Week 9 Day 1...Finally!

Yippee!  After 2 failed attempts (one run in strong wind and it took my breath away at around 23 mins, and another in hot sun too much for me at around 20 min) I did my first 30 minute run, possibly my first ever!

So I'm well and truly in to the final week of C25K.  I feel quite sad but very excited to be on the cusp of starting my new HM plan!  I have a HM booked for next Feb in Silverstone, which isn't far away really and I'm a bit worried about that!  More worried about raising the £400 to be totally honest.

Anyway today was beautiful low morning sun, blue skies, cool fresh air...I just LOVE these mornings.  My legs felt like the might cause problems but I got over that and they were fine.  I kept to a slowish pace to cover the 30 minutes but when I got home was very surprised to see my average pace was actually 7:84 km/min which is good for feeling ok throughout.  That means if I keep that pace up for 5K I'd do my race in just over 36 minutes.  That would be amazing!  I'd expected around 45 minutes - if the weather is  kind I think I will manage to keep that pace for just another 6 minutes!  I felt I could have kept running today for a bit longer.

I still hope to achieve 5K in 30 minutes or under.  Can't wait to start work on adding distance to my 30 minutes.  Slowly, of course.  As far as this week goes I'm just going to keep going at a steady pace to complete the time.  Still...I'm well chuffed! :)  Yay!

Well hasn't it been a while...!

Since I posted that is.  I'm running week 8 run 3 tomorrow before I go onto my final week next week.

I'm doing well, I had a false start to week 8 managing just 20 minutes so I cancelled that off as a bit of exercise then started week 8 again a couple of days later.  So anyway I can't go over everything now, but I have managed two 28 minuters this week! :D

Also, I have a race on 3rd October which is 5k so I'm training towards that as soon as C25K ends, then possibly a half marathon in Feb 2011 which I'll be raising money for the Cardiomyiopathy Association.  We shall see about that one!

No more intervals!

I have three weeks left, that's all.  I'm really going to miss C25K and am already looking around for what to do next.  Might do the one hour runner programme.  Sure it wont be as good as using my GetRunning app though. 

I was just looking through my app and I'm actually excited (albeit nervous) that next week is just three days of 25 minute runs!  I'm hoping that by next Friday I'll be good at that.

The following week is 3 lots of 28 minutes, which after running 3 days of 25 minutes shouldn't be too bad!  Then the final week is 3 lots of 30 minutes!  I can't believe I'm actually looking forward to that.

I know I wont make 5K though!

Week 6 Run 2, 2 again and 3!

Hi,

It's been too long since I updated this blog, it's been a hectic week!

I attempted to do run 2 on Monday, failing badly! Run 2 was run 10, walk 3, run 10.  I had a fast pace on the first 10 minutes so I think that wore my legs out and I just couldn't continue to complete the second run. I walked home and was not happy with myself at all.  See a forum post all about it here:  http://www.runnersforum.co.uk/beginners/17866-pick-your-thread-subject-need-encouragement.html

With a lot of fantastic support I got out again on Tuesday and did it again, this time with success! :)  I slowed it down again which was the key.  My first attempt at this took me on a slightly different route, and I worried halfway through a particular section that  I shouldn't be there, it's private etc.  Then in private land around here I worry that people may be hunting or something lol.  Possibly made me run faster!

Today after not enough sleep (was working till midnight boo) I managed to drag myself out of bed at 5:50am and get out for my 25 minute run.  I used my iPhone armband for the first time despite having it for several weeks!  It worked well, and stopped me from checking the time continuously so I'll be using that more often.  The first few minutes were really hard and my legs started to ache!  Luckily I remembered from the 20 minute run that it gets better!  It did, and by the 10 minute point I'd started to get in to it, a good steady pace and steady breathing.  My route isn't circular so turning around to come home always throws of off a little and it took me a few minutes to get my pace back.

All in all I am really pleased with how it went.  I wasn't too wiped out and don't really ache.  I would like to get faster but need to get the time up first!  So, no more intervals.  Argh!

Week 6 Run 1

I really can't believe I'm on week 6 already!

I managed to beat Jessica-leigh to getting up this morning so was able to go for my run.  I felt a bit mad, getting up at 5:50 on a Saturday morning to run for half an hour in the rain!  Still...I was determined to stick to the programme so get up I did!

