The importance of training (and how I learned the hard way)

Having recently completed the Run North West Wilmslow Festive 10k it struck me how important training is, both inside and outside of business.

When I commit I just don't quit

I've been taking part in this local event since 2018. It's a brilliant day out, full of people dressed up in daft Christmas costumes, all running for good causes. Usually, I'd start my training months in advance but I've had a few injury setbacks recently and lots of family drama. I just couldn't get in the zone.

Me, before the race, oblivious to the hell ahead

Even though I was barely able to drag myself to 5k I foolishly thought it would be fine on the day and I'd just dig deep. How wrong I was.

I've never felt so tired in my life. Haha. I ended up being veeeery slow, stopping and starting, forcing my friends to wait in the rain for me to finish. Thank you, boys!

But I had to remember what I was jeffing for: my friends and family who've been through so much this year. I may not have been the fastest and it certainly wasn't pretty, but I'm proud to say I did it!

What being slow taught me about training

When I was running in my twenties I could just rock up and knock out 10k with very minimal training. These days, everything needs a little more effort. And I don't just mean in the race. In the run up to the event I was in talks about a couple of copywriting contracts both of which were slightly out of my comfort zone.

I've always been of the opinion that if I can't do something I'll just learn how. I'm a clever girl and I can figure stuff out. But if you're learning something for the first time and your competitor has been doing it for months, you'll always get left behind (and feel a bit of an idiot in the process).

Told you, it wasn't pretty ;-)

If you don't use it, you lose it

There are certain tools, such as Canva, I've started using only recently in my day-to-day business.

I wish now that I'd set aside time to learn more over the last couple of years to make sure I have a headstart when opportunities present themselves.

While I'm not a social media manager, I do write strategy, concepts and copy for social media campaigns all the time for my clients. So, knowing my way around these packages is incredibly useful.

Luckily, I'm a fast learner and I got up to speed pretty swiftly but I'll definitely be dedicating more time to training in both my personal and professional life. I want to feel ready for the road ahead. And it's bound to have a few twists and turns.

Still lapping everyone on the couch

In my defence, at least I got out of bed on a rainy morning and made it happen. It can be incredibly hard to fit training in (and fund it) when you're a freelance writer. There's always a balance between working to pay the bills and taking time out for self development.

I did complete the race, but I could have finished stronger, faster and ahead of many others if I'd put in the time leading up to it. I'm taking this as a lesson to my future self!

On a side note...

I did a horrendous job of fundraising this year. I just wasn't sure I'd even take part until the actual day and didn't want to let my charity down. My Just Giving page is still open if you'd like to donate: https://www.justgiving.com/page/victoria-green-2

I chose The Christie Cancer Charity as our family practically lived here for 12 years and they were very good to us. Promise I'll try harder next year!