florencefifty, the long-distance runner.

My brother signed me up for a 10,000 metre race as part of a festival culminating in my city’s marathon.

I like the idea of running, but I am not very fit at all. Just then, I decided to start my training regime. I have two weeks to go… the cut-off time is generous, so chances are a brisk walk will be enough. However, I do want to try and run a good amount of it.

I wanted to get a feel for it, so I ran just under 400 metres and went for a walk around the block. Just 400 metres took it out of me, and I’m supposed to run 10,000 metres. I may die.

It’s going to be a lot of fun. Running in my beautiful city, with thousands of people and probably music blaring from the sidelines. However, the feeling of being out of breath after running is a little terrifying. People have done more with worse, though, so I’m sure I will be fine.

It’s actually quite interesting. One of the things I have noticed about myself is that I don’t actually hate being sick. It gives you something very specific to focus on: your recovery and taking care of yourself. Making sure you’re going to all of your follow-up appointments and taking your medications on time et cetera. It would be fun I took care of myself when I’m healthy too!

I’ve started listing, just in my head, the things I need to tick off while training for this race.

I’m going to have to see a doctor to check that I’m not going to overwork myself.

I’m going to have to do a little bit each day.

I’m going to have to register for the two community 5,000 metre “races”. I was going to sign up this week but forgot. I went to get milk and noticed that there was an apparent pilgrimage of people in activewear heading towards the park and I realised, the race was about to kick off.

I’ve made a rule for myself that if I’m not physically preparing, I have to be at least mentally preparing; looking at videos of how other runners train and what their technique is like. Looking at previous years et cetera.

As I mentioned, I may die, but I am looking forward to it. Florence Farah.