I think I expected this run to be a bit easier than normal, having just run the 20 minutes a couple of days before.  Now I think intervals are harder than straight runs!  Today was run 5, walk 3, run 8, walk 3, run 5.  I felt a struggle at the beginning of the first run, but I put that down to it being uphill and early morning, plus I forgot to eat something small before I left. 

The 8 minute run went well, but something weird happened.  I was running alongside a field and could see quite a long way ahead as it is pretty straight there.  I saw someone up ahead coming in my direction.  I usually see a nice dog walker in mornings but I was pretty sure it wasn't her, she doesn't go as far as the field I was on and I couldn't see or hear her dog.  I put my head down for a second, looked up and the person had totally vanished!  Now, the only place someone could have gone in that time would be in to the field or in to the hedge/ditch to the side.  The field had just been cut so there was no long wheat, I could see into the field well - and I could not see that person anywhere.  Logic tells me I just missed them walk off, but I was literally not looking for just a few seconds - there's no way they could have walked or ran out of sight in that time.  So, that spooked me.  Then I thought the person could be waiting in the hedge!  So, as a female running v early in the morning on her own, I chose to turn round a little early and head the opposite way, towards home!  It was almost halfway through the run anyway.  Maybe it was a but silly but I thought better safe than sorry.

So anyway, that over with I continued and headed towards home, completing the remaining runs.  I found the last one much easier but again, that's my downhill!  I tend to run faster when I'm almost finished, I think it's because I know I don't have much further to run, so I don't need to pace myself so much. 

All in all, it went well.  Not 100% happy but it wasn't agony! :D

Uh-Oh

Oh no.  This afternoon I've started to feel yucky.  I have a very sore throat and feel...just blurgh.  I hope it doesn't set me back at all.

Week 5 DONE!!

How happy am I? Answer: VERY!

Week 5 run 3 came around and although there was a hitch and I wasn't able to run in the morning, I managed to get out in the evening.

I still cannot believe I actually did it!

Lots of things to mention. 

Speed: I didn't run very fast.  There was a HUGE black sky overhead which looked very thunderous, and I didn't want to be too far from home when the heavens opened!  They didn't in the end, as it happens.

Legs: My legs felt achy on about the 5th minute!  Not too bad but just that I could feel them working.  I told myself I had just 3 minutes to reach 8 which I knew I could do!  The hardest part of all was just after I turned around to come back.  My route isn't circular and that effected my momentum for a time.  Took about 3 minutes to adapt.

Breathing: As I kept the pace slow my breathing was good.  :)  Again, the first 5-8 minutes were the hardest then my body just seemed to adapt.  I kept breathing through my mouth and could feel it fuelling my muscles on every breath (imagination?) which really really helped and lifted me.

Feeling:  It felt great!  Wasn't too hard and actually completely amazed me that I found it easier than the 8 minute runs of week 5 run 2 - the intervals make it harder possibly?

I actually almost cried!  Silly I know, but I was really so happy that I did it, my eyes did get a bit watery it is such an achievement for me.  At school I was always the one using the cross country as an excuse for a good gossip while walking at the back!

I'm sure there are things I haven't covered that I had wanted too but that's most of it.  Oh and I don't ache today yippee!  Need to work on building speed as soon as this C25K is over I really want to get my 5K time under 30 minutes, we'll see!  I have until my race in early October.

I've entered a race!

Ooooooh I've got a race coming up!  Exciting.

It's a 5K on 3rd October just a small local one for a school fund raising.  There are only 200 places so I hope they're not all fast runners! 

Week 5 Run 2

I was a bit naughty and had my 2nd run in 2 days today.  I was going to do run 1 again, the one with 3 lots of 5 minutes.  Then I thought I don't know, I'll just see how I go with one 8 minute (this run was 8 mins running, 5 mins walking, 8 mins running) and went from there.  I had intended to do one 8 min if I could then follow the last half of run 1.

Anyway my determination to finish grew!  I ran at 4:15pm it was sunny but a bit of a breeze which was lovely.

I kept a slow pace and thought that around the 3rd minute of the 1st 8 minute run I wouldn't finish it.  By 5 minutes it felt easier and I told myself I only had 3 minutes left.  Only! I almost passed out just contemplating 3 minutes a few weeks ago now it's an 'only'!  Amazing.  The last minute was the hardest.  I think my natural giving up time was at 7 minutes so the last one was a push but I did it and was elated.

