I always hated Physical Education. It seemed to be the hour of the day where people were given an opportunity to laugh at my missed catches and awkward running style. It segregated people like no other class. The tan and fit popular people would be ever eager in their participation, oozing with confidence as they executed the correct technique in hitting a volleyball. It was a time for flirting and fun for those bright young things. Then there were a few of us, hanging in a dark corner, desperate not to be thrown the ball. Cringing when it showed any signs of coming near us. That was Physical Education to me, although I suspect I was seeing it through something like a bell jar, and nobody actually noticed my few dropped catches or missed attempts at goal. My fear was irrational and I knew it, it just wasn’t something I was able to overcome at school.
I started running after school and picked up tennis, which is now my greatest passion in life. Yet I still suffer occasional anxiety at being ‘seen’ during physical acitivity. Entering Run Melbourne wasn’t something I could have done in the past and I admit to tinges of fear as I entered this year. What a relief it was then to see what running in Australia is really like. Never before have I seen such a range of people all eager to give sport a go regardless of their body type, age, or fitness level. Visions of midriff-exposing runners vanished as I began to look around the crowd. The majority were casual runners, and they ranged from thin to fat, from young to old. The well-organised run went smoothly, I posted a decent time, and never once felt self-conscious. It was a confience booster to say the very least.
I say all this because I believe more people would exercise if they were not afraid of what others think. So here’s the truth: nobody cares. With that in mind, Spring Into Shape is coming up in Melbourne and it presents a fantastic opportunity to get fit and healthy in time for summer. Let’s face it, even the most confident of us get nervous at the prospect of stepping into swimmers for the first time. Spring Into Shape involves three organised runs around the Yarra River in Melbourne, roughly a month apart starting in September. There is a choice between the 4km, 8km, and 12km and you don’t need to enter the same distance each time. There is an emphasis on improving fitness with free testing available on the day. The aim is to improve with each race obviously with training in between. For commitment-phobes, (or busy people), you’ll be pleased to know that you can enter races individually. Runs start at $30 and series entrants recieve a free technical Brooks T-shirt. If none of that is enough to encourage you, free head and shoulder massages by Endota Spa will be available after the event.
I’m now a big advocate for sports and fitness. It certainly does wonders for your mind, self-esteem, and body. Running is something most people can do even if, like me, you think you’ll be bad at it. Chances are, you’ll do better than you think. Enter online or on the day. I’ll be down there. Renewed confidence and all.
Spring into Shape Melbourne 2010
Sunday 12 September, 24 October, 14 November
Upper Terrace, Birrarung Marr and Alexandra Gardens
4 or 8km run/walk, 12km run
