Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Still Feeling Rough
I've not made it into work yet this week which is rather unfortunate as I was supposed to be doing some urgent work as my last week in my current job (I join the other team next week and will be expected to pick up work).
I just couldn't wake up this morning. I heard my alarm go off but couldn't move. I felt as though I was drugged but all I had was a lemsip last night. (Athough I hate lemsips, they are vile! MUST have been the lemsip...DEATH to lemsips...)
I still feel really out of sorts, and have a cough which I really hope isn't going to go to my chest. I suppose I shouldn't have made myself walk 3 1/2 miles last night... I just hate not being able to exercise, especially when I have a schedule. It sucks being ill!
What I'd like to know though is how come I don't seem to lose my appetite, especially for chocolate!?!
I just couldn't wake up this morning. I heard my alarm go off but couldn't move. I felt as though I was drugged but all I had was a lemsip last night. (Athough I hate lemsips, they are vile! MUST have been the lemsip...DEATH to lemsips...)
I still feel really out of sorts, and have a cough which I really hope isn't going to go to my chest. I suppose I shouldn't have made myself walk 3 1/2 miles last night... I just hate not being able to exercise, especially when I have a schedule. It sucks being ill!
What I'd like to know though is how come I don't seem to lose my appetite, especially for chocolate!?!
Sunday, January 28, 2007
Feeling Like **** Again!!
Bleurgh, I am full of cold again! I do not beleive this! I feel like **** and any exercise is out of the question. This week's totals consist of 50 minutes on my cross trainer, a 3 1/2 mile walk and slow 4 1/2 mile jog. That's it.
Mum has a theory that it's because I tend to go running late. She reckons that when you go out in the cold air and breath through your nose, the blood vessels in your nose warm the air before it gets to your lungs. But when you run, you breathe more deeply and end up breathing through your nose, thus injecting a blast of chilled, unwarmed-by-human-nose air straight into your lungs...
...she had a riding lesson yesterday and now feels like John Wayne... I've not felt well since turning 37, maybe it is a sign...
On a lighter note, my entry into the Belvoir Challenge has been confirmed; Stephanie Cooke All I need to do now is recover and get back into a routine...
Mum has a theory that it's because I tend to go running late. She reckons that when you go out in the cold air and breath through your nose, the blood vessels in your nose warm the air before it gets to your lungs. But when you run, you breathe more deeply and end up breathing through your nose, thus injecting a blast of chilled, unwarmed-by-human-nose air straight into your lungs...
...she had a riding lesson yesterday and now feels like John Wayne... I've not felt well since turning 37, maybe it is a sign...
On a lighter note, my entry into the Belvoir Challenge has been confirmed; Stephanie Cooke All I need to do now is recover and get back into a routine...
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Happy Birthday To Me!!
I am now 37 years old.... bu**er! Where did all those years go?? I can't be 37... I don't feel 37, I still feel about 17... so many things I want to do and it feels like I am running out of time!
Feel a bit out of sorts today, wrong-time-of-the-month-y and have that horrid 'face achey' and tight chest feeling which usually indicates a cold. My mobile died last Friday; phone company were supposed to deliver a new one but it still hasn't come, despite staying late at work last night waiting! I've cancelled it, and am going to get one from Tesco instead.
I really wanted it for today. Ah well!
Going out later so no swimming this week. Did an hour on my small cross trainer last night watching Dr Gillian (it's not a brilliant piece of kit but does build up a sweat!)
At the moment though I just want to go bed!
Feel a bit out of sorts today, wrong-time-of-the-month-y and have that horrid 'face achey' and tight chest feeling which usually indicates a cold. My mobile died last Friday; phone company were supposed to deliver a new one but it still hasn't come, despite staying late at work last night waiting! I've cancelled it, and am going to get one from Tesco instead.
I really wanted it for today. Ah well!
Going out later so no swimming this week. Did an hour on my small cross trainer last night watching Dr Gillian (it's not a brilliant piece of kit but does build up a sweat!)