The 5 minute walk was bliss. ;)  I recovered my breathing after a minute and a half which was great.

When it came to the second 8 minute stint it was pretty much the same, except the last 2 minutes were a push but oddly enough when I had about 10 seconds left I found myself feeling lighter and that I could manage more.  It wasn't enough to make me continue though!

I know I've said this before but I might just do another run of 8-5-8 before I do the 20 minutes...we'll see!  Phew. Hot!

Week 5 Run 1

Wow!  Wow wow wow wow wow. 

Wow.

That went well!  New trainers worked so beautifully when I was running at one point there was a breeze and I could feel it on my feet they made my feet feel so cool - loving it.  Such a difference. 

I almost didn't get my run today but so glad I did.  I managed 5 mins running, 3 mins walking, 5 mins running, 3 mins walking, 5 mins running without any discomfort.

I even upped my pace on the last run for half of it, I did have to focus to get my breathing back down for the rest of the run but I did it! :) So chuffed. :) :)

For anyone just starting out who is reading this - you can do it!  I started out struggling on 90 second runs.

I got my gait analysis today

** This is copied from my post on runnersforum.co.uk so sorry if it's a repeat! **

Yay so excited!

I went to InterSport today and the helpful lady analysed me on the treadmill and I was shocked at how much my ankles go inwards. I totally over pronate. I knew this would be the case but not so seriously. Running shoes cost mega bucks! I got some Mizuno ones that were £85 My other half was not impressed! I was so worried about injury though. I couldn't believe the difference they made to my ankles and legs while running in them it was so interesting to see.

Of course, I could have brought them elsewhere but this place charged a £10 fee for being analysed without purchasing so I thought I'd go for it. Luckily Mum was around with her credit card, so I need to pay her back over the following weeks.

I love them though, they're not the prettiest creating but they'll do a great job I know. Now to get some proper socks next...I used the shop ones to try trainers on and couldn't believe how airy they were. Much better than my standard old trainer socks!

Probably testing them on Sunday.







EDITED: Uh-oh I have new trainer syndrome.  I want to get out there and test them tomorrow but must resist...must resist...

Week 4 FINISHED!

Oh I am so pleased with how today went. :)

I woke at 5:50 reluctant to get out of bed but forced myself and subsequently thought it may not be the best day for my run!  However, before I went out I had half a banana and think it made a big difference.

So, RunKeeper loaded, iPod loaded and GetRunning loaded, I started walking telling myself I can do it! I was keen when the first 3 minute run started and managed that really well I was happy with it. :)  I didn't go as slow as I had before but kept it pretty relaxed as I knew the hard work really came later!

The first 5 minute run was great!  Of course it was hard work as usual, but I felt good and actually felt that I could run some more after it ended.  Since the beginning I've struggled with my breathing.  I've always had a problem with the 'jerky breathing' that comes from the impact.  I've always tried to run breathing in my nose and out my mouth which is the way I was taught many years ago.  This is the main cause of my difficulties.  I simply breathed in and out of my mouth today and focused on the oxygen making my muscles work and it was a million times easier.  In the past, I haven't been easily able to do this as I've got a sore throat/chest but it was fine today.  That's what I'm going to do from now on, I felt I was getting enough oxygen for a change!  Result!

My route follows very old paths/roads through the fields, they're not maintained so the concrete is all broken and uneven.  I think this makes my legs work harder to cope with the uneven ground (it is all up and down and dodging to avoid pot holes etc!) BUT I'm pleased that it's a difficult route, it must be better in the long run.  That's what I keep telling myself anyway!

Anyway, the last 5 minute run was downhill a little and as usual was much easier.  I felt great and although I did have slightly tired legs and was a little out of breath it wasn't anything major.  I usually struggle to open my backdoor as I'm so desperate to get inside and stretch but today I had to remind myself to stretch!  Normally I need to to make my legs feel a better!  I ate the rest of the banana when I got in too :)  I don't normally like banana that much, but I'm starting to do things just because they're good for me!

This new success could be a mix of things; dinner last night consisted of lots of pasta, I had a bit of breakfast before I ran, I worked out my breathing.

I also got into such a great consistent stride that it felt right.

So all in all - happy!

Now next week may be a different story, the dreaded week 5.  Think I'll try to get the first run in on Sunday instead of having a 2 day rest.  We'll see!

