The weather's just been too bad this week to contemplate going out, or I've been busy or unmotivated or perm any combo of those....
Anyhow, with the realisation that it had been 12 days since I'd been for a run, I finally got my butt into gear and went out for a slow trot to reacquaint myself with my trainers. It was hard, I was even slower than usual, but I did 25 minutes plus 5 mins walk either side so I am happy and determined to get back into it. I don't want to waste the effort I put into getting this far, nor leave my kit languishing as it had been. Just glad I caught myself in time!
Saturday 13 November 2010
Monday 25 October 2010
Graduate!
Yep - just did my W9D3 run - yippee! I did extra too, to see how long , including the warm up/cool down walks it would take for me to do 5k. 45 blooming minutes - I am slow - but I am nothing if not determined!!!!!!
Monday 18 October 2010
Slipping into week 9 via nike+
Who'd a believed it - I'm in week 9!
Image via WikipediaI got a nike+ for my birthday and went out with it yesterday - uncalibrated so I ran for time - but messed up with a button press, sending one track back to the beginning. I ran until I got to the start of my cool down track, so instead of doing a 28 min run (I should have been doing W8D3) I ended up doing a 31 min run - a minute longer than the W9. I am so shocked that I've got this far. I truly thought I'd be incapable. What a boost to my self esteem!
Anyway, the Nike+ link is here - as the doodad is uncalibrated I'm sure it is overstating both my distance and pace. It will be interesting to see what it says tomorrow after I calibrate today!
Image via WikipediaI got a nike+ for my birthday and went out with it yesterday - uncalibrated so I ran for time - but messed up with a button press, sending one track back to the beginning. I ran until I got to the start of my cool down track, so instead of doing a 28 min run (I should have been doing W8D3) I ended up doing a 31 min run - a minute longer than the W9. I am so shocked that I've got this far. I truly thought I'd be incapable. What a boost to my self esteem!Anyway, the Nike+ link is here - as the doodad is uncalibrated I'm sure it is overstating both my distance and pace. It will be interesting to see what it says tomorrow after I calibrate today!
Monday 4 October 2010
Apologies and a catch up
I have been a neglectful blogger - not touched any of mine for weeks!
I have, however been faithfully following C25k and have got distracted by chatting away on Ravelry about it - here are the relevant posts from there on here....
Week 5
'I did W5D1 - I convinced myself that there were four 5 min runs in there somehow, so the end was a nice surprise! It was blooming hot this afternoon too'
'I’ve woken up this morning with the throat thing that the kids had at the weekend. I feel so washed out but I am determined to go run - a bit scared about 8 mins though…..'
'So what was I thinking? My usual whine of course - it’s scary, how will I do this - but I DID!!!!! Who knew I could run 2x8 minutes and that I’d tack on a few extra yards to celebrate
I am so grateful for the advice I glean from this group, the inspiration you all give me and, it must be said, of me and my body for doing it
Still not a pound below 15 stone, but I don’t particularly care - I prefer the minutes to the pounds! Truly if I can do this anyone can'
'Feeling frustrated just now - I planned to do D3 today, but it is scarily windy outside, I had a bout of '
insomnia last night and DD is home ill so I guess I will run tomorrow!'
'W5D3 - conquered!
What a shock - I did it and felt I had more in my tank. I upped the pace for the last minute and even more so for the last 10 seconds.
Who knew I could run for 20 minutes straight?!'
Week 6
'Yay - another day bites the dust - W6 D1 in the bag! I wonder if this one feels harder after the 20 min run because mentally you go ‘oh, I can run 20 mins so these shorter intervals are easy - I’ll just up my pace a bit’? Maybe more so if like me you’re running outdoors
I had the benefit of some lovely eye candy tonight - a rare sighting in my village!'
'Don’t know what got into me last night. I had to fetch DD from brownies and I ran to the village hall - just for the heck of it! Then I started to look at the 100 push ups and 200 sit ups programme for my inbetween days….'
'Well it all started so well this morning!
I pinged awake at the unholy hour of 5am, so once I realised there’d be no more sleep for me, I got up, put on the dishwasher and the washing machine then went out for my run at 6.15 - just enough time to do it and get back before I had to get the children up for school. Out before the birds were up! Day was just breaking and it was misty and mysterious.
However - somehow I’d messed up my podcast downloads and there was no W6D2. I couldn’t remember the splits so I had to just follow D1 again. As soon as I realised that, I realised I’d forgotten my water bottle. no time to turn around, no time to get the right download - humph! I just did W6D1 again, cross with myself all 2.2 miles
I think I’ll do W6D3 next time, despite this - gulp!!!!'
