Two days ago I downloaded the audiobook version of Christopher McDougall’s Born to Run to occupy my hour-long commute to uni. I wanted something outdoorsey-adventurey to remind me of the great big world beyond law books and inspire me to push on through my last couple of months in education. Perhaps I’ll reward myself with some crazy exploit in July-August, I thought, which will give me an incentive to work hard in the meantime.

I won’t review the book now as I’m only halfway through, but it’s good. So good, in fact, that today I accidentally ran a half marathon.

I enjoy running but rarely get round to doing it; I’ve only been once since February. Like anything, I think it’s about getting in the habit. I have a feeling that will change – having listened to the book, I’ve realised that I should run for running’s sake, not specifically to get faster or fitter. That way it’s not a chore.

Today I did that. I let myself enjoy each step the way a child enjoys aimlessly tearing around a playground, and didn’t beat myself up for not hitting sub-five minute kilometres. I planned to run from Winchester to Alresford via the back roads, about 8 miles. I think the furthest I’ve run before is about 10 miles, and that was a long time ago for a one-off charity event.

The first 2-3 miles were a breeze and I enjoyed not focusing on achieving a “good” pace. I felt a blister heat spot about 4 miles in but didn’t want to stop running, so ignored it. Miles 4-7 were probably the toughest, but then I realised that it had got easier – I had settled into a rhythm and wasn’t struggling despite the hills. My breathing was slow, the blister had eased (or gone numb) and my legs moved (almost) effortlessly. Perhaps I had got over the “wall” that runners go on about.

I felt so at ease that I decided to extend the run, first to 10 miles, then, when I still felt good, to 13.1 – a half marathon. I find that when I have a finite endpoint the last bit is tough, so the last half mile was a bit of a slog. Nevertheless I think I could have kept going, but I wanted to get to an exhibition that closed at 4pm (which was well worth it – How Many Elephants). I did it in 1hr55 and averaged 5mins 28secs per kilometre – not my best pace as I like to stick as close to 5-minute kilometres as possible, but I don’t mind as I didn’t expect to run that far.

To conclude (in a rush, as I’m already late for my plans), please go running. It took me 1hr 55mins to fall in love. Let yourself enjoy it, go as fast and as far as you feel like going, and realise that you’re capable of more than you think. Book review to follow…