Week 4 Run 2

Today I ran my second week 4 run.  As before this contained two 5 minute runs and two 3 minute runs. 

I almost didn't make it.  I overslept by half an hour and was a bit unsure about going out as my daughter has been waking earlier lately but I took a chance and left her and my fiance sleeping as I crept out of the door!

SO glad I did.  It was a gorgeous sunny morning.  I did the 5 minute warm up but did it slower, I don't know what it is lately with my calves but they're really struggling with this uphill part of the route.  It's odd as it's been a regular walking route for years anyway and I've never had this problem.

The first 3 minute run went ok my legs felt tight but I had just got out of bed so that's to be expected!  The 5 minute run actually went better than Monday, no pressure headaches.  My legs were aching though.  After this run, I paused the app for a few seconds and stretched my calves before continuing with the walk that proceeded.

The second and last 5 minute run was a pleasant surprise.  It wasn't easy AT ALL, but was a lot better than Monday's.  It helped that it was downhill a little, and that I passed a dog walker who was heading in my direction so I knew he'd be able to see me and that spured me on! 

It was hard, but I'm pleased that it felt a bit easier than Monday.  I'm not sure if I'll manage week 5 yet, I may just have to repeat this week because I'm running at such a stupidly slow pace (at least on my first runs today, where there was no-body about.

Can't wait till they've harvested round here, that's going to make it so much easier, less irritation via heyfever!

So that's that.  I can't write properly as I keep getting my attention taken by the little one lol!

I don't ache yippee!

That's given me a bit of confidence for the rest of the week.  I thought I was really going to suffer after yesterdays struggles with the 5 minute runs.  Looking forward to doing a better job tomorrow!

Week 4 Run 1

I am SO going to ache tomorrow.

That was really tough.  It's a nice cool(ish) day with a breeze so that wasn't the problem.  I really did struggle.  I'll break it down.

• 5 min warm up - calves already starting to ache and feel tight on my usual uphill warm up
• 3 min run - kept experimenting with different running forms so it wasn't great.  Tried to go heel to toe and 'spring' forward but it's not natural for me so that didn't work!  Felt easier on the legs, but too much concentration to keep it up.  Out of breath by the end.
• 1 1/2 min walk - managed to recover quite quickly which I was pleased about.  Was ok by halfway through the walk
• 5 min run - started off not too bad, by 2 mins I was already suffering with breathing and my legs were giving up but I managed to finish this run.  I did worry halfway through a bit, every time I took a breath I got a short pressure headache.  Only on my in breaths.  Not sure what that was about, not enough oxygen?
• 2 1/2 min walk - nice recovery despite my difficult run.  Had to stop a little to stretch, my calves were hurting.
• 3 min run - I couldn't complete this.  I did about 1 minute but my legs wouldn't let me do it.  I stopped, stretched, then walked until the next run. Was disappointed.
• 5 min run - was determined to do this!  Managed to run slowly for the first half of the run and somehow sped up a but for the second half but I did start to get the pressure head again.  Maybe dehydration?  I tried to think about what to do for dinner, that took my mind of the run for 30 seconds!  Was VERY happy to stop running when I was told to.  

All in all, I am pleased I managed the 5 minute runs though they were uncomfortable for me.  Disappointed I had to interrupt the programme for the first time so far.
Happy to try again on Wednesday.

I may have to repeat week 3 but I don't want to go backwards so will try not to.

So,

that's that!

:)

Week 4 starts today - argh!

Nervous!  I have to run 5 minutes continuously today and looking back at my diet over this weekend I am right to be nervous!  Will update later...

Ps. I've heard that trainers call this the 'drop out week', great!

Edit to add my shiny new week 4 run 1 setlist!!!  Will see how it goes.

Week Three FINISHED!! :)

Another week done.

Actually I'm having thoughts that I should repeat week three but I'll see how it goes on Monday first. 

Today the weather was cloudy and it had been raining a lot overnight so it was a lot cooler which made it much more comfortable.  I fancied another route so instead of my usual, I went along the main road to a turning that took me towards the village church, which I had thought was quite a long way.  However, halfway there and I regretted it!  The road/lane to the church has some major steep downhills which meant only one thing and I didn't want to face that on my return!  So I turned around after the first downhill and made my way back aware that the times would be out.  I took a swift turning into a field marked public footpath and walked along that for a while before turning back just past the halfway announcement.

