Sunday, June 28, 2009
A Productive Weekend!
This has been quite a productive weekend! I thought it was about time I went for a decent length walk/ run, so chose the two routes from 'Short Walks in Nottinghamshire'I last did in January- 8 miles round Lambley and 4 1/2 miles round Gunthorpe and Caythorpe.
It was warm and muggy and there was a few spots of rain, but nothing serious. I followed a bridleway, which in January had been really boggy, but was just overgrown. I thought I'd try to run most of the routes (well, jogged)even though this bit was uphill- I didn't fancy meeting any horses as it was so narrow!
Nottinghamshire Countryside
There was a long road descent to Epperstone and its Dovecote;
Dovecote At Epperstone
The route follows another attractive bridleway, climbing up to an ancient woodland.
Looking Over Woodborough
There was a long descent through fields, before crossing a church yard and main road back to Lambley. I was sweating buckets, but jumped into the car and drove to Caythorpe to start my second route. This went across fields to Gunthorpe, before returning to Caythorpe by the River Trent.
The River Trent
It was quite busy- loads of people round Gunthorpe locks, plus an ice cream van which I had to make myself pass. Apart from walking up the hill in the third photo and a couple of walks for snacks/ drinks, I did jog most of the 12 1/2 miles.
Today I had seen a 'Bingo Wings' workshop on the classes noticeboard which sounded interesting... so I waited by the entrance as instructed, and a girl called Carmen came out. I was the only one there, so she went through some bingo- wing blasting exercises with me. I confessed my fears that there appears to be no muscle in the bingo wing part of my upper arm to tone, and she told me that she used to be really heavy, but had lost loads of weight. It had left her with a load of loose underarm skin, which she hated and use to cover up.
She said that she even went to her doctor to ask for an operation to remove the skin, and he refused, saying she would just have to learn to live with it for the rest of her life.
But she decided to do something about it... and her arms are now really toned- no loose wobbly bits at all! She said that it was purely down to doing bingo wings exercises... if that isn't an inspiration I don't know what is! I'll be doing these on a regular basis now- so watch this space (and these bingo wings!!!)
It was warm and muggy and there was a few spots of rain, but nothing serious. I followed a bridleway, which in January had been really boggy, but was just overgrown. I thought I'd try to run most of the routes (well, jogged)even though this bit was uphill- I didn't fancy meeting any horses as it was so narrow!
Nottinghamshire Countryside
There was a long road descent to Epperstone and its Dovecote;
Dovecote At Epperstone
The route follows another attractive bridleway, climbing up to an ancient woodland.
Looking Over Woodborough
There was a long descent through fields, before crossing a church yard and main road back to Lambley. I was sweating buckets, but jumped into the car and drove to Caythorpe to start my second route. This went across fields to Gunthorpe, before returning to Caythorpe by the River Trent.
The River Trent
It was quite busy- loads of people round Gunthorpe locks, plus an ice cream van which I had to make myself pass. Apart from walking up the hill in the third photo and a couple of walks for snacks/ drinks, I did jog most of the 12 1/2 miles.
Today I had seen a 'Bingo Wings' workshop on the classes noticeboard which sounded interesting... so I waited by the entrance as instructed, and a girl called Carmen came out. I was the only one there, so she went through some bingo- wing blasting exercises with me. I confessed my fears that there appears to be no muscle in the bingo wing part of my upper arm to tone, and she told me that she used to be really heavy, but had lost loads of weight. It had left her with a load of loose underarm skin, which she hated and use to cover up.
She said that she even went to her doctor to ask for an operation to remove the skin, and he refused, saying she would just have to learn to live with it for the rest of her life.
But she decided to do something about it... and her arms are now really toned- no loose wobbly bits at all! She said that it was purely down to doing bingo wings exercises... if that isn't an inspiration I don't know what is! I'll be doing these on a regular basis now- so watch this space (and these bingo wings!!!)
Labels: bingo wings, gym, running, walking
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Trying Something New!!
I took a step into the unknown tonight... I decided to get out of my comfort zone and try something different... something new... yep- I joined a class at my gym!