At the moment though I just want to go bed!
Monday, January 22, 2007
My Home Is A Building Site
Literally! The Building company who own these flats have decided we need a 'makeover' and UVPC windows and double glazing... It will be a lot better when it's done, they just don't seem to communicate all that well, and we have a lovely array of scaffolding for who knows how long...
The eagle eyed amongst you may just be able to spot Lucky in the picture!
The eagle eyed amongst you may just be able to spot Lucky in the picture!New Weekly Totals
Right, weekly totals are in!
Running
6 miles fairly brisk
7 1/2 miles fairly slow
5.5 miles speedwork, between 6mph and 7.5 mph (over two gym sessions)
Trying to build up to long runs again
Swimming
66 lengths
Gym
40 minutes elliptical
40 minutes stepper 20 minutes bike
10 minutes rower
14 minutes walking up incline on treadmill
(All over two sessions)
I don't know how much I'll get done this week though... It's my birthday Wednesday (would rather forget!!) and as I am such a popular (yeah right!) person I am going to have to eat out Wednesday and Friday... and possibly drink Friday too... God it's going to be tough!
Katie is home on study leave or whatever it is students do (or don't) so may get my swimming lesson at some point...
In the meantime the PMT monster is raising it's ugly head and FORCING me to eat loads of chocolate...
Running
6 miles fairly brisk
7 1/2 miles fairly slow
5.5 miles speedwork, between 6mph and 7.5 mph (over two gym sessions)
Trying to build up to long runs again
Swimming
66 lengths
Gym
40 minutes elliptical
40 minutes stepper 20 minutes bike
10 minutes rower
14 minutes walking up incline on treadmill
(All over two sessions)
I don't know how much I'll get done this week though... It's my birthday Wednesday (would rather forget!!) and as I am such a popular (yeah right!) person I am going to have to eat out Wednesday and Friday... and possibly drink Friday too... God it's going to be tough!
Katie is home on study leave or whatever it is students do (or don't) so may get my swimming lesson at some point...
In the meantime the PMT monster is raising it's ugly head and FORCING me to eat loads of chocolate...
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
In The Swim Again
Tonight I walked down to the swimming baths and back (about 3 miles?) and then did 66 lengths... quite slowly... my front crawl, quite frankly, resembles a kind of doggy paddle, I don't even out my face in the water so end up with a crick in the neck! I'm going to have to get serious, luckily Katie is home soon and has promised me a lesson... in return for a McDonalds!
I want her to turn me into a powerful swimming machine with oodles of stamina- maybe I'd better throw in a Burger King as well!!
Busy at work at the mo, trying to finish stuff off before I leave my old team- manage to have a good laugh with my colleagues- I'd like to know, however, why all our conversations eventually end up around wind and bowel habits...
I want her to turn me into a powerful swimming machine with oodles of stamina- maybe I'd better throw in a Burger King as well!!
Busy at work at the mo, trying to finish stuff off before I leave my old team- manage to have a good laugh with my colleagues- I'd like to know, however, why all our conversations eventually end up around wind and bowel habits...
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Can't Teach An Old Dog New Tricks
I promised (threatened) to take some pics of mum's dogs in their new coats...
Me and little sis Katie took them round Watermead Country Park on Sunday for a 40 minute stroll. We couldn't stay out longer as Alex isn't up to his full strength; the vet says he is only operating on half a kidney, so any time he has left is a bonus.
Watermead is about 10 minutes drive away and is basically a series of lakes connected by paths... quite good for jogging except it tends to get very busy with cyclists and dog walkers. The sun was setting as we were walking back to the car;
Below is Gemma wearing her coat- you may not be able to tell, but it has a hood!
...and here is Alex in his doggy 'jumper'... very fetching!!
