BLOG – BRIDGET GOLDSTONE

Although lockdown restrictions have begun to ease we are all still living in a very different world!

I’m sure all of you have experienced days when you have struggled to cope, and I know for me the most difficult thing to accept is not having seen my mum for 5 months and the uncertainty of when or if I will see her again.

Without a doubt, I have really had to dig deep at times to keep myself positive and not sink into depression. The biggest factor that has helped me is that I have made sure I have exercised every single day.

There is nothing like getting that ‘buzz’ from the endorphins that pump around my body after a long run…it takes me from feeling sad to WHOOP WHOOPING around the house with a big smile on my face 😀😀

During the lockdown, I’ve been baking more and I do have to remind myself that exercise does NOT include frequent sprints to the fridge to grab another slice of cake! I made the conscious choice at the beginning of lockdown to get FITTER not fatter!

The last blog I wrote, I was chuffed to bits to say that Baz and I had run 33 miles in a week. We both knew that we needed the challenge to keep us focused so we both signed up for LEJOG. Ha Ha, no it’s not a fancy new running term, but the challenge of a ‘VIRTUAL RUN’ from Lands End to John O Groats…all 874 miles 😱 🏃‍♀️🏃

We are now 17 days into the challenge (you have a year to complete it so it is suitable for beginners/walkers too) and I am astounded to say we have already covered 124 miles, including 56 in the first week!

Baz and I have never done a virtual run before but this is perfect as it keeps us motivated and each evening we input our mileage and we are shown as a virtual runner and our exact position on the map. (I must say I’m glad that we have finally left the traffic behind on the A30 😂 )

There is a Facebook page for everyone who has joined the challenge and it’s great to give support to fellow runners. EVERYONE is so encouraging whether you are a 6-minute miler or someone just starting their fitness journey.

I’m not suggesting you all sign up for an 874-mile event but there are many virtual runs advertised which allow you to exercise whilst enjoying the support of others but avoiding the crowds that traditional events attract .

If my blog just inspires one more person to put on a pair of trainers and take those first tentative steps to a fitter, healthier lifestyle I will be a very happy girly. 😀

WHOOP WHOOP…go out there and believe in yourself! YOU CAN DO THIS!