About Me

I am 29 and have a 21 month old at the time of writing this profile. I'm going to try to get fitter and I'm doing the couch to 5k programme with an iPhone app called GetRunning.

Tuesday, 3 August 2010

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! 

Monday, 2 August 2010

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!

Sunday, 1 August 2010

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.

Friday, 30 July 2010

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!

Wednesday, 28 July 2010

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!

Tuesday, 27 July 2010

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!