I really should update this more at these early stages. So much seems to be happening but I really have no excuse as to why I'm not logging it all.
Anyway! I've done 5K :D I didn't intend to. I wanted to run for 20mins then 12mins with a walk break in between. It was boiling hot with no breeze whatsoever. I went to the park after work and set off. I even managed to find my way around the 5k course for the first time! I just kept running. I got to 20mins and wanted to carry on, so I did. I was worried heading towards the hill of death near that I wouldn't be able to make it to the top, but as I trudged up it I thought about why I originally started running - to do the Race for Life and raise money for Cancer Research UK. I knew the pain I was feeling then was absolutely nothing in comparison to people undergoing cancer treatment, or the emotional pain of people who have lost friends and family to cancer. I had no reason to stop running up that hill. I made it to the top and I was elated! Seeing stars, but elated :) I made it round what I thought was 5k, but was actually a couple of hundred metres short, in 33m3s. I couldn't believe I'd actually managed it, a whole month before I expected to!
I tried it again later on that week to see if it was a fluke. I did the whole 5k this time and managed it in 33m28s, which I was very happy with. Last Friday I did the same run again and made it around in 31m26s - a whole 2mins off the previous time!! Felt great. Well, the final sprint didn't, I thought I was dying, but it was worth it to get the new PB.
Last night I decided I'd go on a gentle run, a lot of it downhill, and go for a 40min run - the longest yet. Ross was picking me up at the end so I'd be home in time for the Sainsburys order and I seriously underestimated the distance I can run in 40mins. I ended up going most of the way to Bury and having to turn around so I could make it back to the pickup point in time. This, of course, meant that the final km or so was all uphill. Surprisingly, that was fine! I really enjoyed it all and felt like I could've carried on. I suppose that's the good thing about all of my previous runs being on undulating ground - it makes flat/downhill running a doddle!
I did do one new run at the weekend (2x 5k runs in 24 hours, woo!), thinking it'd be a nice easy run. I was wrong. Pretty much the first 2.5k was uphill, along with the final 0.5k. It was very hot and sunny, I thought I wouldn't be able to make it to the end of the 5k. I did, just. I suppose I must be enjoying it really :)
So now I have 13 days until the Race for Life. I had a dream last night where it was the day of the race and everything was going wrong. I was late, I'd forgotten my number, I had to start hours after everyone else, nobody cared when I'd finished. Woke up knackered!! I am not worried about the race now, I know I'll be able to finish it. I've never run with anyone before so I'm a bit concerned about people getting in my way, but I'm sure I'll be able to get into a rhythm. I'm also hoping it will be the same as the official 5k course I've been following, just so I know where I'm going and what's coming up.
In my usual overly-enthusiastic way, I've been looking for 10k races in the autumn. I've seen a 10k in York that sounds great, all around the city centre taking in the sights, but it's on 4th August. That gives me pretty much a month from now to get from a gentle 6k to a decent 10k. I'm asking people in the know whether it is a realistic goal. I suppose even if I have to walk a little bit it won't be the end of the world - it's way ahead of my original plan. I'm thinking it'd be a shame to miss it, but I also don't want to push myself too far too soon and risk injury. Compression socks are my best friend at the moment! We all know what I'll end up doing don't we...
Tuesday, 2 July 2013
Ramble Ramble Ramble
I'm loving the great outdoors at the moment! After a bit (literally a bit, was expecting loads!) of over-indulgence over my birthday weekend, we went off to Ambleside on Sunday to walk up a fell. It was a beautiful day and we went up Loughrigg, which was breathtaking. It was a difficult ascent, being 1100ft of direct climb, but I was thrilled to feel like I could manage it in one go! I definitely wouldn't have been able to do that a few weeks ago. We both agreed it'd be great to go on a walking holiday in the Lake District, so watch this space!
