Stay strong under the pressures of this world.

Hello world out there!

Yes, yes, yes - I know...it's been such a long time since my last post, but I was just superbusy...and I must admit: Also quite lazy when it came to the writing part...but that's really it - when it comes to the running I've been busier than I've ever been in my life - and I am quite proud of what I have achieved up until this point. Though I must admit: I could do much better...but I'd rather say this than say "I wish I had tried in the first place" - I did try, and I succeeded, just not as well as I thought I could - but I know that there's potential!

Since I started my first run at the end of April this year I have done another 4 runs and the next one is lined up for next month as well. So far I've done one each month - just as I planned in April, except for September. I planned to do one at the end, but I fell sick 1.5 weeks ago when I was with my boyfriend and now I am still recovering...and as we all know: No sports when you're sick :( 

It bugs me to no end, but the only time I did workout when I was sick, my heart muscle inflammed and due to that it reached a size that my cardiologist didn't like at all...so since then I am very particularly careful when it comes to that. So I'll give myself some time off this week, but will mentally prepare for a couple good workouts! I've been eating amazingly well in the past months and already feel a change, energy-wise, body-wise and just overall :)

My plan for next year is to take part in my first duathlon! No worries, my half-marathon plans are still in the making, but I haven't pushed myself far enough, yet. I'd like to get to a good 10k-time, which means being able to make it in about 50 minutes, maybe even down to 45 IF possible (phew, toughie here!) and then I'll sign up for the half-marathon. I got the idea for a duathlon when I went to see my boyfriend's roommate Miss H. compete in the London Triathlon this year.

Hell yeah, what an event! So inspiring, so motivating...the unbelievable performances of all the athletes! Nothing better for a sports-hungry heart. But I absolutely loathe swimming, don't get me wrong, it's fantastic cardio, I actually DO it, but I hate being underwater...I hate diving...and I am terrified of drowning...really...a lot has to happen before I volunteer to train for that :( I know, blimey!
But I love cycling and running...so badabing: Duathlon! Turns out that London also offers the biggest duathlon in the world, in one of my favourite places in London: Richmond Park! So I've got a goal, I've got a plan and I've got a body to get in shape as well :) 

I might do the "Challenge Duathlon" which means 10k running, 20k cycling and another 5k running...or the "Classic Duathlon", which means 10k running, 40k cycling and then 5k running...they both seem great, but I have to work on my cycling...I just want to work towards another goal, constantly challenge myself...I owe this to myself, to my body. Being healthy and fit is the one goal I have to stick to every day to achieve it - I even started to irritate my boyfriend ;)
But figures he will participate in next year's London Triathlon (again! He already took part in 2010 :) - Olympic distance!
So very proud of him, yipieh! This means that we can both encourage and motivate each other to be active, healthy and turn into strong beings, who love to feel the high of a good workout! 

I am struggling a lot with being sensible and not being too tempted to train just because my body screams at me to do so...honestly...who would have thought?! My body keeps telling me these days "You are fat, you are lazy, get your ass up, get going, MOVE, DO things, be active" - I've been good to my body lately...lots of workouts, lots of running, but when you fall sick, there's nothing you can do!
I'll catch up on my past runs in the next posts because now I've got the time and then I'll update you on everything else as soon as I can train properly again.
 

The runs I took part in this year were:

1) Campuslauf in Dortmund (5k) in May
2) University Run in Bochum (5,5k) in June
3) British 10k in London (10k) in July
4) Women's Run in Cologne (8k) in August

So as you can see: It's not just about running, but also combining it with my passion to travel...I love to explore different trails in different cities, it keeps the running exciting and interesting.
Yes, as of now: Life is amazing! Life is rewarding! But you have to add your part - living each moment with all you've got :)

I know this post didn't include too many interesting and exciting things - but this blog keeps me motivated and it's nice to share little achievements with the world out there to help you understand that it doesn't take much to change... - Yes, people do say "The first step is the hardest" - it's such a cliché, but it's true - once you've got yourself into a new habit, learnt a new routine...and your body and mind recognise at the same time that there is a change happening inside and outside of you, you will start sticking to it.
A dedication you will always end up in a Win:Win situation with...! You owe this to yourself, and to your body...I have started to make this change and feel more alive and better than ever - I am nowhere near where I want to be, but I am definitely a huge leap closer than I was at the beginning of the year :) Good night to you all,
your Janners X X X