All the classes are included in my monthly membership fee, so I thought it would be a good idea to actually take advantage of this and try a few classes. I must admit, part of the reason I had been procrastinating was because I was a bit nervous- I wasn't sure how to join a class, whether to tell them at reception or just walk in. I was a bit worried I would get all the moves wrong (I have the co-ordination and balance of a hippo doing ballet) or wouldn't be able to keep up!
But I 'bit the bullet' tonight and decided to joing a 'total toning' class. I waited outside with the others, and just copied them when they immediately grabbed a mat and two sets of hand weights. I was reassured from the start when a girl walked up to me and asked me what to do as it was her first class too.
It was good- I didn't get too badly lost and it was quite challenging- lots of squats, lunges and arm work with weights. I will certainly be feeling my legs in the morning- I can feel 'em now!!
I noticed that there is a 'Bingo Wings' class on Sunday... I may give it a go...
All the classes are included in my monthly membership fee, so I thought it would be a good idea to actually take advantage of this and try a few classes. I must admit, part of the reason I had been procrastinating was because I was a bit nervous- I wasn't sure how to join a class, whether to tell them at reception or just walk in. I was a bit worried I would get all the moves wrong (I have the co-ordination and balance of a hippo doing ballet) or wouldn't be able to keep up!
But I 'bit the bullet' tonight and decided to joing a 'total toning' class. I waited outside with the others, and just copied them when they immediately grabbed a mat and two sets of hand weights. I was reassured from the start when a girl walked up to me and asked me what to do as it was her first class too.
It was good- I didn't get too badly lost and it was quite challenging- lots of squats, lunges and arm work with weights. I will certainly be feeling my legs in the morning- I can feel 'em now!!
I noticed that there is a 'Bingo Wings' class on Sunday... I may give it a go...
Labels: Body Toning, gym class
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Not Much To Report...
It's been a bit of a boring week after the excitement of last weekend... it's been 'that' time of the month, so I have eaten far too much chocolate and other rubbish. I always lose the motivation to train, so this week has been an effort.
But I did cover 7/8 miles yesterday, and ran- well, jogged- most of it. It incorporated the 'flasher' footpath but luckily there were no individuals indulging in dodgy pursuits (apart from birdwatchers!)
And I did run 3 miles on the treadmill today at 6 mph- so not a total wash out!
But I did cover 7/8 miles yesterday, and ran- well, jogged- most of it. It incorporated the 'flasher' footpath but luckily there were no individuals indulging in dodgy pursuits (apart from birdwatchers!)
And I did run 3 miles on the treadmill today at 6 mph- so not a total wash out!
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
MdS Reunion... The Class Of 09!
Once again a bunch of ultra nutters descended upon peaceful little Brecon, for our grand reunion, kindly and most ably organised by Perks!
Sadly, some couldn't make it but there was a good group of us- some folks had brought their families and camped nearby, joining us for meals. We were so lucky with the weather- it was warm and sunny the whole weekend!
It was great to see everyone again, and it soon seemed as though we'd never been away... especially once the beers flowed and we all got chatting.
Group Shot!
Matt from Likeys had drawn up two possible walking routes- Sharky, Gilly, Jeff and Kev opted for the longer, tougher option, and decided to leave at 9am so they would be back in the pub by 1pm. Me and Rose opted for the shorter, 12 mile route, climbing to the side of Fan-Y-Big and descending to the Tal-Y-Bont Reservoir. Rose doesn't have confidence in her navigational skills so left navigating to me, which I think she regretted later...
We left Rose's car at Tal-Y-Bont and walked along the canal to Pencelli, before gradually ascending with views of the Beacons unfolding behind us.
We reached the small summit of Bryn, where there was obviously an army exercise going on; a tent had been set up, and loads of blokes in full fatigues were running up and down the path we were to take, carrying rifles... I always feel a bit nervous around men with rifles!
Brecon Beacons Scenery
Our route took us on quite a steep descent to the side of Fan-Y-Big- the impressive sheer side of the mountain formed a pocturesque back drop for our ascent.
Fan-Y-Big
Once we reached the top, I saw a descending path I thought must be our route, so suggested we follow it, yeah, famous last words!! The path was clearly defined at first, and we reached a load of tangled and twisted metal, which was marked by a memorial cairn and turned out to be the site of a World War Two plane crash- the plane had obviously smashed into the side of the mountain and the crew, Canadians, were sadly all killed.
