Couch to PhD

New year, new you.

I have never been naturally sporty but know that as I get older it will become increasingly important to be physically active.

Of course, I regularly walk the dog twice a day but apparently, although good for you, this is not enough to become and maintain physical fitness.  My friends tell me it's important to become breathless during physical exercise, at least three times a week.

I've been aware of this for some time but had done nothing about it. 

Last summer however, I was inspired by the #thisgirlcan campaign seeking to encourage women to take part in sport.  I think it was knowing you didn't need to look perfect (I don't) or be fit (I'm not) or always need to leave the house with hair and make-up done (you don't?).

I'd often fancied the idea of opening the front door and just running (think Forrest Gump).  So, I downloaded an app "Couch to 5K" and gradually was able to run further and further.

Now, I can run for 30 minutes without stopping, which I'm quite proud of.

I'm still a fair-weather runner and need little to dissuade me from going for a run.  It very often goes to the bottom of my priority list.  But when I'm actually running - the endorphins, the loud music, the adrenalin all add up to create a good feeling.

I do actually find myself wanting to go for a run, rather than thinking I should go for a run.  Which for me, is great progress.

I decided that running is actually a very good activity for a PhD student.  It gives me time to think, it clears my head and it releases all the stress and anxiety I have about my PhD.  I'm often bogged down in articles and books considering other people's theories and trying to come up with my own.

Can I come?

Doing a PhD is very much like running a marathon.  You're in it for the long haul, you can't see the finish line and you may look a bit of a wally throughout the process.  However, by the time you've finished you're changed into somebody better. 

So, the best advice is simple - just keep going.