Me and little sis Katie took them round Watermead Country Park on Sunday for a 40 minute stroll. We couldn't stay out longer as Alex isn't up to his full strength; the vet says he is only operating on half a kidney, so any time he has left is a bonus.
Watermead is about 10 minutes drive away and is basically a series of lakes connected by paths... quite good for jogging except it tends to get very busy with cyclists and dog walkers. The sun was setting as we were walking back to the car;
Below is Gemma wearing her coat- you may not be able to tell, but it has a hood!
...and here is Alex in his doggy 'jumper'... very fetching!!
Monday, January 15, 2007
I Have A New Hip Bag!
I have treated myself to a new hip bag with my Christmas dosh! I popped into Blacks and picked up a Lifeventure Base Runner 1. It was a toss up between one with 1 or 2 water bottles, but thought that I am more likely to just use one. Most of the events I do have water stations, I am only likely to need two bottles if I go out for a run in very hot weather. Come on, this is the UK!!! There are two zip pockets just perfect for storing gels or energy bars.
This is it- beautiful eh!
Right, weekly exercise totals... woohoo...
Run
5 miles with light back pack
Approx 5.7 miles in the gym over two sessions, at least 9 minutes at 6mph, fastest speed 8mph.
Walk
40 minutes slow walking
40 minutes fairly brisk walking (with the dogs)
Swim
64 lengths- 1 mile- fairly slowly
Gym
40 minutes stepper
40 minutes elliptical (brisk)
7 minutes inclination work on treadmill (walking uphill!)
20 minutes bike
10 minutes rower
All over two sessions, plus strength training
Odds 'n' sods
10 minutes dancing (!)
30 minutes on mini stepper watching Gillian McKeith also known as the 'Poo Doctor' as she likes to, erm, examine people's poo. Lovely. And I moan about my job!!
This is it- beautiful eh!
Right, weekly exercise totals... woohoo...
Run
5 miles with light back pack
Approx 5.7 miles in the gym over two sessions, at least 9 minutes at 6mph, fastest speed 8mph.
Walk
40 minutes slow walking
40 minutes fairly brisk walking (with the dogs)
Swim
64 lengths- 1 mile- fairly slowly
Gym
40 minutes stepper
40 minutes elliptical (brisk)
7 minutes inclination work on treadmill (walking uphill!)
20 minutes bike
10 minutes rower
All over two sessions, plus strength training
Odds 'n' sods
10 minutes dancing (!)
30 minutes on mini stepper watching Gillian McKeith also known as the 'Poo Doctor' as she likes to, erm, examine people's poo. Lovely. And I moan about my job!!
Sunday, January 14, 2007
NOT A Good Day Yesterday...
I ate loads of chocolate yesterday... and crisps... don't know why, I just had a craving for them. I was baaaad. I was going to run last night, but could only raise a waddling walk.
I have been to the gym today though and did a lot more work at 6mph on the treadmill then got up to 8mph for 30 secs! There were loads of new bods there, I suppose they should be applauded for taking responsibility for their health, but it's tough when you can't get on the equipment you need, especially as we are still down to 3 treadmills and 1 elliptical. Ah well, stop moaning!!!
My mate texted me whilst I was there, and when I told her where I was, she replied "You're so motivated!" Funny thing, motivation. I think it helps to build the exercise into your routine so that you are used to doing it. I'm not a saint, it would be so much easier to think 'I'm too busy to go to the gym' or 'I feel really tired, I need more sleep instead', but I know that if I don't make myself go, I will feel so bad and probably won't get much done anyway.
It is often tough to motivate myself to leave my warm house in an evening to pound the streets, especially when it's freezing! But I know that the hardest part is getting through the door. Once you have done that, the rest is easy. I often bargain with myself by saying, 'I'll just go out and do a little bit', and quite often find that once I am out there, I have a really good session. And I feel so much better about myself once I have done it.
After all, I can honestly say that I have never once regretted making the effort to go to the gym, or thought 'I wish I hadn't gone for that run'...
