, Tim from my church, has always kept encouraging me to start running again as he runs and has a social running group in Kesgrave. I decided after my 1st grandchild, Brody, was born that I wanted to get fitter and healthier. So I asked Tim to give me the training schedule he had to get me back into running.
During the pandemic last year, I started on the training programme and before long I was running more and walking less and now I am fully running. I have run in all types of weather, including a little snow. I must say I do prefer running in the sunshine, but perhaps the South African in me!
I love running by myself along the beachfront as I get to enjoy the early morning sunrises, or lovely evening sunsets in the warmer months. It gives me time to listen to some motivational podcasts or just listen to my music on Spotify, encouraging upbeat songs that keep my legs moving!
Felixstowe is such a peaceful place especially early mornings, and being so close to the water with the reflection of the sun shimmering off it, that I make stops to take some photos of the beautiful scenery. I have tried running along the roads, but it doesn’t feel the same. There is something calming about running by the sea and watching the waves crash on the sand. If I could tell my younger self anything, it would be to keep up my running! Anyone that is interested in starting or getting back into running, the best advice is to get a proper training schedule that allows you to build up at a steady pace, so that you don’t get injuries. Remember if you want to do it for the enjoyment of it, it’s not the quantity of the run, it’s the quality of the run!
I have a few quotes that inspire me, but this is a great one:
“It is not so much that I began to run, but that I continued!” – Hal Higdon
Be consistent, small steps everyday to reach your goal. Go slow, walk sometimes if you have to but don’t quit.
Albert Einstein was credited with saying, “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, but expecting different results.” So if you want to change something in your life, you need to do something different to get different results. I hope I inspire others to get back into running or maybe take up running and make those changes you always wanted to. It’s never too late and you are never too old to try something new!
Happy running from Shirls du Plessis