Monday saw my return to work after half term, which was made even less bearable due to the glorious weather! I was supposed to be going to a military fitness class after work, but really felt no inclination to go as I wanted to be out on my own in the sunshine, not being shouted at by someone with an overactive power complex. I set out for a run, aiming to try a new route, and ended up being out in the evening sun for around an hour and a half! Of course, not all was running, but it was great. I ran for 20mins first, exploring somewhere new (and getting lost, of course!), then I walked up our local hill, another 1100ft ascent! It was hard work, but feels so much more do-able than the first time I did it. On the descent the path was littered with stones and rocks, so to avoid certain ankle-breakage I sprung, gazelle-like, onto a flatter path to the side. Well, that was the plan. In reality, my brain said 'legs, go there' and my legs said 'party time!!', which resulted in me hitting the ground quite hard. I'm now sporting a nice big bruise on my arm and a grazed knee - just as the weather gets good enough to wear skirts! Typical. Anyway the rest of the walk/run was uneventful and was lovely and relaxing.
Tuesday was spinning day. This time I booked in for a class that wasn't aimed at beginners, seeing as I didn't really feel challenged at the last one. This one had much better music and did push me more, but I still haven't experienced this sheer hell that people talk about when they say they go spinning. It was a good workout, but at no point did I feel like I couldn't do it. Going to sack that off for a bit now, it's expensive for what it is. I'd do it if it was included in a gym membership or something, but not at £6 a go. Besides, my actual bike should be ready soon so I can go spinning outside :) Or cycling, as it's more commonly referred to as.
When I got home I thought it'd be a good idea to start my 30 Day Shred dvd. How hard can a 20min home workout be? Well, very bloody hard! It was a lot harder than the spinning class and I was pouring with sweat afterwards. My arms and legs couldn't really take much more in terms of strength training. Definitely an efficient workout! I'm going to work through the whole 30 day program, although may end up missing a day or 2 here and there because of, well, having a life. I will probably also end up doing it with the sound down, not sure how much of her voice I can take!
I got on the scales this morning, interested to see what I'd lost after 6 weeks of running and healthy eating. I've put on 3lbs. Fantastic.
Anyway, off to Heaton Park for a run this evening. I've finally sussed out the official 5km course, so will follow that and aim to do my 2x12min runs.
Monday saw my return to work after half term, which was made even less bearable due to the glorious weather! I was supposed to be going to a military fitness class after work, but really felt no inclination to go as I wanted to be out on my own in the sunshine, not being shouted at by someone with an overactive power complex. I set out for a run, aiming to try a new route, and ended up being out in the evening sun for around an hour and a half! Of course, not all was running, but it was great. I ran for 20mins first, exploring somewhere new (and getting lost, of course!), then I walked up our local hill, another 1100ft ascent! It was hard work, but feels so much more do-able than the first time I did it. On the descent the path was littered with stones and rocks, so to avoid certain ankle-breakage I sprung, gazelle-like, onto a flatter path to the side. Well, that was the plan. In reality, my brain said 'legs, go there' and my legs said 'party time!!', which resulted in me hitting the ground quite hard. I'm now sporting a nice big bruise on my arm and a grazed knee - just as the weather gets good enough to wear skirts! Typical. Anyway the rest of the walk/run was uneventful and was lovely and relaxing.
Tuesday was spinning day. This time I booked in for a class that wasn't aimed at beginners, seeing as I didn't really feel challenged at the last one. This one had much better music and did push me more, but I still haven't experienced this sheer hell that people talk about when they say they go spinning. It was a good workout, but at no point did I feel like I couldn't do it. Going to sack that off for a bit now, it's expensive for what it is. I'd do it if it was included in a gym membership or something, but not at £6 a go. Besides, my actual bike should be ready soon so I can go spinning outside :) Or cycling, as it's more commonly referred to as.
When I got home I thought it'd be a good idea to start my 30 Day Shred dvd. How hard can a 20min home workout be? Well, very bloody hard! It was a lot harder than the spinning class and I was pouring with sweat afterwards. My arms and legs couldn't really take much more in terms of strength training. Definitely an efficient workout! I'm going to work through the whole 30 day program, although may end up missing a day or 2 here and there because of, well, having a life. I will probably also end up doing it with the sound down, not sure how much of her voice I can take!
I got on the scales this morning, interested to see what I'd lost after 6 weeks of running and healthy eating. I've put on 3lbs. Fantastic.