'Week 6 Day 3 done - thank goodness! It was a bit of a trial but I got there'
-------
So there you have it, I'm officially in week 7 now. No more intervals, just full on running - bring it on!
![Original caption from American army:]()
Image via Wikipedia
I have, however been faithfully following C25k and have got distracted by chatting away on Ravelry about it - here are the relevant posts from there on here....
Week 5
'I did W5D1 - I convinced myself that there were four 5 min runs in there somehow, so the end was a nice surprise! It was blooming hot this afternoon too'
'I’ve woken up this morning with the throat thing that the kids had at the weekend. I feel so washed out but I am determined to go run - a bit scared about 8 mins though…..'
'So what was I thinking? My usual whine of course - it’s scary, how will I do this - but I DID!!!!! Who knew I could run 2x8 minutes and that I’d tack on a few extra yards to celebrate
I am so grateful for the advice I glean from this group, the inspiration you all give me and, it must be said, of me and my body for doing it
Still not a pound below 15 stone, but I don’t particularly care - I prefer the minutes to the pounds! Truly if I can do this anyone can'
'Feeling frustrated just now - I planned to do D3 today, but it is scarily windy outside, I had a bout of '
insomnia last night and DD is home ill so I guess I will run tomorrow!'
'W5D3 - conquered!
What a shock - I did it and felt I had more in my tank. I upped the pace for the last minute and even more so for the last 10 seconds.
Who knew I could run for 20 minutes straight?!'
Week 6
'Yay - another day bites the dust - W6 D1 in the bag! I wonder if this one feels harder after the 20 min run because mentally you go ‘oh, I can run 20 mins so these shorter intervals are easy - I’ll just up my pace a bit’? Maybe more so if like me you’re running outdoors
I had the benefit of some lovely eye candy tonight - a rare sighting in my village!'
'Don’t know what got into me last night. I had to fetch DD from brownies and I ran to the village hall - just for the heck of it! Then I started to look at the 100 push ups and 200 sit ups programme for my inbetween days….'
'Well it all started so well this morning!
I pinged awake at the unholy hour of 5am, so once I realised there’d be no more sleep for me, I got up, put on the dishwasher and the washing machine then went out for my run at 6.15 - just enough time to do it and get back before I had to get the children up for school. Out before the birds were up! Day was just breaking and it was misty and mysterious.
However - somehow I’d messed up my podcast downloads and there was no W6D2. I couldn’t remember the splits so I had to just follow D1 again. As soon as I realised that, I realised I’d forgotten my water bottle. no time to turn around, no time to get the right download - humph! I just did W6D1 again, cross with myself all 2.2 miles
I think I’ll do W6D3 next time, despite this - gulp!!!!'
'Week 6 Day 3 done - thank goodness! It was a bit of a trial but I got there'
-------
So there you have it, I'm officially in week 7 now. No more intervals, just full on running - bring it on!
Image via WikipediaSaturday 18 September 2010
Week 4 Win
Image via WikipediaYay - week 4 OVER! I spent most of today's run wondering what week 5 will be like, but did have the courage to run a bit along the main road into the village (into traffic) to find a bit more of the bridleway that I love running along.Tomorrow is the Great North Run - a half marathon in NE England and something I've never been interested in before. I might have a watch of it and you never know, it could be a long term goal for me to aim for. Just for the moment, I'm aiming to get through this programme and who knows what then!
Monday 13 September 2010
And another one bites the dust
No, not me - another week!
I have been diligent in keeping to the programme and am so proud that I ran on Thursday and Saturday so got to the end of week 3 without faltering. Saturday was a little draining as it was warm and muggy, bu it felt great to finish the week on target.
I approached today with my usual trepidation - how the heck was I going to ramp up from 3 min to 5 min runs when it was hard enough going from 90 seconds to 3 mins? I am not one to back down though, so off I went, Chubby Jones in my ears as ever. I decided I'd try to reverse my route somewhat, so that added a bit of interest. The routine this week is Brisk five-minute warm up walk, then:
•Jog 3 minutes
•Walk 90 seconds
•Jog 5 minutes
•Walk 2-1/2 minutes
•Jog 3 minutes
•Walk 90 seconds
•Jog 5 minutes
then cool down 5 mins walk
I was amazed that the 3 minute jog that seemed so hard last week was fine today. I suppose my focus was on what was to come. I did find myself thinking that my calves were feeling tight as I went along, but I am always tight to start with, despite doing the stretches and warm up. Anyhow, the first 5 minute jog loomed and off I went at my usual, tentative snail pace. It was a challenge, but I got to the end of the 5 minutes without stopping or walking - I just ran. The walk was so welcome, but I am happy to be noticing that it is taking me less time to get my breath back so I even had to time to enjoy some of my walk before the sequence repeated.
