I’ve been attending football training in preparation for the new season, potentially turning out for Lesters Elite FC this year on a Saturday.  So far there have been four training sessions, and the theme thus far has been running…… and that’s about it.  Weeks 1 and 2 we ran for 15 minutes, 2 minute break, 10 minutes, 2 minute break and 5 minutes.  Weeks 3 and 4 we upped this to 20, 15 and 10.  All the while there are random sprinting activities – sprint to a cone in the centre of the circle, sprint from the back to the front, sprint from the front all the way round to catch up with the back (this is a killer).

I think I’m possibly the oldest player there at a ripe old 28, and I’m finding it really tough.  First week I didn’t quite make all the way through, but now I can at least participate, but I’m always lagging a bit, and by the end can’t really do an awful lot of sprinting.

I have done a bit of jogging in between training sessions (although didn’t this week) and yet still I’m struggling with these sessions.  Is this because I’m getting older?  I don’t ever really remember being super fit, even when younger.  Perhaps my innate low level of fitness is shining through?

I don’t think I’m particularly unfit, I’m not carrying any extra weight.  Perhaps I just need to keep at it.  I ran a 10k last year and whilst I was regularly running I did feel quite fit, even in football matches I could manage a swift run without too much bother.  My fitness can only be improving, so I’ll keep at it and hopefully I’ll at least be fitter than the opposition by the time the season starts!

After my two week training course it has been nice to get back to normality this weekend and do things at a slower pace, catching up with household chores, arranging vet visits for pets, reading etc.  Having done a few things around the house I’m now gearing up for a run, which will be my first for some time having been off the radar for a little while.

In September my friend Chris and I ran the Cancer Research 10k in Finsbury Park in London.  I quite enjoy running but do need a kick to get myself up and out of the house.  This year I set myself a goal of competing in three more races – one more 10k and two 5k races.  Eventually I would like to be able to run in half marathons and maybe even a full marathon.

I’m hoping that there will be some local races starting soon that I can join in.  I’m not necessarily interested in the competitive element, but rather having a target to work towards and therefore a reason to get myself out and on the road.  If anyone who knows of a good place to find races in the Ramsgate area I’d be pleased to hear from you.

Right now I need to get into my running gear and get on with it!  Then back to the chores….