The Site Of The Aircraft Crash
From here the path became increasingly indistinct, and I had to concentrate to follow it. I first got an inkling that it wasn't actually going the right way, but cutting across was difficult as it was really boggy, so we opted to follow a path by a stream.
Following The Stream
This brought us out at the road to Tal-Y-Bont Reservoir, but rather than bringing us to the bottom end of it, as we should have been, we had rather a long road walk back to the Reservoir, then down the whole length of it to the dam- oops! I felt quite bad, but Rose didn't complain once and said she was enjoying herself!
Waterfall
It was really hot, and after what seemed ages, we finally reached the dam at the bottom end of the reservoir and picked up the fire road back into Tal-Y-Bont and the pub!
Tal-Y-Bont Reservoir
It turned out the other group had done exactly the same as us- taken the wrong path from the top! They managed to cut across, but it did cheer me up a bit- especially as Jeff only lives 60 minutes from Brecon so is a local, plus they had two GPS's!
Martin and Sue from Likey's came for tea Saturday night, and Martin gave us a talk on the 6633 Ultra, which enters the Arctic Circle and sounds rather too extreme for me...
Rose had brought a lovely cake, iced with MdS 2009 on it so we had a piece, Gilly got out the Veuve and we toasted absent friends.
The Cake- I Forgot To Take A Photo Before It Was Cut!
Sunday we had a leisurely lunch at The Star in Tal-Y-Bont before going our separate ways. It was a really enjoyable weekend, with some very special people, and hopefully it won't be long before we are all together again!
Sadly, some couldn't make it but there was a good group of us- some folks had brought their families and camped nearby, joining us for meals. We were so lucky with the weather- it was warm and sunny the whole weekend!
It was great to see everyone again, and it soon seemed as though we'd never been away... especially once the beers flowed and we all got chatting.
Group Shot!
Matt from Likeys had drawn up two possible walking routes- Sharky, Gilly, Jeff and Kev opted for the longer, tougher option, and decided to leave at 9am so they would be back in the pub by 1pm. Me and Rose opted for the shorter, 12 mile route, climbing to the side of Fan-Y-Big and descending to the Tal-Y-Bont Reservoir. Rose doesn't have confidence in her navigational skills so left navigating to me, which I think she regretted later...
We left Rose's car at Tal-Y-Bont and walked along the canal to Pencelli, before gradually ascending with views of the Beacons unfolding behind us.
We reached the small summit of Bryn, where there was obviously an army exercise going on; a tent had been set up, and loads of blokes in full fatigues were running up and down the path we were to take, carrying rifles... I always feel a bit nervous around men with rifles!
Brecon Beacons Scenery
Our route took us on quite a steep descent to the side of Fan-Y-Big- the impressive sheer side of the mountain formed a pocturesque back drop for our ascent.
Fan-Y-Big
Once we reached the top, I saw a descending path I thought must be our route, so suggested we follow it, yeah, famous last words!! The path was clearly defined at first, and we reached a load of tangled and twisted metal, which was marked by a memorial cairn and turned out to be the site of a World War Two plane crash- the plane had obviously smashed into the side of the mountain and the crew, Canadians, were sadly all killed.
The Site Of The Aircraft Crash
From here the path became increasingly indistinct, and I had to concentrate to follow it. I first got an inkling that it wasn't actually going the right way, but cutting across was difficult as it was really boggy, so we opted to follow a path by a stream.
Following The Stream
This brought us out at the road to Tal-Y-Bont Reservoir, but rather than bringing us to the bottom end of it, as we should have been, we had rather a long road walk back to the Reservoir, then down the whole length of it to the dam- oops! I felt quite bad, but Rose didn't complain once and said she was enjoying herself!
Waterfall
It was really hot, and after what seemed ages, we finally reached the dam at the bottom end of the reservoir and picked up the fire road back into Tal-Y-Bont and the pub!
Tal-Y-Bont Reservoir
It turned out the other group had done exactly the same as us- taken the wrong path from the top! They managed to cut across, but it did cheer me up a bit- especially as Jeff only lives 60 minutes from Brecon so is a local, plus they had two GPS's!