This is the first time I've ran along a proper road!  The final 3 minute run saw me running partly along the lane but mainly on the pavement of a sometimes very busy main road that links villages and nearby towns.  At 6:20 it wasn't too busy but there were some cars!  Oddly enough, on that run I was faster, had a much better pace and was completely spurred on by the cars and me knowing I didn't want to look like an idiot! That's the only part of road I can run on here, the pavement stops for about another 2 miles.

I'm not sure whether it was because I had warmed up by the last run or whether it really was the cars helping me along but it was such an easier run.  Very happy with that.

Still unsure about whether I should re-do week three.  The first 3 minute run was hard going, and that's three minutes for God's sake...THREE MINUTES!  That should be so easy, no?  So I'm undecided I'll see how week four goes and see from there!

Now, I'm only just fresh from the shower so gotta go get ready for the day ahead.

V

Week Three Run Two

Last night I was so wiped out that I was in bed by 9pm!  It was hot in the night so I woke up but all in all I slept really well.  So when I woke up this morning at 5:45 without an alarm I knew I just had to get out there and go for my run. :)

It was already starting to get very warm, apparently today may be the hottest day of the year so I'm pleased I got out early!  The first 90 second run was fine but my legs were a little heavy feeling, presumably because it was the first run and I wasn't warmed up totally yet.  The first 3 minute run was quite hard going, I frequently got covered by swarms of flying ants (yuck) so was running and flapping about!  The second 90 second run was great, and I felt ready for the next 3 minute run.  It's my legs that seemed to be hard to work this morning not my breathing, maybe I need to do some kind of strength exercise on my legs.

So, I came home, got my daughter sorted for the day, got my boyfriend ready for the day then ate my daughters fudge choocie bar.  How naughty!!  Before half 8 tut tut!  Oh well they're only small I'll buy her another!

Looking forward to my next run.

Photos

Love this - taken today on my iPhone on my route. :)

Run One Week Three

Done done done done.  :)  Finally. 

It was interesting.  VERY hot out there I hadn't realised when I got dressed in a black hard rock cafe vest!  Still at least I had very light trackies on.  They're so perfect for everything.

Three minute runs.  Actually I'll get onto that in a minute.  The first 90 second run came surprisingly easy, is this actually working?  I was pretty slow but I was very hot the 2pm sun was burning down, although mad me actually likes it that way, don't know why!  It's harder and I have to work harder to get through it.  I guess it's the challenge.  I always loved going to my old, non air conditioned gym in the summer (there were fans).  The 3 minute run was quite good at first, I thought I'd almost done when she said I was halfway through!  Hey ho.  I kept on for the rest of the 3 minutes though it wasn't easy, it wasn't painful either.  Having said that, the walk break was very welcome.

Enjoyed the next 90 second run too, it's nice to have some variety now I'm further into the programme.

The last 3 minute run was hard at around the 1 minute point then felt easier, as it was coming to an end I did an extra 20 seconds or so because I felt good.  I stopped so not to overdo it. 

All in all I'm pleased.

The difference today was my personal parade of classic American cars.  I live basically on the perimeter of a disused airfield that was used to station American troops in the 2nd World War I think these cars were doing something related to that.  Nice to see, normally I'm lucky to meet a dog walker!

Some pics will follow.

Motivation to start week 3

I'm trying to find some. 

My daughter who didn't get to bed until gone 9.30 last night (we were out then at her grandparents house) woke me up at 6 this morning due to teething.  That, coupled with me having a restless night results in a very tired Vicki!

I'm working today, so will take 45 to get out in a while.  I'm still trying to wake up, probably a bad thing as it is already 11:36!  I really should be awake by now.  Another coffee?  Definately easier to get out early and then it's done for the day.  I really hope Jessica doesn't wake up so early the rest of the week, otherwise there will be no morning runs for me I'll have to try evening time which would be a bit difficult to fit around dinnertime, bedtime etc.

So an update will hopefully come later.  Right now I can't be bothered to walk down the stairs let alone run for 3 minutes!

Week Two FINISHED! :)

Another week crossed off yippee. 

This morning's run was another of the walk 2 mins and run 1.5 mins.  I found it so much easier today, I had woken up cheery (don't know why as I couldn't sleep last night, quality over quantity I imagine), the weather was cooler but the sun had appeared and I knew it was the final run of week two.