The second 3 minute jog seemed to take a very long time, but again determination saw me through. By the time I walked to the last 5 minute jog I had taken myself to a new road to jog along, which was kind of a mistake as it started downhill and then was uphill for the last 90 seconds - eek! Sheer willpower won out and I was elated to finish.
Another demon thwarted!
Buoyed by this, I have 'outed' myself on facebook and ravelry as doing the programme and have loved the positive reactions. someone pointed out that I am nearly half way through the programme - what a surprise that was as I am deliberately focusing on the current or next day. My children keep asking me what I'm going to do when I finish the programme, but that is too nebulous for me to consider. I'd rather take it all just one step at a time.
I have been diligent in keeping to the programme and am so proud that I ran on Thursday and Saturday so got to the end of week 3 without faltering. Saturday was a little draining as it was warm and muggy, bu it felt great to finish the week on target.
I approached today with my usual trepidation - how the heck was I going to ramp up from 3 min to 5 min runs when it was hard enough going from 90 seconds to 3 mins? I am not one to back down though, so off I went, Chubby Jones in my ears as ever. I decided I'd try to reverse my route somewhat, so that added a bit of interest. The routine this week is Brisk five-minute warm up walk, then:
•Jog 3 minutes
•Walk 90 seconds
•Jog 5 minutes
•Walk 2-1/2 minutes
•Jog 3 minutes
•Walk 90 seconds
•Jog 5 minutes
then cool down 5 mins walk
I was amazed that the 3 minute jog that seemed so hard last week was fine today. I suppose my focus was on what was to come. I did find myself thinking that my calves were feeling tight as I went along, but I am always tight to start with, despite doing the stretches and warm up. Anyhow, the first 5 minute jog loomed and off I went at my usual, tentative snail pace. It was a challenge, but I got to the end of the 5 minutes without stopping or walking - I just ran. The walk was so welcome, but I am happy to be noticing that it is taking me less time to get my breath back so I even had to time to enjoy some of my walk before the sequence repeated.
The second 3 minute jog seemed to take a very long time, but again determination saw me through. By the time I walked to the last 5 minute jog I had taken myself to a new road to jog along, which was kind of a mistake as it started downhill and then was uphill for the last 90 seconds - eek! Sheer willpower won out and I was elated to finish.
Another demon thwarted!
Buoyed by this, I have 'outed' myself on facebook and ravelry as doing the programme and have loved the positive reactions. someone pointed out that I am nearly half way through the programme - what a surprise that was as I am deliberately focusing on the current or next day. My children keep asking me what I'm going to do when I finish the programme, but that is too nebulous for me to consider. I'd rather take it all just one step at a time.
Tuesday 7 September 2010
Week 3
This deserves a post to itself. I was really scared of week 3 and was quite happy that it was too windy and rainy yesterday to go out. DH who also got fitted for trainers on Saturday came back from taking our son to triathlon training with the news that they've entered a reverse 5k next Monday. You estimate your time, have no timing devices and the one who finishes closes to their estimate wins.
DH is very cycling fit but has not ran for a long time. He said he would like to come out with me, but he's going to be so late back tonight (and he's cooking dinner). We talked and I knew I'd not be able to attempt W3 with pork chop and mash inside me, so I went out before lunch today.
I was so surprised because I DID IT!
I deliberately ran the 3 minute runs very slowly so that I didn't blow up at any point and I was so proud to get to the end of the session. Because I ran slowly and I think this week's set is slightly shorter, I 'only' ran/walked 1.5 miles, but I did it! I can't tell you how happy it made me - I really felt like I conquered a mental block/demon today
DH is very cycling fit but has not ran for a long time. He said he would like to come out with me, but he's going to be so late back tonight (and he's cooking dinner). We talked and I knew I'd not be able to attempt W3 with pork chop and mash inside me, so I went out before lunch today.
I was so surprised because I DID IT!