Martin and Sue from Likey's came for tea Saturday night, and Martin gave us a talk on the 6633 Ultra, which enters the Arctic Circle and sounds rather too extreme for me...
Rose had brought a lovely cake, iced with MdS 2009 on it so we had a piece, Gilly got out the Veuve and we toasted absent friends.
The Cake- I Forgot To Take A Photo Before It Was Cut!
Sunday we had a leisurely lunch at The Star in Tal-Y-Bont before going our separate ways. It was a really enjoyable weekend, with some very special people, and hopefully it won't be long before we are all together again!
Labels: Brecon, Brecon Beacons
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Off On Holiday!
I'm really looking forward to this weekend... I am off to Brecon, back to the Bunk House, for an MdS reunion! There are going to be loads there, and we will be doing another big communal cookathon.
This weekend will be a rather more leisurely affair than the Ultra though, I think there is a 12 mile walk planned with lots of refreshment stops... I will be taking my camera with me so look out for photos!
I have actually been quite busy training wise- building up to 40 minutes outside (still haven't yet braved the flasher footpath though...) and Sunday I managed 2 1/2 miles at 6 mph, so was quite chuffed! I'm getting there for the Robin Hood I think- but of course I need to consider the Bullock Smithy as well if there is to be a rematch...
This weekend will be a rather more leisurely affair than the Ultra though, I think there is a 12 mile walk planned with lots of refreshment stops... I will be taking my camera with me so look out for photos!
I have actually been quite busy training wise- building up to 40 minutes outside (still haven't yet braved the flasher footpath though...) and Sunday I managed 2 1/2 miles at 6 mph, so was quite chuffed! I'm getting there for the Robin Hood I think- but of course I need to consider the Bullock Smithy as well if there is to be a rematch...
Sunday, June 07, 2009
I'm Back!!! (Again!)
Well, in terms of training! I really feel as though I am getting back into it after a long time doing nothing much at all and feeling flabby and unfit.
I have been following a marathon training schedule I've found as well as my gym training, and ventured for a run outside for the first time in a long while on Tuesday night.
Nothing earth shattering happened, the ground didn't open up, I didn't even see the flasher, I just had a nice gentle 20 minute run- as per schedule. It felt tough at first, but after that it got much easier and I enjoyed it.
Wednesday me and me mate planned a meal out and a short walk, but it was so bloody cold we literally went 5 minutes up the road from the pub and back!!
Thursday was my gym session... and I was really pleased with myself. My new gym schedule calls for 3 miles at 6 mph, building up to 4 miles, but I had previously been struggling to run half a mile at 6 mph! I planned to try to run 1 mile at 6 mph, after running a mile between 5.1 mph and 5.7 mph to warm up. I felt good, so kept going, and ended up running 2 miles at 6 mph quite easily! Not too great still, but a real improvement.
I followed this up with 15 minutes walking on various inclines, plus the weights. The only thing is, the weight machines she has told me to use are the most popular ones with the body building contingent...
I even fitted in another cheeky 20 minute run Friday! So- I am off to the gym now to see if I can improve on Thursday's effort. Bloody weather though- I can't believe it can be so different from one weekend to the next!
I have been following a marathon training schedule I've found as well as my gym training, and ventured for a run outside for the first time in a long while on Tuesday night.
Nothing earth shattering happened, the ground didn't open up, I didn't even see the flasher, I just had a nice gentle 20 minute run- as per schedule. It felt tough at first, but after that it got much easier and I enjoyed it.
Wednesday me and me mate planned a meal out and a short walk, but it was so bloody cold we literally went 5 minutes up the road from the pub and back!!
Thursday was my gym session... and I was really pleased with myself. My new gym schedule calls for 3 miles at 6 mph, building up to 4 miles, but I had previously been struggling to run half a mile at 6 mph! I planned to try to run 1 mile at 6 mph, after running a mile between 5.1 mph and 5.7 mph to warm up. I felt good, so kept going, and ended up running 2 miles at 6 mph quite easily! Not too great still, but a real improvement.
I followed this up with 15 minutes walking on various inclines, plus the weights. The only thing is, the weight machines she has told me to use are the most popular ones with the body building contingent...