Anyway, off to Heaton Park for a run this evening. I've finally sussed out the official 5km course, so will follow that and aim to do my 2x12min runs.
Thursday, 30 May 2013
Highs and Lows
Since my last post I have managed to keep running regularly and, on the whole, it has been going well. I've done a lot of Heaton Park runs after work, including one that lasted 20mins without walking! I was so happy after that one, my longest yet! Unfortunately, it was also the first run in my new running shoes, which meant I was a bit of a cripple for 3 days afterwards. They make me run better, but my calves weren't used to them at all so they were very sore after. I've now got some compression socks, on the advice of my physio (mum), so the problems don't seem to be reoccurring quite as badly.
I have had 2 runs since that one. The first one I set off from home with the aim to run to a local landmark which, up to then, had been the place where I turned around after the first half of my run/walk. I hadn't managed to make it all the way there without stopping, but this time I did :D I set the stopwatch as I set off and didn't look at my watch until I got there. It was a 15min run in the end, which I'm quite pleased with given the distance and the fact there are a couple of hills. It was also dismal weather. I only did 5 mins jogging on the way back, my legs really couldn't take any more. I was disappointed, but considering I could barely walk the day before I suppose it wasn't too bad.
Today's run started out ok. I had decided to go back to following the C25K plan, starting at week 6 (so 10mins run, 2mins walk, 10mins run). The first 10mins was ok, but the 2nd was awful! I even had to walk for 30secs in the middle, I just couldn't keep going. I think (hope!) the reason for it was because it was a morning run and I'd only had a banana before it. I know the distance I'm running should be fine on a banana, but seeing as I usually do evening runs my body isn't used to having less in the tank. Fatty! I ended the session with a fast walk up a very long hill. My cereal tasted fantastic though after that :D
I've also been swimming a couple of times in preparation for the triathlon. I'm beginning to think the swim will be the hardest part. I'm just not an efficient swimmer! I'm improving though, in 3 weeks I've managed to reduce my 200m time from 5:48 (argh!) to a slightly more respectable 4:49. I'm aiming for 4:30. I'm also trying to use my arms for the majority and keep my legs fairly still, so that I'm not knackered for the bike ride and run after the swim. It seems like a million miles away now, but hopefully by September it will be something I can do reasonably well.
It's my birthday tomorrow, so I'll be having a couple of days off running and a couple of days on restaurant food and (hopefully) cake :)
I have had 2 runs since that one. The first one I set off from home with the aim to run to a local landmark which, up to then, had been the place where I turned around after the first half of my run/walk. I hadn't managed to make it all the way there without stopping, but this time I did :D I set the stopwatch as I set off and didn't look at my watch until I got there. It was a 15min run in the end, which I'm quite pleased with given the distance and the fact there are a couple of hills. It was also dismal weather. I only did 5 mins jogging on the way back, my legs really couldn't take any more. I was disappointed, but considering I could barely walk the day before I suppose it wasn't too bad.
Today's run started out ok. I had decided to go back to following the C25K plan, starting at week 6 (so 10mins run, 2mins walk, 10mins run). The first 10mins was ok, but the 2nd was awful! I even had to walk for 30secs in the middle, I just couldn't keep going. I think (hope!) the reason for it was because it was a morning run and I'd only had a banana before it. I know the distance I'm running should be fine on a banana, but seeing as I usually do evening runs my body isn't used to having less in the tank. Fatty! I ended the session with a fast walk up a very long hill. My cereal tasted fantastic though after that :D
I've also been swimming a couple of times in preparation for the triathlon. I'm beginning to think the swim will be the hardest part. I'm just not an efficient swimmer! I'm improving though, in 3 weeks I've managed to reduce my 200m time from 5:48 (argh!) to a slightly more respectable 4:49. I'm aiming for 4:30. I'm also trying to use my arms for the majority and keep my legs fairly still, so that I'm not knackered for the bike ride and run after the swim. It seems like a million miles away now, but hopefully by September it will be something I can do reasonably well.
