Welcome to the TracyW 's report back. Time-to-Run's first project member. Follow her trials and tribulations through the Forums and get involved with your own development through TracyW's commitment.

This is TracyW's second report back and she is now closer to running her first 5K in May - TheEd

After the initial trials and tribulations when starting the programme the following month seemed less stressful. I was really keen to start getting into the programme having recovered from the flu. I was more determined than ever to prove to myself that I could do this.

A couple of runs into the programme I developed shin splints. I tried to
deny it as I wanted nothing to jepordize my training. I certainly did now want to have to go back to walking. After reading through the notes on 'shin splints' on the website, I found out that the long downhill ( a 5 min gradual downhill) which was at the end of my route could have been a main cause for the start of the shin splints.

I knew when starting the programme that they said to look for a flat area, but in Tunbridge Wells that is virtually impossible. I then started scouting around for a better route. I eventually found a better one, not perfect, it had a fairly longish slow climb but at least it would do less damage than the downhill. With the help of the team, once again, I followed their instructions for icing, stretching and monitoring the shin splints.

At times I was very frustrated, I felt like I was putting a lot into it and getting pain in return. I was not really enjoying the runs, it was not a time for relaxation as I was constantly thinking about how I was placing my feet, was I running upright and not leaning forwards and trying to ignore the aches. I also took to showering my legs with cold water after each run (ala Paula Radcliffe style). With perseverance and paying attention to what I was doing the shin splints have cleared. To finally go out for a run with no pain was great. I did have a few difficult runs about 2 weeks ago and really questioned whether this would ever feel comfortable and would I ever be able to do the race. Since then things have suddenly fallen into place.

I have worked on my breathing, I was taking two breaths in and letting one out and finding that it was leaving me really short of breath and having to stop as opposed to having to stop for having sore / tired legs. I was now ready to set my mind to the 5k races ahead. I started looking for a race and planning around it. It proved a bit difficult as my partner is a competitive cyclist so we are now both taking part in events on the weekends, I eventually found the Run for Life Race in Battersea on the 7th May at 7.00 pm. The fact that the race is at 7.00pm is a bit worrying as I train in the morning and know I feel much better running in the morning, but I have taken the day off work and will relax and put my legs up as much as possible.

My race number and details arrived in the post and now it is all systems go. Do I feel ready? Yes. Do I have a time in mind? No, I'm going out there to do my best and that will, for now, be enough for me. Can I forsee myself doing a 10K race? Yes!