I even fitted in another cheeky 20 minute run Friday! So- I am off to the gym now to see if I can improve on Thursday's effort. Bloody weather though- I can't believe it can be so different from one weekend to the next!
Tuesday, June 02, 2009
Spot The Deliberate Mistake!
Monday, June 01, 2009
300th Post!
300 posts! Can't quite believe that!! Quite a lot seems to have happened since I first put fingers to buttons...
I decided enough of the malingering at the weekend, and have kind of got back into an exercise routine! I went to the gym Friday, and followed my new program- but I am really struggling to run 3 miles at 6mph! I'm up to 2 miles at 5.3mph to 6mph and that seems really hard work... it's quite distressing to think that just a short while ago it would have been easy!
It was such as gorgeous day Saturday I went for a 7 mile stroll to Colwick Park, around the lakes and back.
Colwick Park
I lingered at the edge of the lake for a while, watching baby moorhens and baby geese, and a confrontation between an angry swan and protective geese parents.
Confrontation!
In the end the geese decided that discretion was the best part of valour and beat a retreat.
Baby Geese!
Colwick Hall
The evening was so lovely I decided to go for another short stroll, on paths nearby leading to Netherfield Lagoons Nature Reserve; I had a 4 miler planned out, but had a bit of a shock... I had completed my circuit and was walking back along the footpath, when I saw a bloke standing up on the path in the distance, with a push bike on the ground in front of him. Nothing unusual you may think... it was only when I drew nearer that a realised that he was completely naked, and, erm, lets just say he was enjoying an activity more appropriate to the privacy of his own bathroom...
I was in shock- not the usual thing you expect to see when walking, especially along a popular path! Then came the realisation that I was going to have to walk past him... I just marched past, looking straight ahead, fixing my gaze on the horizon- when I past him he said "Lovely evening!"
I did call the police as soon as I was out of sight, and a chap came round to file a report. He said that there had been similar complaints last year, and that this bloke doesn't seem to approach women... still, it's put me off using that path a bit, which is bloody annoying as it's a main route to a lot of walks!
After that shock I stuck to the gym Sunday and had quite a good workout- I have downloaded a marathon training schedule and am using a combination of that and my gym work outs plus a dash of imagination...
I am also going to eat less rubbish- it's definately not a good sign when you walk into the local chinese and they recite your order before you even open your mouth...
I decided enough of the malingering at the weekend, and have kind of got back into an exercise routine! I went to the gym Friday, and followed my new program- but I am really struggling to run 3 miles at 6mph! I'm up to 2 miles at 5.3mph to 6mph and that seems really hard work... it's quite distressing to think that just a short while ago it would have been easy!
It was such as gorgeous day Saturday I went for a 7 mile stroll to Colwick Park, around the lakes and back.
Colwick Park
I lingered at the edge of the lake for a while, watching baby moorhens and baby geese, and a confrontation between an angry swan and protective geese parents.
Confrontation!
In the end the geese decided that discretion was the best part of valour and beat a retreat.
Baby Geese!
Colwick Hall
The evening was so lovely I decided to go for another short stroll, on paths nearby leading to Netherfield Lagoons Nature Reserve; I had a 4 miler planned out, but had a bit of a shock... I had completed my circuit and was walking back along the footpath, when I saw a bloke standing up on the path in the distance, with a push bike on the ground in front of him. Nothing unusual you may think... it was only when I drew nearer that a realised that he was completely naked, and, erm, lets just say he was enjoying an activity more appropriate to the privacy of his own bathroom...
I was in shock- not the usual thing you expect to see when walking, especially along a popular path! Then came the realisation that I was going to have to walk past him... I just marched past, looking straight ahead, fixing my gaze on the horizon- when I past him he said "Lovely evening!"
I did call the police as soon as I was out of sight, and a chap came round to file a report. He said that there had been similar complaints last year, and that this bloke doesn't seem to approach women... still, it's put me off using that path a bit, which is bloody annoying as it's a main route to a lot of walks!
After that shock I stuck to the gym Sunday and had quite a good workout- I have downloaded a marathon training schedule and am using a combination of that and my gym work outs plus a dash of imagination...
I am also going to eat less rubbish- it's definately not a good sign when you walk into the local chinese and they recite your order before you even open your mouth...