It's my birthday tomorrow, so I'll be having a couple of days off running and a couple of days on restaurant food and (hopefully) cake :)
Thursday, 23 May 2013
Spinning Around
So I went spinning. I was so nervous after everyone I spoke to said how horrific it was going to be. I shouldn't have worried, it was fine! Don't get me wrong, it was tough and my legs burned, but I didn't feel like I couldn't manage it at any point. I was quite worried about the standing up bits, but they were really good fun. I'll definitely be returning! The worst part of it all was losing £1 to the locker. Sod's law that is the only type of pound I am losing.
Following that, yesterday I went for a run around Heaton Park. It was the first run of week 4 of my 5k plan and I had aimed to do 7mins running then 2 mins walking rest, 3 times. As always, the first stint was the most difficult. The vast majority is up hill. I'd love to be able to train somewhere flat for once, but unfortunately I won't be able to do that until we move. Anyway I made it to the end of the first 7min stretch and the 2nd wasn't so bad (still uphill, but more flat/downhill parts). I then did the 3rd stretch and went off on a new path, which was really lovely. It was sunny and I could see over Manchester and Cabaret was on my mp3 player and it was just nice :) I even forgot about the fact I was running and just enjoyed the view, which is something I've been trying to do but not succeeding!
At the end of the 3rd stretch I knew I wanted to try a 4th, so I walked for just 1 minute this time then set off running again. I got a bit disorientated and thought I was at the bottom of a small hill, which in fact turned out to be a very long hill, on quite an incline, with gale force winds blowing at me! I had to have some serious mental conversations with myself during that session. The '3 weeks ago' me would've given up half way up, if not before, but my running has given me some new found mental strength to allow me to carry on with things and ignore the voices that are telling me I can't do it. When I reached the top, my heart was pounding, I could hardly breathe and my legs were doing their own thing, but I felt like Rocky!! I couldn't believe I'd done it, nor could I believe I still had another minute to run, but that was all down hill so a nice easy finish. When my watch beeped at the end of those 7 minutes I felt elated, I'd done it! I could've leaped into the air and cheered, had my legs not been replaced with jelly.
So today is a rest day, which I am very glad of as I'm feeling physically drained. I still feel like there's no way I could manage all 5k without walking, but when I think about where I was 3 weeks ago, only just managing 3 minutes at a time, I'm confident I'll get there by 14th July. If I can manage to do 2 sets of 7 minutes, the latter being mostly up hill, with only 1 minute walking break in between, then surely running for 14 minutes isn't too far away? I read a marathon report by someone who had achieved their first one and she said she was never out of breath (although everything hurt), so perhaps at some stage it will start to become easier aerobically. I certainly hope so!
P.S. I went to Sports Direct last night and bought some proper running shoes, was very exciting! Now there's a sentence I never thought I'd say!
Following that, yesterday I went for a run around Heaton Park. It was the first run of week 4 of my 5k plan and I had aimed to do 7mins running then 2 mins walking rest, 3 times. As always, the first stint was the most difficult. The vast majority is up hill. I'd love to be able to train somewhere flat for once, but unfortunately I won't be able to do that until we move. Anyway I made it to the end of the first 7min stretch and the 2nd wasn't so bad (still uphill, but more flat/downhill parts). I then did the 3rd stretch and went off on a new path, which was really lovely. It was sunny and I could see over Manchester and Cabaret was on my mp3 player and it was just nice :) I even forgot about the fact I was running and just enjoyed the view, which is something I've been trying to do but not succeeding!
At the end of the 3rd stretch I knew I wanted to try a 4th, so I walked for just 1 minute this time then set off running again. I got a bit disorientated and thought I was at the bottom of a small hill, which in fact turned out to be a very long hill, on quite an incline, with gale force winds blowing at me! I had to have some serious mental conversations with myself during that session. The '3 weeks ago' me would've given up half way up, if not before, but my running has given me some new found mental strength to allow me to carry on with things and ignore the voices that are telling me I can't do it. When I reached the top, my heart was pounding, I could hardly breathe and my legs were doing their own thing, but I felt like Rocky!! I couldn't believe I'd done it, nor could I believe I still had another minute to run, but that was all down hill so a nice easy finish. When my watch beeped at the end of those 7 minutes I felt elated, I'd done it! I could've leaped into the air and cheered, had my legs not been replaced with jelly.
