Since May I’ve been slowly getting back into running because running is a great way to lose weight. I’ve taken it very easy as I know, being overweight, I’m prone to aching knees and shin splints if I ramp up my running too quickly.

Fortunately all has gone well and last Sunday (30th August 2009) I completed the Foxtrot 5 (a local 5 mile road race) in just over 52 minutes. Not a particularly quick time (the winner ran it in 26.5 minutes) but considerably better than last time, when I ran it in 60 minutes. Most importantly I really enjoyed it and being unsure of my progress I’d started off slowly for the first three miles – chatting to a fellow runner – before picking up the pace for the last two miles, one of which was a nice long gentle downhill.

The Foxtrot 5 not a particularly complex race – there’s no chip timing or any of that – but it’s well organised and has a friendly atmosphere. The course is primarily country lanes (I only recall seeing a single car and one tractor) and bit of bridleway, there’s a few small hills but nothing too strenuous – a great first race for those looking to lose weight and wanting something longer than a 5K.

In fact, I had so much fun that I’m now looking for more races to enter in September and October and I’ve entered a trail running series (Coastal Trail Series 2010 – I’m going to do the 10K races) with a view to completing the The Clif Bar 7×7x7 Challenge – 7 races in 7 months on 7 different courses.