I have been to the gym today though and did a lot more work at 6mph on the treadmill then got up to 8mph for 30 secs! There were loads of new bods there, I suppose they should be applauded for taking responsibility for their health, but it's tough when you can't get on the equipment you need, especially as we are still down to 3 treadmills and 1 elliptical. Ah well, stop moaning!!!
My mate texted me whilst I was there, and when I told her where I was, she replied "You're so motivated!" Funny thing, motivation. I think it helps to build the exercise into your routine so that you are used to doing it. I'm not a saint, it would be so much easier to think 'I'm too busy to go to the gym' or 'I feel really tired, I need more sleep instead', but I know that if I don't make myself go, I will feel so bad and probably won't get much done anyway.
It is often tough to motivate myself to leave my warm house in an evening to pound the streets, especially when it's freezing! But I know that the hardest part is getting through the door. Once you have done that, the rest is easy. I often bargain with myself by saying, 'I'll just go out and do a little bit', and quite often find that once I am out there, I have a really good session. And I feel so much better about myself once I have done it.
After all, I can honestly say that I have never once regretted making the effort to go to the gym, or thought 'I wish I hadn't gone for that run'...
Friday, January 12, 2007
Thank God It's Friday!
Thank God it's Friday, I am sooo tired!!! Possibly the combination of getting back into my training routine and talking to my mate quite late as she has a hot date and required a bit of bolstering, bless her! Had a good sesh at the gym last night (no, sadly the elliptical trainer is not fixed, but managed to get on the other one ok). It was quite busy with New Year's Resolutioners plus lots of old faces.
I have tried a different tack on the treadmill; previously I ran for 30 minutes ranging from 4.7 mph to 7.5 mph but most of that time was spent under 6 mph. I have decided to use the treadmill to try to do some faster work, so spend quite a lot of time at 6mph, which I figure is a 10 minute mile if my maths aren't completely out, which they probably are come to think of it. I will gradually build on this.
Below are the contents of my sample pack from High 5. Can't wait to try them out!
I have tried a different tack on the treadmill; previously I ran for 30 minutes ranging from 4.7 mph to 7.5 mph but most of that time was spent under 6 mph. I have decided to use the treadmill to try to do some faster work, so spend quite a lot of time at 6mph, which I figure is a 10 minute mile if my maths aren't completely out, which they probably are come to think of it. I will gradually build on this.
Below are the contents of my sample pack from High 5. Can't wait to try them out!
I have listed the events I want to enter this year until March;
February
Sunday 18th; Tamworth Heart 10K
Saturday 24th; Belvoir Challenge
March
Sunday 4th; Norton 9 (miles)
Saturday 10th; Grindleford Gallop (21 mile walk)
Sarurday 24th; Charnwood Marathon (27 mile walk)
Saturday 31st; Kiplings Kaper (no idea!!)
Subject to change, hmm March looks very busy... I'm very lucky that they are all nicely spaced out and not all on the same day which usually happens to me!
I went to the Doctor's today to get some forms for a blood test; I had a health check some time ago and they advised me to have one once a year as type 2 Diabetes is on both sides of the family (grandparents). He asked me questions about my lifestyle, took my blood pressure- and then announced that he doesn't think I need the tests. He said that I have done very well to lose 3 stone in two years, and as I eat a basically healthy diet and exercise lots, he feels that I am really not at risk! Made my day!!
Rest day to day (thank God says body)...
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Really Good Night
Had a good session last night, I quite impressed myself! I walked to the swimming baths (about 25 minutes), swam 64 lengths- a mile- albeit slowly, put my swimming gear in a rucksack and jogged quite a fast 5 miles! Suffice to say my colleagues think I'm nuts!!
My swimming style is still like doggy paddle meets front crawl, so little sis has agreed to give me my first lesson next week...
My colleague, Meryl, has given me application forms for another couple of races. I will make a list of events I plan to do this year, or at least the first few months of this year.