So today is a rest day, which I am very glad of as I'm feeling physically drained. I still feel like there's no way I could manage all 5k without walking, but when I think about where I was 3 weeks ago, only just managing 3 minutes at a time, I'm confident I'll get there by 14th July. If I can manage to do 2 sets of 7 minutes, the latter being mostly up hill, with only 1 minute walking break in between, then surely running for 14 minutes isn't too far away? I read a marathon report by someone who had achieved their first one and she said she was never out of breath (although everything hurt), so perhaps at some stage it will start to become easier aerobically. I certainly hope so!
P.S. I went to Sports Direct last night and bought some proper running shoes, was very exciting! Now there's a sentence I never thought I'd say!
Tuesday, 21 May 2013
It Starts...
On 24th April, I sat in on an assembly with the theme of setting goals for yourself. The headmaster used the recent London Marathon as an example. It got me thinking, I needed a new challenge. I was never going to run a marathon, I don't think I could keep myself focused for long enough to run for 4hrs, but I could start somewhere.
I had noticed the recent adverts on TV (I spend a lot of time in front of the TV!) for the Race for Life. I loved the angle they had taken this year, the whole 'cancer, we're coming to get you' idea, and often found myself welling up watching them. I had thought I'd like to get involved, but I hadn't run on purpose in over a decade. But once I get an idea in my head I tend to obsess about it, so I paid my entry fee (doing the 5k at Heaton Park in July) and made my mind up to start training.
One day later I was turning my house upside down, looking for my trainers. When I eventually found them (in a room we call 'the cave', under a pile of stuff destined for ebay), I wasn't overly surprised to see they were still like new. I don't think they'd ever seen a road! Nevertheless, on they went and I found some clothes resembling exercise gear, before doing some stretches and hitting the pavement. I soon realised that, although we live in a lovely part of the UK, it is definitely not flat. Half way up my first hill, 2 minutes into my first run, I wondered what the hell I was doing. I passed another jogger (heading downhill, jealous!) and managed to draw my face into what I'm hoping was a smile, although it probably bore more of a resemblance to Gollum in the throes of passion.
By the time I reached the top of the hill, my wind pipe was on fire and my legs were burning. I walked for a bit, turned around and ran down the hill (much more my kind of thing!). On returning home I was knackered but felt elated that I'd actually done it. I'd probably managed to run for all of 5 minutes, split into 2, but I'd got out of the house and gone running.
I hobbled around the following day feeling like I'd achieved something massive, not just a poxy 5 minute run. As soon as I had stopped aching (it took a few days!) I was out again. I started doing 4 sets of 3mins, with a 2 min walk in between. The next week I progressed to 4x4mins. I was loving the feeling I got when returning home after a run, as well as the general feeling of well-being from getting more exercise. Don't get me wrong, I've never been sedentary, I've ridden horses all my life and having had Saffy for almost 5yrs now I ride at least 4 times a week and spend my evenings mucking out, emptying wheelbarrows and carrying bales and buckets of water. I don't often push myself to the limit cardio-wise though, so this was something new.
Last week was week 3 of my training. I was already finding it easier to keep going for longer, but I was always glad of a walk break. I decided to go to Heaton Park as it is on my way home from work, to suss out what the actual 'race' would be like. It was not flat. At all. It was lovely though, lots of great scenery, good tracks and plenty of wildlife. Week 3 consisted of 3x6mins with 2mins walk in between. I enjoyed it so much on the first day that I ended up doing 4 sets. I did 2 Heaton Park runs, one with 3 sets and 1 with 4.
On Sunday I went all out. I got up early and did my first sprint training session in an attempt to boost my aerobic capacity (ie. make it easier for me to jog for longer!). I managed 8 sets of 30 second sprints, followed by 1 minute walk break. I started the session with a 6 min jog to warm up, which I aimed to also do to finish, but I was that drained I only managed 4mins. It took a long time for me to get my breath back! Not to be outdone, I then went and rode Saffy before Ross and I walked up Holcombe Hill and beyond, a 1300ft ascension. We did 8 miles in total. It was a great walk, but I'm still feeling it 2 days after! Of course, I don't think the sprinting or riding did much to soothe the aches!
