Monday, January 31, 2011
Not A Bad Week!
I've had quite a good week 'back' for a change! After my walk/ run and gym session I took Friday a little easier with a 3 mile walk round the circuit I use in the dark (as it's lit by streetlamps... roll on Summer then I can run in the country and round Holme Pierrepont again!)
Saturday I did a 13 mile circuit past Holme Pierrepont along the back roads and fields to Radcliffe-on-Trent, along the top of the cliffs giving the village its name, and ending up following the River Trent to Shelford before looping back across the fields to rejoin the cliff path.
I had two unfortunate encounters- the first was when jogging along the road out of Holme Pierrepont- a cyclist rode past, decked out in multi-coloured lycra, riding a top of the range bike (a Cannondale). As he rode past, I thought to myself 'That's a proper biker'.
Seconds later I watched as he toppled over to the left and hit the ground with a crash! As I jogged nearer he picked himself up, dusted himself down, picked up his bike, jumped back on and rode away rather quickly!
The second encounter was on the footpath looping back from Shelford. I was following a track, which veered off to the right. My path carried straight on, but as I jogged past I noticed a couple of blokes following the path to the right. They had a large bundle with them and I realised to my horror that it was loads of dead rabbits strung up together!
As I ran off I made as much noise as I could and must have looked a sight, running along coughing, stamping, singing and clapping loudly but hopefully it made a few bunnies sit tight underground and away from their guns!
Sunday was another good gym session with some hill work on the treadmill. Today was going to be a rest day but the Biggest Loser is on so I may watch it from my elliptical trainer... I don't really like the format of that show. I don't think it's a good idea to force very overweight people to go from nothing to several hours exercise per day, and to exercise to the point of throwing up. They are not going to be abe to sustain that level of exercise when they go home.
Nor di I agree with the amount of weight they are expected to lose each week. Okay, 7lbs to 9lbs is achievable on the first week of a diet as it's mainly water loss, but expecting that kind of loss every week?!? And some of them were gutted to 'only' lose 7lbs! I don't think those losses are healthy as there is a risk that it will be muscle mass that's lost, ie the body will effectively start to eat itself...
However- it is strangely compulsive viewing!
Saturday I did a 13 mile circuit past Holme Pierrepont along the back roads and fields to Radcliffe-on-Trent, along the top of the cliffs giving the village its name, and ending up following the River Trent to Shelford before looping back across the fields to rejoin the cliff path.
I had two unfortunate encounters- the first was when jogging along the road out of Holme Pierrepont- a cyclist rode past, decked out in multi-coloured lycra, riding a top of the range bike (a Cannondale). As he rode past, I thought to myself 'That's a proper biker'.
Seconds later I watched as he toppled over to the left and hit the ground with a crash! As I jogged nearer he picked himself up, dusted himself down, picked up his bike, jumped back on and rode away rather quickly!
The second encounter was on the footpath looping back from Shelford. I was following a track, which veered off to the right. My path carried straight on, but as I jogged past I noticed a couple of blokes following the path to the right. They had a large bundle with them and I realised to my horror that it was loads of dead rabbits strung up together!
As I ran off I made as much noise as I could and must have looked a sight, running along coughing, stamping, singing and clapping loudly but hopefully it made a few bunnies sit tight underground and away from their guns!
Sunday was another good gym session with some hill work on the treadmill. Today was going to be a rest day but the Biggest Loser is on so I may watch it from my elliptical trainer... I don't really like the format of that show. I don't think it's a good idea to force very overweight people to go from nothing to several hours exercise per day, and to exercise to the point of throwing up. They are not going to be abe to sustain that level of exercise when they go home.
Nor di I agree with the amount of weight they are expected to lose each week. Okay, 7lbs to 9lbs is achievable on the first week of a diet as it's mainly water loss, but expecting that kind of loss every week?!? And some of them were gutted to 'only' lose 7lbs! I don't think those losses are healthy as there is a risk that it will be muscle mass that's lost, ie the body will effectively start to eat itself...
However- it is strangely compulsive viewing!
Labels: Biggest Loser
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Getting There... Slowly...
I appear to have finally shaken off the never-ending cold and cough! I am now building up my training again slowly and, erm, what else has happened? Oh yes... I have turned *cough* 41...
Thanks Katie for the cakes. I am determined that I will regain my fitness this year and complete lots of wonderful events, plus complete my Marathon Challenge this year and next.
This week I have so far completed a 10 mile walk/ run round Clipston and Cotgrave. I spotted a strange looking bird by the canal on my way back but typically I didn't have my camera with me. Looking on t'internet I can only describe it as some sort of peahen- odd!
I went to the gym Saturday and sweated my way through a workout so am off there again tonight to push myself a little harder!
I also have me secret weapon...
The Elliptical Trainer!
This little tool is fantastic- it is so easy to drag it into position and jump onto it as I watch telly- I have used it for 1 hour on Monday and 1 hour last night. I thought that if it is something convenient and easy to use I will actually use it! It will also come in very useful if we get more snow and ice and I don't fancy doing my Bambi-on-ice impression outside.
Right... off to the gym now. First challenge of the year is likely to be the Belvoir Challenge- I am aiming to do this in around 8 1/2 hours- depending on the amount of mud!
Thanks Katie for the cakes. I am determined that I will regain my fitness this year and complete lots of wonderful events, plus complete my Marathon Challenge this year and next.