The sample pack from High 5 came yesterday, pretty impressive as I only posted for it Monday. There are 4 sachets of carb powder to try, plus an energy gel, so when I start longer runs I will give them all a try! (Well, maybe not all at once...)
Right, off to the gym now, I really hope they have fixed the elliptical trainer...
My swimming style is still like doggy paddle meets front crawl, so little sis has agreed to give me my first lesson next week...
My colleague, Meryl, has given me application forms for another couple of races. I will make a list of events I plan to do this year, or at least the first few months of this year.
The sample pack from High 5 came yesterday, pretty impressive as I only posted for it Monday. There are 4 sachets of carb powder to try, plus an energy gel, so when I start longer runs I will give them all a try! (Well, maybe not all at once...)
Right, off to the gym now, I really hope they have fixed the elliptical trainer...
Monday, January 08, 2007
Weekly Work Out Totals!
Yeah, I know I said I was going to post these yesterday... I kind of got side tracked! Mum text me to ask if I'd walk her dogs with her. She has two- Alex, a Cocker Spaniel, and Gemma, a Yorkshire Terrier- I'll post photos of them sometime.
Technically Gemma belongs to little sis Katie, and to my horror I discovered she'd put her in a purple t-shirt- a proper doggy one, complete with sleeves for her front legs! If that wasn't bad enough, it said "If you think I'm cute, you should see my mom!"
Alex has not been well. He's 9 now, and is suffering from kidney failure- he's on tablets and a special diet and has lost a lot of weight. Mum is so concerned about him getting a cold in his kidneys that she has bought him a red fleecy jumper. We must have looked a sight. I was quite releived when she let them off the lead and I could try to pretend they weren't with us! I'm going to have to get a photo.
Where was I- I digress! Oh yeah- workout totals! First time I've done this... let's see...
Running
3 1/2 miles on road, slow
51/2 miles cross country, slow
Total of 5 miles on treadmill, ranging from 4.7 mph to 7 mph
Gym
40 minutes elliptical trainer
40 minutes stepper
22 1/2 minutes bike
10 minutes rower
5 minutes inclination work on treadmill (walking)
Two rounds of strength training
Totals over 2 gym visits
Other
Walk approx 5 miles
That's not bad I suppose for the first week back after Christmas/ New year/ lurgy. This week I aim to build up at the gym- instead of running on the treadmill at 4.7 mph and gradually increasing it up to 6 mph and then having bursts up to 7 mph, I aim to do more at 6 mph and above, to increase speed.
I will also build up the running to include at least one 6 mile run, and go swimming.
I have found a site for energy bars- Hi Five. For those in the UK they offer a sample pack of gels/ bars worth £5.50 for a £1 SAE. I have never really used energy bars/ drinks before but think I am going to have to if I am to do more serious stuff. I guess it's just a matter of trying them out to see what suits me.
Whilst in New York, I picked up a delicious Snickers Marathon sports bar, but I don't think I can get them in the UK, which is a shame.
I noticed before that when I went to the gym in the morning, I often felt exhausted and 'running on empty' so yesterday I tried eating a banana before I went and a few pieces of Snickers sports bar during the work out, think it helped. I am going to have to get a lot more knowledgable about all this stuff!
Technically Gemma belongs to little sis Katie, and to my horror I discovered she'd put her in a purple t-shirt- a proper doggy one, complete with sleeves for her front legs! If that wasn't bad enough, it said "If you think I'm cute, you should see my mom!"
Alex has not been well. He's 9 now, and is suffering from kidney failure- he's on tablets and a special diet and has lost a lot of weight. Mum is so concerned about him getting a cold in his kidneys that she has bought him a red fleecy jumper. We must have looked a sight. I was quite releived when she let them off the lead and I could try to pretend they weren't with us! I'm going to have to get a photo.
Where was I- I digress! Oh yeah- workout totals! First time I've done this... let's see...