I deliberately ran the 3 minute runs very slowly so that I didn't blow up at any point and I was so proud to get to the end of the session. Because I ran slowly and I think this week's set is slightly shorter, I 'only' ran/walked 1.5 miles, but I did it! I can't tell you how happy it made me - I really felt like I conquered a mental block/demon today
Whoosh!
Where did the time go?!
I have kept to the weekly schedule and missed reporting on W1 D3 and the whole of W2!
I can't even remember W1D3 now. I think the thought of ramping up to 90 second runs put it out of my head. However, I got through the whole of W2 despite my initial trepidations. I've now run in the rain, the sun, in the morning, in the evening and during the day. I've shyly acknowledged other more experienced runners as they ran past and said hello to me (at that point I could wave but not speak!) and even faced the fear of the local running shop to get fitted for a beautiful, supportive pair of Saucony trainers. And no, the young bloke in there did not laugh at me; I did run on the treadmill to have my gait assessed and for some reason am really pleased that I have a neutral action (this is where I fall down though - is that the right phrase? So glad I'm not trying to pass myself of as someone who knows anything about running).
I did the last day of W2 in my new trainers and I could not feel a lot of difference. I may have bought well fitting trainers previously or it may be that I'm not at a level where I understand good and bad yet. (Note the yet.). However, looking at the Garmin, I did 2 miles in that session - then as I was further from home than I anticipated , walking back added on another 0.3 miles. I was cockahoop with that on Saturday!
So, W2 out of the way, I had a look at W3 and got scared. Two 3 minute runs? How was I going to do that?
I have kept to the weekly schedule and missed reporting on W1 D3 and the whole of W2!
I can't even remember W1D3 now. I think the thought of ramping up to 90 second runs put it out of my head. However, I got through the whole of W2 despite my initial trepidations. I've now run in the rain, the sun, in the morning, in the evening and during the day. I've shyly acknowledged other more experienced runners as they ran past and said hello to me (at that point I could wave but not speak!) and even faced the fear of the local running shop to get fitted for a beautiful, supportive pair of Saucony trainers. And no, the young bloke in there did not laugh at me; I did run on the treadmill to have my gait assessed and for some reason am really pleased that I have a neutral action (this is where I fall down though - is that the right phrase? So glad I'm not trying to pass myself of as someone who knows anything about running).
I did the last day of W2 in my new trainers and I could not feel a lot of difference. I may have bought well fitting trainers previously or it may be that I'm not at a level where I understand good and bad yet. (Note the yet.). However, looking at the Garmin, I did 2 miles in that session - then as I was further from home than I anticipated , walking back added on another 0.3 miles. I was cockahoop with that on Saturday!
So, W2 out of the way, I had a look at W3 and got scared. Two 3 minute runs? How was I going to do that?
Monday 30 August 2010
Wiifit age
Just a boast - must have been on it well today as my wii fit age was 24 and I'm almost 44!!!!!!
I'm doing it!
OK, Week one under my belt and I'm just back from W2D1.
I am very proud of myself - I did W1D3 on Saturday - got up and did it before everyone else was up, then we went to Eyam and did a 4ish mile circular walk/ geocache hunt that took in the Riley graves, the boundary stone and a very, steep hill as well as a riverside walk
Image via Wikipedia
I am very proud of myself - I did W1D3 on Saturday - got up and did it before everyone else was up, then we went to Eyam and did a 4ish mile circular walk/ geocache hunt that took in the Riley graves, the boundary stone and a very, steep hill as well as a riverside walk
Image via WikipediaOn Sunday we visited friends and did more walking/caching. I was very pleased with my IE resolve when we went for lunch at a pub. I tried the baked camembert we all shared as a starter but didn't go mad and ate less than half my pizza whilst the other adults all ate an entire one, forcing it down in some cases. I did enjoy my dessert too!
Today it's a bank holiday but I was and am determined to keep with the programme (how American!) so I've been out and faced a big fear - a running neighbour saw me as I was setting out. I was glad I had my ipod on so I couldn't really hear what she was saying, but I said that I was starting out running and she seemed to have an encouraging expression as she spoke. Why I thought she would think me silly or ridiculous is more a reflection of my inner mean girl. anyhow - nothing to worry about and I can now happily go out without fear. Anyhow, I'm now a fledgling runner in my mind!