So that's where I'm up to now. Week 4 of the running will hopefully include 3 sets of a 7min run followed by 2mins walking. Tonight though I am attending my first spinning class. I've never done anything like it before, but it's a beginners' one and I've heard they are great cardio workouts. I booked and paid for it in advance when I was feeling particularly active last week, just so I couldn't chicken out!
I'll report back on how it went. It will be good training for my triathlon, but that's a story for another day :)
I had noticed the recent adverts on TV (I spend a lot of time in front of the TV!) for the Race for Life. I loved the angle they had taken this year, the whole 'cancer, we're coming to get you' idea, and often found myself welling up watching them. I had thought I'd like to get involved, but I hadn't run on purpose in over a decade. But once I get an idea in my head I tend to obsess about it, so I paid my entry fee (doing the 5k at Heaton Park in July) and made my mind up to start training.
One day later I was turning my house upside down, looking for my trainers. When I eventually found them (in a room we call 'the cave', under a pile of stuff destined for ebay), I wasn't overly surprised to see they were still like new. I don't think they'd ever seen a road! Nevertheless, on they went and I found some clothes resembling exercise gear, before doing some stretches and hitting the pavement. I soon realised that, although we live in a lovely part of the UK, it is definitely not flat. Half way up my first hill, 2 minutes into my first run, I wondered what the hell I was doing. I passed another jogger (heading downhill, jealous!) and managed to draw my face into what I'm hoping was a smile, although it probably bore more of a resemblance to Gollum in the throes of passion.
By the time I reached the top of the hill, my wind pipe was on fire and my legs were burning. I walked for a bit, turned around and ran down the hill (much more my kind of thing!). On returning home I was knackered but felt elated that I'd actually done it. I'd probably managed to run for all of 5 minutes, split into 2, but I'd got out of the house and gone running.
I hobbled around the following day feeling like I'd achieved something massive, not just a poxy 5 minute run. As soon as I had stopped aching (it took a few days!) I was out again. I started doing 4 sets of 3mins, with a 2 min walk in between. The next week I progressed to 4x4mins. I was loving the feeling I got when returning home after a run, as well as the general feeling of well-being from getting more exercise. Don't get me wrong, I've never been sedentary, I've ridden horses all my life and having had Saffy for almost 5yrs now I ride at least 4 times a week and spend my evenings mucking out, emptying wheelbarrows and carrying bales and buckets of water. I don't often push myself to the limit cardio-wise though, so this was something new.
Last week was week 3 of my training. I was already finding it easier to keep going for longer, but I was always glad of a walk break. I decided to go to Heaton Park as it is on my way home from work, to suss out what the actual 'race' would be like. It was not flat. At all. It was lovely though, lots of great scenery, good tracks and plenty of wildlife. Week 3 consisted of 3x6mins with 2mins walk in between. I enjoyed it so much on the first day that I ended up doing 4 sets. I did 2 Heaton Park runs, one with 3 sets and 1 with 4.
On Sunday I went all out. I got up early and did my first sprint training session in an attempt to boost my aerobic capacity (ie. make it easier for me to jog for longer!). I managed 8 sets of 30 second sprints, followed by 1 minute walk break. I started the session with a 6 min jog to warm up, which I aimed to also do to finish, but I was that drained I only managed 4mins. It took a long time for me to get my breath back! Not to be outdone, I then went and rode Saffy before Ross and I walked up Holcombe Hill and beyond, a 1300ft ascension. We did 8 miles in total. It was a great walk, but I'm still feeling it 2 days after! Of course, I don't think the sprinting or riding did much to soothe the aches!
So that's where I'm up to now. Week 4 of the running will hopefully include 3 sets of a 7min run followed by 2mins walking. Tonight though I am attending my first spinning class. I've never done anything like it before, but it's a beginners' one and I've heard they are great cardio workouts. I booked and paid for it in advance when I was feeling particularly active last week, just so I couldn't chicken out!
I'll report back on how it went. It will be good training for my triathlon, but that's a story for another day :)
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