Running
3 1/2 miles on road, slow
51/2 miles cross country, slow
Total of 5 miles on treadmill, ranging from 4.7 mph to 7 mph
Gym
40 minutes elliptical trainer
40 minutes stepper
22 1/2 minutes bike
10 minutes rower
5 minutes inclination work on treadmill (walking)
Two rounds of strength training
Totals over 2 gym visits
Other
Walk approx 5 miles
That's not bad I suppose for the first week back after Christmas/ New year/ lurgy. This week I aim to build up at the gym- instead of running on the treadmill at 4.7 mph and gradually increasing it up to 6 mph and then having bursts up to 7 mph, I aim to do more at 6 mph and above, to increase speed.
I will also build up the running to include at least one 6 mile run, and go swimming.
I have found a site for energy bars- Hi Five. For those in the UK they offer a sample pack of gels/ bars worth £5.50 for a £1 SAE. I have never really used energy bars/ drinks before but think I am going to have to if I am to do more serious stuff. I guess it's just a matter of trying them out to see what suits me.
Whilst in New York, I picked up a delicious Snickers Marathon sports bar, but I don't think I can get them in the UK, which is a shame.
I noticed before that when I went to the gym in the morning, I often felt exhausted and 'running on empty' so yesterday I tried eating a banana before I went and a few pieces of Snickers sports bar during the work out, think it helped. I am going to have to get a lot more knowledgable about all this stuff!
Saturday, January 06, 2007
Success!
Yay, I have finally managed to work out how to link to other blogs I am reading and which are a source of inspiration and encouragement!
More to follow...
More to follow...
First Cross Country Run of the Year
I've just been out for a cross country run, my usual 5 1/2 miles (I'm guessing) round the next two villages. It rained the whole way and as my route goes through fields parts of it were really muddy. I found myself doing little baby steps just to keep from slipping over.
Slight feeling in Achilles but nothing major, and it went off as soon as I got home. Tomorrow I will post a kind of log of training done this week, which is a first for me!
Off now for a lovely long soak in a hot bath, ready to pick my mate up up to go to the pics- she wanted to see some kiddies comedy Christmassy thingy but I managed to persuade her that she reaaaly wanted to see 'Eragon'...
Slight feeling in Achilles but nothing major, and it went off as soon as I got home. Tomorrow I will post a kind of log of training done this week, which is a first for me!
Off now for a lovely long soak in a hot bath, ready to pick my mate up up to go to the pics- she wanted to see some kiddies comedy Christmassy thingy but I managed to persuade her that she reaaaly wanted to see 'Eragon'...
Friday, January 05, 2007
On The Treadmill Again..
First session back at the gym last night! I thought it might be packed out, but it wasn't too bad, a few new faces. Unfortunately half the equipment was out of order- well, maybe a slight exaggeration, a treadmill, a stepper and one of the ellipticals.
Which was a real bummer as I like the ellipticles, they form a large part of my training, and as there are only two, this meant we were down to one. I use them for 20 minutes, but everybody else seemed to stay on it for at least 45! I really hope that they have the other one fixed for Sunday, right, moan over!
I didn't do a full work out as still easing myself back in after Christmas/ New Year/ Illness, so did 24/ 25 minutes running, top speed 6.5 miles per hour, 20 minutes on the stepper, power level 9/10, 20 minutes on the elliptical (eventually!!), 12 minutes on the bike at power level 9, 5 minutes on the rower plus a round of the weights.
Oh, I have received my race number and chip for the Tamworth Heart 10K! I am number 1221, ha, easy to remember! The race numbers are cool- black and red! A work colleague gave me an entry form for the Rushcliffe 10K, it's not on the web yet. This is the one where we both PB'd last year as it was sooo cold! I remember we were all waiting for the start, and it was so freezing everybody was trying to huddle in a marquee next to the start rather than line up behind the start line. We heard another runner asking his mate "Is Charlie running today?" "No mate" his friend replied, "He's broke his leg!" Me and my colleague both looked at each other and said- "That's no excuse!!"