This week I have so far completed a 10 mile walk/ run round Clipston and Cotgrave. I spotted a strange looking bird by the canal on my way back but typically I didn't have my camera with me. Looking on t'internet I can only describe it as some sort of peahen- odd!
I went to the gym Saturday and sweated my way through a workout so am off there again tonight to push myself a little harder!
I also have me secret weapon...
This little tool is fantastic- it is so easy to drag it into position and jump onto it as I watch telly- I have used it for 1 hour on Monday and 1 hour last night. I thought that if it is something convenient and easy to use I will actually use it! It will also come in very useful if we get more snow and ice and I don't fancy doing my Bambi-on-ice impression outside.
Right... off to the gym now. First challenge of the year is likely to be the Belvoir Challenge- I am aiming to do this in around 8 1/2 hours- depending on the amount of mud!
Labels: Belvoir Challenge, elliptical trainer
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Move Along People, Nothing To See Here...
... for the time being at least! I honestly expected that January's blog would be filled with reports of successful runs and gym sessions, regained fitness and derring do.
But no...
I have instead been battling the longest ever cold and the only thing running has been my nose! Just as I think it's cleared up, and manage a short run, back it comes again!! I did see my GP Tuesday, who advised that she thinks it is just a series of viral infections, so they can't give me anything for it. I know I'm not as badly off as the poor souls who are battling the flu and other nasties, but- I want to get out there and train!
I have now developed a lovely chesty phlegmy cough (having tea?) so am not impressed...
... maybe next week I'll get out for a run! On a more positive note my entry for the Belvoir Challenge has been confirmed on their website, I am also going to look for a 'county' marathon for February to work towards. I have a feeling the Belvoir Challenge may cover parts of Leicestershire and Lincolnshire, but it's one of my favourites.
But no...
I have instead been battling the longest ever cold and the only thing running has been my nose! Just as I think it's cleared up, and manage a short run, back it comes again!! I did see my GP Tuesday, who advised that she thinks it is just a series of viral infections, so they can't give me anything for it. I know I'm not as badly off as the poor souls who are battling the flu and other nasties, but- I want to get out there and train!
I have now developed a lovely chesty phlegmy cough (having tea?) so am not impressed...
... maybe next week I'll get out for a run! On a more positive note my entry for the Belvoir Challenge has been confirmed on their website, I am also going to look for a 'county' marathon for February to work towards. I have a feeling the Belvoir Challenge may cover parts of Leicestershire and Lincolnshire, but it's one of my favourites.
Labels: Belvoir Challenge, illness
Saturday, January 01, 2011
Happy New Year!! Here's To 2011!!!!
A very Happy New Year to everyone... a brand new shiny New Year! I'm starting it feeling really cr*p with a streaming cold, and woke up feeling hungover even though I didn't drink any alcohol last night (unfair!) but hey...
... my running and long distance stuff seemd to kind of take a bit of a back seat last year and my fitness and waistline have bared the brunt of that, so this year I am going to change that. I did briefly mention the possibility of completing a marathon in each English county, something I would still like to do, but following advice and consideration I agree that completing this over two years rather than one would be more realistic, not to mention easier on the wallet.
It would certainly give me a life as well, as I would still like to be able to do my old favourites such as the Belvoir Challenge (providing I've got my entry in before it's full) and the Grindleford Gallop. Plus I do have a couple of other things happening this year which I can't miss, such as my sister's wedding (wouldn't go down too well especially as I'm a bridesmaid...) plus I have booked a holiday in April. Not a walking one sadly but a tour of Italy, with a friend, which should be good as it takes in some places I've always wanted to see, such as Rome and Pompeii. It will also help to get around the problems caused by several marathons being held on the same day.
So- first aim is to regain sufficient fitness to complete the Belvoir Challenge (providing I'm in) in a good time. However, I can't really start until this cold has gone! Did a 3 mile walk in the drizzle today to let the New Year in... it's a start. Also got a Sony Walkman for Christmas to make running more pleasurable.
What does everyone else hope to achieve in 2011?
... my running and long distance stuff seemd to kind of take a bit of a back seat last year and my fitness and waistline have bared the brunt of that, so this year I am going to change that. I did briefly mention the possibility of completing a marathon in each English county, something I would still like to do, but following advice and consideration I agree that completing this over two years rather than one would be more realistic, not to mention easier on the wallet.
It would certainly give me a life as well, as I would still like to be able to do my old favourites such as the Belvoir Challenge (providing I've got my entry in before it's full) and the Grindleford Gallop. Plus I do have a couple of other things happening this year which I can't miss, such as my sister's wedding (wouldn't go down too well especially as I'm a bridesmaid...) plus I have booked a holiday in April. Not a walking one sadly but a tour of Italy, with a friend, which should be good as it takes in some places I've always wanted to see, such as Rome and Pompeii. It will also help to get around the problems caused by several marathons being held on the same day.
So- first aim is to regain sufficient fitness to complete the Belvoir Challenge (providing I'm in) in a good time. However, I can't really start until this cold has gone! Did a 3 mile walk in the drizzle today to let the New Year in... it's a start. Also got a Sony Walkman for Christmas to make running more pleasurable.
What does everyone else hope to achieve in 2011?
Labels: Belvoir Challenge, Grindleford Gallop, New Year