The worst part of today was after I turned to go onto another trail and the wind was towards me, I struggle to breath in the wind at the best of times, always have so that was really difficult.  Thankfully I turned again soon so it wasn't bad for long.  I met a lovely dog walker with a gorgeous terrier who liked to chase me, I didn't stop the first time as I was mid-run and don't like to interrupt it.  The second time I passed them when I was returning home the dog followed me for a bit which was cute. :)

I have definitely slowed down a lot, still covering just over 2 miles (which sounds great I never thought I'd do that even!) but runkeeper is logging my best mile pace at around 9mph which isn't great.  I'll work on that later. 

Right, that's me!  I'm off to trampoline with the little one later at a friends house!! 

Week Two Run Two

A quick update as my toddler is crawling and climbing all over me!  I didn't get to sleep until 1:30 this morning as it was hot and my eczema was SO irritating.  I was determined to get up this morning otherwise I knew I'd have no time today and if I don't stick to schedule then I get less and less likely to continue.

So after 5 1/2 hours sleep I managed to get up at 6 and leave the house at 6:05. :) I found it REALLY hard straight from the go!  By the time I was on my last run, which is downhill I have to add, I was fine to keep going for a few more minutes, or at least I felt that way, but I just stuck to it as I was almost home and knew I'd have to walk it off. 

Stretching is something I've always done since my gym days, but I had forgotten the importance of 'shaking it out'.  I've done this after the last two runs and haven't hurt yippee!  Going to get the Wii Yoga out later! lol  So far so good...

Moving House

Were going to be moving house.  Our home of 7+ years has been on the market for a while and we have an offer, and our eyes on a 'project' in the village where we both grew up.  It's a village with shops and pubs which we don't have at the moment but it does mean I have to find myself some new routes, as I do plan to keep running.  There is an old railway line we used to play on as kids I guess that will do as starters.  Not very exciting though as it's so familiar.

My new running hobby has led me to love my current location even more!  I love to run/walk on the old disused airfield which takes me towards other close villages and see which turn will take me where.  It's an adventure every time.  I know I can still come back here but that would require a car journey which defeats the point of me running locally.  Maybe I still will now and again.

Planning to get up at 5:50 again tomorrow for another early run.  I need an early night tonight, but so far I still have loads of work to get done - perils of freelancing!  So, week two, run two.  :)  I have to say I've really been looking forward to it all day! Don't know if I'll be saying that in the early morning...

Week Two, Run One DONE :)

That wasn't so bad.  LOVING the drizzle it was lovely to run in despite puddles.  I was amazed that I didn't find it so hard. 

I did cheat a bit.  I slowed my pace a lot whilst running to the point where I had to speed up a bit for fear I was running slower than I was walking!  On the last of six runs I sped to my previous week speed and what feels like my natural running pace and that pushed me.  I think I'll do alternate slow/fast or something on the rest of this weeks runs.

In all, enjoyable :)

About to do Week Two Run One

It's raining and I've NEVER been for a walk in the rain intentionally let alone a run!  I've eaten terribly this weekend and today so dread to think how much that's going to impact, but here goes...

Eve of Week 2

Tomorrow my week 2 begins.

I did my third run of week one on Friday and found it a little easier than the previous two but still hard work.  I must be so unfit.  I see those 'proper runners' and they must be so fit they don't even look a tenth as beetroot red as I do for starters.  They don't have struggling faces they're all happy and relaxed.  Me - I'm puffing like a steam train! 

I did some great stretches after the run/walk and remembered to shake them out, something I'd forgotten on the previous outings.  That made a huge difference and I'm pleased to report I didn't ache at all.  Not even the next day. :)  Super happy at that.

Now I have to start week two, slightly apprehensive I have to run for 90 seconds, god that seems so easy when it's written like that!  I can't wait to be fitter!  I've had two rest days as the programme suggested which has put me off my game a little, now I feel like I can't be bothered to go tomorrow.  I know I should and I will - this is where I can so easily not bother and fall behind or even just stop completely but I mustn't.  It's going to rain tomorrow so I can either go out early or in the afternoon.  I'm working tomorrow and don't have my daughter so tempting to go later in the day but think I'll aim for early.  It's done then for the day!

I don't feel fitter than I did this time last week so I'm really not convinced that I'll manage tomorrow well but we will see, and I shall report back!

