I’m going to run a 10k race in the Reggae Marathon in Negril, Jamaica – and you can enter to win the trip to come with me! It’s an amazing prize package with a stay at the beautiful Caves resort.
As I blogged earlier, I started running this summer. I’d always envied runners because it seems like a simple way to exercise, as well as a beautiful way to connect with the city (or country) you’re in. But I have to admit that for most of my life I’ve hated running.
Then I came across the technique of running s-l-o-w-l-y so that runners don’t injure themselves and also don’t get that gaspy out-of-breath feeling some of us associate with horrendous gym classes back when we were all wearing Olivia Newton-John-inspired wristbands. And I tried it out. I also started following, vaguely, the Couch 2 5k ™ programme in my own style, which went pretty much like this: Run past two bus stops; walk to the next bus stop; repeat. And it worked.
I think I’m a convert. Next post I’ll talk about my (changing) relationship to my (aging) body.
I’m also so excited about the Reggae Marathon and visiting Jamaica for the first time – as well a bit scared about running a 10k. I’ve worked up to running 7k over the last couple of months, but I’m not sure how I’ll handle the pace of a race (although my mantra is going to be “be a turtle.”)
So please:
1. Share your tips for staying motivated. Fear of falling on my face in Negril is pretty good motivation. So is the idea of running in Negril, Jamaica – it is going to be beautiful. But that doesn’t always penetrate my lazy brain at 5:30 am.
2. Share your training tips…please? I’ll be blogging about gear, training routines and routes and race prep. You can follow me/More on Twitter and Facebook to see how I’m doing, as well as right here on the blog. I would love it if we can get a community of women supporting each other in their fitness goals.
3. Any encouragement is much appreciated. I was not kidding about being scared!
4. Do not forget to enter the contest to come with me! You could end up right here: 
Jenn Gruden is the web editor for More.ca, and has been in love with the Internet since 1991. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