Must remember to post of my entry for the Belvoir Challenge, aka the Big Boggy...
Which was a real bummer as I like the ellipticles, they form a large part of my training, and as there are only two, this meant we were down to one. I use them for 20 minutes, but everybody else seemed to stay on it for at least 45! I really hope that they have the other one fixed for Sunday, right, moan over!
I didn't do a full work out as still easing myself back in after Christmas/ New Year/ Illness, so did 24/ 25 minutes running, top speed 6.5 miles per hour, 20 minutes on the stepper, power level 9/10, 20 minutes on the elliptical (eventually!!), 12 minutes on the bike at power level 9, 5 minutes on the rower plus a round of the weights.
Oh, I have received my race number and chip for the Tamworth Heart 10K! I am number 1221, ha, easy to remember! The race numbers are cool- black and red! A work colleague gave me an entry form for the Rushcliffe 10K, it's not on the web yet. This is the one where we both PB'd last year as it was sooo cold! I remember we were all waiting for the start, and it was so freezing everybody was trying to huddle in a marquee next to the start rather than line up behind the start line. We heard another runner asking his mate "Is Charlie running today?" "No mate" his friend replied, "He's broke his leg!" Me and my colleague both looked at each other and said- "That's no excuse!!"
Must remember to post of my entry for the Belvoir Challenge, aka the Big Boggy...
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
Gosh, This Year's Going Fast!
...it's the 3rd already! I really want to make great strides this year (literally as well as metaphorically!)
I went for a run last night. Just a little one, as I tend to try to overdo things if I've not ran for a while. I did a nice, slow 3 1/2 miles with no knee or Achilles pain. I had an appointment in the next town tonight to have my eyebrows shaped and brows and lashes tinted, so I walked there- possibly about 5 miles altogether. Although it's next to the main road, it's quite a nice walk.
I think I will go back to the gym tomorrow, haven't been since before Christmas thanks to my cold/ cough. I have a feeling it will be packed out with New Years resolutioners! That always happens... it's packed to the rafters in January and then things die down around March time.
It's a shame when people give up on their goals, but I can't help thinking that so many people make their resolutions to get fit/ lose weight etc and then launch themselves into a totally unsustainable regime- such as going to the gym every day when they have not exercised before!
I think they would be far better trying to change one thing, ie resolving to go for a 20 minute walk twice a week with their partner/ friend/ dog, and then gradually building in more changes. Plus it has to be something they will enjoy doing- if you hate slogging your guts out at the gym, I'm sorry but you are just not going to stick to it! It's not for everybody- so just find what you do enjoy- that 20 minute walk through the park in your lunch break, or a regular cycle ride with your kids.
I have managed to make exercise a part of my life and so it is quite often more painful for me not to exercise. Some of my friends think I take my exercise to the extreme and I think they are worried I am a bit obsessive. Maybe. But the primary motivator isn't to lose weight (although that's a bonus!) My motivator is the fact that I love endurance challenges, and want to do more and more of them. It stands to reason that if I want to attempt a 26 mile in a day challenge walk, a Himalayan trek, an Ironman or even the Marathon des Sables, I have got to be a lot fitter than the average person, and will have to do a lot more training.
Two of my colleagues ran the New Year's Eve 10K I didn't do, and both had good races. One PB'd at 1 hour 11 minutes, and the other finished in 1 hour 5 minutes, which is fantastic as it was her first 10K. I have entered the Tamworth Heart 10K on February 18th (my stepdad's birthday!) I ran it last year in a time of 1 hour 11 minutes so am aiming to beat that- although it is a different route this year which may make a difference?
I went for a run last night. Just a little one, as I tend to try to overdo things if I've not ran for a while. I did a nice, slow 3 1/2 miles with no knee or Achilles pain. I had an appointment in the next town tonight to have my eyebrows shaped and brows and lashes tinted, so I walked there- possibly about 5 miles altogether. Although it's next to the main road, it's quite a nice walk.