Today it's a bank holiday but I was and am determined to keep with the programme (how American!) so I've been out and faced a big fear - a running neighbour saw me as I was setting out. I was glad I had my ipod on so I couldn't really hear what she was saying, but I said that I was starting out running and she seemed to have an encouraging expression as she spoke. Why I thought she would think me silly or ridiculous is more a reflection of my inner mean girl. anyhow - nothing to worry about and I can now happily go out without fear. Anyhow, I'm now a fledgling runner in my mind!
One thing I did last week was to try a different podcast each session. (I think I already said this?) After sampling Ullrey, Chubby Jones and Podrunner, I am going with Chubby Jones as I like her music choices better and the way she talks through the music, offering encouragement (and margaritas at one point!)
I did a lot of this session along a green lane that I've never been down before. It is so beautiful along there and secluded. As I live in a quiet village I'm not too worried about anything nasty happening and it was lovely to run / walk in peace looking at the ancient hedges either side
I'm currently using my Garmin GPSr to map my track and I am pleased that last week I did 1.6 miles and this session it is 1.8 miles when using Chubby Jones. It was 1.8 miles when I used the podrunner download, but I think that was because there was quite a lot of talk before they got on with the running session which I walked through too.
Thursday 26 August 2010
Bravery
I was brave yesterday and started to tell my nearest and dearest about my intentions.
First I told my kids that I'd been for a run and then talked about couch to 5k. I got my DD fired up about it and ready to come out with me today, but it has rained all day so I let her stay indoors - no point starting her off miserable, plus I needed that 30 min break from them both.
Image via Wikipedia
For my first day I listened to the Robert Ullrey podcast, but changed it today for the Chubby Jones one and loved how she talked a lot through the running part - definitely engaging my mind to stop me worrying about my legs! I'd love to know how to mix a voice track over my own play lists without needing to buy a mac or software, but give it time I think. I already know I need some new trainers, so I'll go to the Running Fox to get some fitted. It seems a bit flashy to my conscience as it's a 'real' runners' shop and a bit of me is standing hand on hips, sneering and asking who the heck I think I am. The rest of me just thumbs her nose and says sod you - my knees are worth it! I could get very carried away and want other toys - so far my mental list goes - i phone or such to use apps, Nike plus, noise cancelling headphones........ shocking that I could have that list so quickly and me not much of a material girl!
I started to reread 'Intuitive Eating' last night and will write more of this in a later post - no use blurting it all in one big one! I have noticed that I'm not so hungry the last few days - is exercise an appetite suppressant? Or is it the honeymoon period of 'I'm taking care of myself'?
First I told my kids that I'd been for a run and then talked about couch to 5k. I got my DD fired up about it and ready to come out with me today, but it has rained all day so I let her stay indoors - no point starting her off miserable, plus I needed that 30 min break from them both.
They were both very supportive and interested, so I did the biggie last night and talked about it with my husband. Well, DS blurted it, so I had little choice! I was pleasantly surprised at how supportive he was, particularly as he then said that he'd like to come and do it with me. How wonderful is that? I will have to think about how best to do it as I run with my i pod - maybe he can borrow DS's? I do have concerns about how well we will do running together, particularly as DH is already fit from cycling, but if we have a circuit round the park it won't matter (all things crossed)
Image via WikipediaSo, I was all fired up to go for a run early this morning, but when I woke up it was chucking it down. Instead we did the shopping and came home for lunch. I kept waiting for the rain to stop, but decided it was set in for the day so I rescued my Ron Hills from the line and tumbled them dry (sorry, but I had nothing else to run in). I stretched and then armed with water, i pod and GPSr (to track how far I went) off I went in the damp and cold.
I started to reread 'Intuitive Eating' last night and will write more of this in a later post - no use blurting it all in one big one! I have noticed that I'm not so hungry the last few days - is exercise an appetite suppressant? Or is it the honeymoon period of 'I'm taking care of myself'?
Wednesday 25 August 2010
Statement of intent
This blog is intended to track my progress to increased fitness and decreased weight
I'm getting back on track with intuitive eating and have just started the c25k programme - I've W1D1 under my belt and I didn't die!
I'll have to check with the wiifit on my weight - hovering around the 15 stone I think. I was so shocked that I blanked out at that point..... However, the upside is that my wiifit age yesterday was 9 years younger than my calendar age - yippee!
I'm getting back on track with intuitive eating and have just started the c25k programme - I've W1D1 under my belt and I didn't die!
I'll have to check with the wiifit on my weight - hovering around the 15 stone I think. I was so shocked that I blanked out at that point..... However, the upside is that my wiifit age yesterday was 9 years younger than my calendar age - yippee!
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