From Daydreams to Day 1: The Humorous Truth About Starting Real Training

Starting real training feels a lot like trying to find your car keys when you’re already late: you know you should have done it yesterday, but somehow today is the day you actually do it. After weeks, months, or even years of talking, planning, and promising yourself “next week,” Day 1 finally arrives. And let me tell you, it’s not exactly a Hollywood premiere. It’s honest, awkward, and sometimes downright funny — like tripping over your own shoelaces just as you’re about to make a grand entrance.

Today was my Day 1. Not just any Day 1, but the day I stopped dreaming and started showing up — like a puppy that finally learns to fetch (but still occasionally brings back a stick instead of a ball). The place? Congleton Parkrun. The mission? To build momentum, not break records — because let’s be real, I’m not here to set any Olympic records just yet! The goal? To raise £100,000 for Park Lane Special School by May 2027 through the Himalayan XTri challenge. But more on that later — stay tuned for the plot twist!

Let me take you through what Day 1 really looks like when you stop thinking and start doing — without the dramatic music and slow-motion shots.

The Difference Between Thinking and Doing

There’s a huge gap between thinking about getting back into training and actually starting. I’ve been on the “thinking” side for a while, like a cat contemplating whether to jump off the couch. You know the drill: planning the perfect schedule, buying new gear (that you might wear to the grocery store instead), telling everyone you’ll start next week, and then… well, next week never comes. It’s like a bad sequel that nobody asked for.

Day 1 is different. It’s the moment you lace up your shoes, step outside, and say, “Okay, here goes nothing.” No more excuses, no more waiting for motivation to magically appear like a genie in a bottle.

Reframing the Analogy

Simply being present and putting in the effort — it's akin to the dedication of a gardener nurturing their plants, but involves more physical exertion. The gardener must consistently tend to the soil, water the plants, and remove weeds, requiring both patience and physical labour.

If you read my first post back on 5 October 2025, you’ll know this journey is about more than just sport. The Himalayan XTri in May 2027 is the headline event, but the real purpose is raising £100,000 for Park Lane Special School. This money will fund sensory spaces that can genuinely change the day-to-day life for children with profound and complex needs. That’s what makes this journey meaningful and keeps me honest when the going gets tough — like a really tough piece of steak.

Congleton Parkrun: The Baseline, Not the Finish Line

I chose Congleton Parkrun for Day 1 because it’s simple, measurable, and flat — like my attempts at humour! It’s not about smashing a personal best or impressing anyone. It’s about setting a marker and starting a habit — like eating cake on your birthday, but without the guilt.

Here’s how it went:

• Distance: 4.96 km

• Time: 29:26

• Average Pace: 5:56/km

• Finished: 155

• Age Grade: 48.99%

• Conclusion: There's a lot of work to do...

The first kilometre felt like a slow “settle in” lap, like dipping your toes in cold water before a swim — except I forgot to bring a towel. Then I found a rhythm, and by the final kilometre, I was picking up the pace, like a kid who just spotted the ice cream truck. Exactly how I want these early sessions to go: controlled start, steady build, and a strong finish — preferably without tripping over my own feet.

Why Day 1 Matters More Than Motivation

Motivation is a fickle friend. It shows up when you least expect it and disappears just as quickly — like that one sock that always goes missing in the laundry. Momentum is the real game-changer. Momentum is built by doing the small, unglamorous sessions when no one is watching — except maybe your neighbour, who’s judging you from their window.

Today wasn’t about proving anything to anyone, least of all myself. It was about starting the process properly and sustainably. I have a life, a job, and a strong desire to stay injury-free. That means no crazy first week followed by a month of excuses — because let’s face it, I don’t want to be that person who buys a gym membership and only uses it on the 1st January...

Instead, I’m focusing on consistency. Showing up regularly, even when it’s hard or boring — like watching paint dry. Building momentum one honest session at a time, and hopefully avoiding any dramatic faceplants along the way!

The Humble Reality of Day 1

Let’s be honest: Day 1 is rarely perfect. You might feel slow, out of breath, or awkward — like a giraffe on roller skates. You might question why you started in the first place. That’s normal. It’s part of the process, like eating a whole pizza and regretting it later.

I’m not here to pretend my Day 1 was a triumphant sprint. It was a steady jog with a few moments of doubt and a lot of determination. And that’s okay — because we all know that every great journey starts with a first step, even if that first step is more of a shuffle.

Starting real training means embracing the humble reality that progress takes time. It means celebrating the small wins, like finishing a Parkrun without stopping or feeling your heart rate settle into a comfortable zone — like finding the remote control after it’s gone missing for days.

Building a Sustainable Habit

The key to long-term success is sustainability. I’m not chasing quick fixes or dramatic transformations — because who has the time for that? I’m building a habit that fits into my life and respects my limits — like knowing when to say no to a second slice of cake.

That means:

• Listening to my body to avoid injury (and the occasional chocolate binge)

• Balancing training with work and family commitments — because family dinners are a thing!

• Setting realistic goals that keep me motivated without overwhelming me — like not expecting to run a marathon tomorrow.

• Celebrating progress, no matter how small — because even a baby step counts!

This approach keeps me grounded and focused on the bigger picture: completing the Himalayan XTri and raising funds for a cause that matters — because who doesn’t love a good cause?

What’s Next After Day 1?

Day 1 is just the beginning. The real challenge is keeping the momentum going. That means showing up for Day 2, Day 3, and every day after that — like a persistent telemarketer, but hopefully with better results!

I’ll be sharing updates on my training progress, lessons learned, and the ups and downs of this journey. Hopefully, my honest and sometimes humorous take on starting real training will inspire others to stop dreaming and start doing too — because if I can do it, anyone can! And who knows, maybe we’ll all find our car keys along the way!