I think I will go back to the gym tomorrow, haven't been since before Christmas thanks to my cold/ cough. I have a feeling it will be packed out with New Years resolutioners! That always happens... it's packed to the rafters in January and then things die down around March time.
It's a shame when people give up on their goals, but I can't help thinking that so many people make their resolutions to get fit/ lose weight etc and then launch themselves into a totally unsustainable regime- such as going to the gym every day when they have not exercised before!
I think they would be far better trying to change one thing, ie resolving to go for a 20 minute walk twice a week with their partner/ friend/ dog, and then gradually building in more changes. Plus it has to be something they will enjoy doing- if you hate slogging your guts out at the gym, I'm sorry but you are just not going to stick to it! It's not for everybody- so just find what you do enjoy- that 20 minute walk through the park in your lunch break, or a regular cycle ride with your kids.
I have managed to make exercise a part of my life and so it is quite often more painful for me not to exercise. Some of my friends think I take my exercise to the extreme and I think they are worried I am a bit obsessive. Maybe. But the primary motivator isn't to lose weight (although that's a bonus!) My motivator is the fact that I love endurance challenges, and want to do more and more of them. It stands to reason that if I want to attempt a 26 mile in a day challenge walk, a Himalayan trek, an Ironman or even the Marathon des Sables, I have got to be a lot fitter than the average person, and will have to do a lot more training.
Two of my colleagues ran the New Year's Eve 10K I didn't do, and both had good races. One PB'd at 1 hour 11 minutes, and the other finished in 1 hour 5 minutes, which is fantastic as it was her first 10K. I have entered the Tamworth Heart 10K on February 18th (my stepdad's birthday!) I ran it last year in a time of 1 hour 11 minutes so am aiming to beat that- although it is a different route this year which may make a difference?
Monday, January 01, 2007
Shiny New 2007!!!
A very happy shiny new 2007 to everybody! Had a headache today which I think must have been due to blocked sinuses and most definitely not due to the lager and wine I drank last night!
Well, it’s that time I suppose… the time to gather my thoughts and plan my goals for the coming 12 months…
Here goes;
Well, it’s that time I suppose… the time to gather my thoughts and plan my goals for the coming 12 months…
Here goes;
- I will have undertaken the Belvoir Challenge in a faster time than before
- I will have undertaken the Charnwood Challenge in a faster time than before
- I will have undertaken at least one Triathlon. There is a local sprint Triathlon around May I might aim for
- Will have undertaken the Barrow Classic 10 in a faster time than before
- To run a sub 60 minutes 10K!
- Will have undertaken a half marathon race, not sure which one yet though
- I will undertake the 56 mile Bullock Smithy Hike this year- had to withdraw last year due to a chest infection
- Will have undertaken a trekking holiday in Morocco, and climbed Mount Toukbal; this is booked for June this year!!!
- I will keep a training log, something I have never done before. I will also try to work out how to link to other blogs down the side of the screen- I can’t do it!
- I will get to a weight I am happy with, and tone my body. Rather than have a specific weight in mind, I will see how I feel, after all muscle weighs more than fat.
EVENTS ACHIEVED IN 2006 - Completed the Belvoir Challenge in a faster time than in 2005
- Completed 3 10k races, fastest time 1 hour 1 minute 14 seconds (it was bloody cold! We all did a pb I think…)
- Completed the 10 mile Barrow Classic in really hot conditions
- Completed 5 walks of 26 miles or more in a day
- Completed the 15 mile Seagrave Wolds Challenge… as a runner!
Oh, I also managed to lose a stone in weight…
…I also have a little confession… I have requested an application pack for the 2009 Marathon des Sables… yes, absolutely stark raving crazy… besides, I would have to send a deposit for £500 which I haven’t got, so probably nothing will come of it- but what if…??
