Story added: 15th July 2016

The training tribulations of a working Dad

Mark Noakes, Director of Run Norwich race sponsors & Chartered Certified Accountants Aston Shaw, gives us insight into how the Director of a company – and a family man – manages to find the time to train for a 10k run.

Diary Entry #1 – 28th April

I’ve decided to keep a running diary to help keep track of my progress. I’ll be honest, this diary won’t be the story of how one man managed to go from couch potato to Rocky Balboa by waking up at 4am, eating raw eggs and bench-pressing tree trunks. I have always tried to maintain a relatively good level of fitness, though I have to admit that lately I have let my physical fitness slip a little.

So, I have decided to knuckle down and start training. This isn’t easy when you have a business to run and a family to spend time with, but I’ll let you know how I get on. Wish me luck!

Diary Entry #2 – 11th May

It’s not going well. Last night I had a pizza while watching The Terminator. It was at this time I noticed the stark contrast between me and Arnold Schwarzenegger. As the pizza box balanced precariously on my stomach, I decided I need to up my game.

Maybe I’m being unfair on myself, the pizza was only a one-off, I had managed to do some serious training in the time between my last entry and my greasy pizza. I think the key is to get out of the mindset that exercise is something you need to make time for, instead make it a part of your routine. Do you drive/take the bus to work? Replace it with walking or cycling, that’s what I’ve been doing, this way it’s not cutting too much into my day.

People tend to get too caught up in thinking all exercise has to be a hardcore training session to be worthwhile. The best practice exercise to do in preparation for a 10km run is of course a run, but that doesn’t mean it’s the only form of preparation. When running isn’t convenient, cycle or walk instead. Just get moving, it all helps.

Diary Entry #3 – 23rd June

I’ve just got back from a 5 kilometre run (about 3 miles for all you traditionalists) and I feel…terrible. It’s hard work, I’m panting as I write this, but despite this, I feel a great sense of achievement. I suppose this is the basis for my next tip, the hardest part about exercise is getting the motivation to get up and do it, once you’re out there it’s actually quite enjoyable. Training is hard but rewarding, don’t be put off by lethargy.

Diary Entry #4 – 2nd July

I’m just about to go for a run, I’ve set myself a target of 7km. Whether or not I’ll achieve it remains to be seen but I’m looking forward to it. Getting motivated to exercise gets easier with time, so if you take anything from this entry, make it persistence. I’m reminded of one of my favourite quotes “a river cuts through a rock not because of its power, but its persistence.”

I mostly run in the evenings at is seems to suit my routine the most. I get home, do battle with the kids at bedtime and then head out before I have the chance to sit down. Something I’ve learned over the past couple of months is don’t let yourself relax too much before going for a run. Don’t give yourself a chance sit or lay down, otherwise you won’t want to get up!

Diary Entry #5 – 14th July

This will be my last entry before the big day, I’ve told you it’s hard enough to find the time to exercise, let alone keep a diary! I feel I’ve managed to fit in just enough training so that I’m able to finish the 10km in one piece, but I’m looking forward to it more than anything. If you’re running, my last piece of advice to you is quite simple: enjoy it.