Sorry for the rambling, I'm tired and off to get a good if not warm night's sleep.

(here's a pic I took Friday very early morning on my run I wont take more they're a bit same-y!)

Rest Day

*yawn* I want to do some more running!  My legs aren't half as bad as they were after my first run which may be due to doing that one in the afternoon and the second run early morning, but it still feels great!

Today I'll just be taking my daughter to a toddler group to see her friends and have a play, but I fancy a bounce on the fitness trampoline!  Not sure if I should be exercising on a rest day...I guess there's always housework to fill the time which she sleeps.  Already looking forward to getting out there tomorrow.  I managed the early start yesterday without waking the house, I'm sure I can manage it again tomorrow!

My clothing is a bit of an issue though, the first run, I wore what I had on as I felt motivated and just had to do it!  So that was loose 3/4 combats and a tee.  Yesterday I dug out my Nike leggin things and a running top (thinking the fluorescent pink would be a good idea).  The top kept riding up revealing the shape of my post-baby hips - NOT good!  Now I don't know what to wear tomorrow.  Thinking I should invest in some running shorts with the extra bit inside to stop them riding up, or a cute running skirt.  In two minds, I want to be comfortable, but at the same time I worry that I'll be spending on something that I may not keep up.  Don't get me wrong, I want to keep it up, but I just know what I'm like!

Anyway off to do housework now, or bounce!

2nd Run of Week One

Well I managed to get up at 6 without waking anyone up - was out by quarter past to do my 2nd run of week one. My legs were still tender from Mondays adventures so to start with it was hard going. My shins were especially sore and I found I was willing the lady to tell me to run so I could get some relief! After the first run of eight I started to get into it and by the halfway point I was managing the runs really well.


This is where I was this morning you can see that it's a bit cloudy and the picture is quite small so it doesn't look great. Trust me that one a bright sunny morning it's lovely! It is nice to have this on the doorstep despite the lack of a shop or pub!

I had water in one hand which really I could have managed without as it wasn't too hot, and my iPhone in the other. I tucked my back door key into the side of my trainer!! I wore Nike running pant things which don't have pockets! Must get one of those armband things to hold the iPhone at least!

Another pic:

Because I knew I was getting up early I did that thing of waking up every hour in the night! Still I was pleased I managed it just fine. Maybe I'll lose some weight during this running programme so I'll fit into some of my old (pre-pregnancy) gym stuff and be more comfy. Don't want to buy anything new as I have loads of things already! They're just all small 12's or 10's and I'm a large 12-14. :(

Right now I feel great that I got out this morning and managed the walk/run, but shall be doing stairs avoidance throughout the day!

Anyway it's quarter past 8 so must get on with my day!

RunKeeper

Ok I just found out about RunKeeper and entered my details for the first run.  I did a total of 2.09 miles, average speed of 4.40mph on a 25ft climb and burnt around 163 calories!  The calories look rubbish!

What a great site.  I have the free iPhone app now so hopefully it will run alongside GetRunning and I can track my distances easier.  Its so good to see it all broken into statistics - I love statistics!!

Still aching, but have decided tomorrows run WILL go ahead.  Can I still call it a run if it's a walk/run?  I haven't been really. 

I'm going to start running

Ok, I've been here before and got as far as running for about 20 minutes on a treadmill but I'm doing it properly this time. I have great trainers from my previous gym visits, I have enough sports clothes to be getting on with and I've just downloaded the fantastic GetRunning app for my iPhone.

I'm planning on doing the couch to 5k programme which will take me through 9 weeks of gradually increased running until I'm doing 30 minutes uninterrupted.

So, yesterday while my daughter was at my mother-in-law's as I was working I took an extra 45 minutes and got outside. I live in rural suffolk so where to run isn't an issue - fields and tracks galore, and it's pretty flat yippee! I managed to complete the first stage getting home very beetroot faced and tired out, it was a bit of a struggle in the hot sun even though it looks easy on paper - walk for 90 seconds run for 60 and repeat 8 times. I covered about 2 miles in that time which was astonishing.

I have found this fantastic google service that allows tracking routes http://www.gmap-pedometer.com SO useful.

Today I have a rest day. My legs are sore when I walk so I'm resting quite a bit but we have a new mini fitness trampoline that I just can't resist and I keep popping onto it for a bounce! :)