Juneathon Day 30 - Done!

Well that's it! Juneathon is over and I managed it! I really didn't think that I'd make it. I rounded it off with a nice intervals session on the treadmill in the gym after work with some jack knives and free weights to round it off. For the first day in a while I felt like I wanted to do more but was meeting friends so had to cut it a bit short. Just can't seem to get the balance right.

After complaining that I want a break then I bet I feel like going for a run tomorrow ;)

Juneathon Day 29 - Penultimate

I actually got jealous of someone having the time to go to the gym today. How sad. Thanks to a team dinner at work (I like to think I was restrained) I once again struggled to fir anything in but I've just done half an hour of hula-hooping 50 crunches, 40 pressups and 5 minutes of glute bridge work. I'm taking the gym kit into work tomorrow in the hope of fitting in either a session after work or a run back home before seeing a couple of friends for a drink.

I'm going to draw up a proper, SMART, training plan going forwards. I need rest days. Please no Julyathon!

Juneathon Day 28 - Intervals

I'll be so glad when this is over. I'm feeling more and more tired by the day. However I did go interval training tonight, and didn't do too badly. Took me about 20 minutes and I almost managed to keep pace the entire time. I still only manage to walk between sprints though. Somehow, someway I will get faster and stronger. If only I could stop feeling so tired.

I need a training partner. I have determination, I just need a little bit of help. Aside from the magazines ;)

Juneathon Day 27 - Freedom Run

Today was another beautiful day, well up into the 30's and barely a cloud in the sky. Therefore it wasn't until 8pm when the temperature had dropped to a mere 27 degrees that I got over to Frimley Lodge Park and did my freedom run that I'd planned to do since getting that competitive feeling yesterday. I'd previously been up to my allotment in my sports kit to water everything so I ended up with shoes full of dust and dirt which I had to brush off and empty out before running. There's few things more uncomfortable than running with shoes full of grit.

So I completed the course in 27:23 (although my Garmin recorded the distance as 5.29km). My average pace was 8:20 /mi which is probably my fastest yet since recording my runs. Let's hope I can maintain it. Once again I recovered quickly and feel like it's not my legs that are the issue but the upper body, breathing and general lethargy. Hmmm.

I bought Runner's World and Women's Running today. Looking forward to reading those! Is that sad? Probably just a bit. Only 3 more days of Juneathon... phew.

Juneathon Day 26 - Just

I've just got in from a day at Wimbledon. It's been a very long day and I didn't get a chance to do anything this morning so I'm now going to do at least 20 minutes of hula hooping in front of Glee with a decaff hot drink and maybe a chocolate cornet.

Tomorrow, seeing as a mate of mine from Cardiff has done his first run (under duress for footy training) and ran it 9 minutes faster than I did fist time, I'm going to do some serious running training and maybe a freedom run (parkrun on a day other that Saturday at 9am). I'm getting all competitive on his ass! Hell yeah!

Juneathon Day 25 - Frogger!

Another beautiful evening! I could quite easily have spent all evening cycling around but I have a friend coming for dinner (which I've yet to start cooking - eep!) so I made do with a half hour or so partially exploratory ride. I started off going gown the track I went downt he other day when I came off after ending up on a main road, and just explored a few of the side tracks. It was really quite lovely.

I encountered a lorry coming towards me so I had to squeeze into the bushes and I almost ran over a frog who was blending a bit too well into his sandy surroundings.

I did just over 5 miles at an average of just under 9 miles an hour. I reached a max speed of 17mph! Now to go make that weight watchers no points curry :)

Juneathon Day 24 - I'm Meeeeeelting!

Now I know what ice cream feels like. Got home, trainers on, out for a run in 25 degree + heat. I'd only gone with the intention of doing 2.5 miles, as I'm expecting vistors soon (who've still not arrived - glare), and I just about managed. My legs felt pretty heavy today and Garmin tells me my pace was somewhere between a fast jog and a slow run so I guess I didn't do too badly. Average pace was 9:47 per mile which is really pretty good for me actually. There's hope for further improvement yet!

Juneathon Day 23 - The Wheels On The Bike...

... go round and round. Tonight I have been out on the bike. Trying to get back into a once a week over at the forest with my mate Phil. We haven't been for a while. It was a lovely evening for it and I wore my Garmin on the bike for the first time. I didn't quite capture all of it and there were plenty of pauses as we use this as a catch up session too but overall I did about 12 miles, burnt about 1200 calories and didn't come off. I wasn't feeling as brave as usual so we didn't do too much track but I enjoyed it. I hit max speeds of about 15mph but averaged about 7.5 given how much we stopped to chat and decide which way to go next.

Feeling good about it all and am definitely improving my strength and stamina. I wonder what it would be like if I really pushed myself!

Juneathon Day 22

I've clearly eaten far too much in the way of cream teas and donuts over the weekend because I've got a bit of a tummy so I'm trying to work it off... unsuccessfully so far. Today I got back from work at 7:45 so I immediately pulled on my trainers and headed out for a 2.5 miler in the evening sun. It was still pretty warm and I tried out a couple of the beta Audiofuel tracks I downloaded ages ago. I really enjoyed two of them but found one a bit monotonous so switched to my "Running Track Of The Day" which is Pendulum's Propane Nightmares which really got me pumping the legs and saw me through the last part of my run.

Downsides to the run were my Garmin dying as I stepped out the door so I've no record of my progress and almost stepping on a decomposing rat wasn't all that great either.

Tomorrow... mountain biking!

Juneathon Day 21 - Not A Very Manic Monday

Today was a beautiful day, sunny, warm, and the longest one of the year to boot! It was too warm to go running when I first got back so I did half an hour of hula hooping in the garden whilst listening to some of the new music I bought at the festival. Then I did a lot of lying around but this evening I biked up to the allotment (about a mile away) and then when I'd almost worn myself out with watering plants (those watering cans are heavy you know), I went for a longer bike ride home, about 4 miles in the glorious sunshine. I would have stayed out longer but it was 8:45 and I'd not eaten since midday so I was quite keen to get back and eat food.

I still have excess energy. All this exercise (allbeit small amounts each day) is really giving me new levels of energy and while it's hard to do a bit every day, it would be even harder if I pushed myself to the max every day so I think it's good I'm doing little and often (and then lots infrequently).

Juneathon Day 20 - Lazy Sunday Afternoons

It has been a glorious day. Stayed up far too late at the festival last night so didn't manage to summon enough energy to get out for my run before breakfast but instead revived something I've not done in ages which was yoga. I used to love doing yoga and would go to classes at least once a week. In fact it's something I should probably try and bring back in on a regular basis as it's great for stretching out the muscles and improving flexibility, which thanks to my increased running habit has suffered terribly these past few months.

So I did several rounds of salute to the sun, some hunter poses, downward dogs (almost heels to floor), cobras and several other poses whose names I've forgotten. I threw in some pressups (20), tricep dips (20) and glute work for good measure too. It was really invigorating. I'm sort of glad it was the last day of festival today because it's been so difficult to fit in exercise, I'm looking forward to getting back to everyday life and more scheduled fitness.

A few less donuts and cream teas will help too!

Juneathon Day 19 - Walking on Sunshine

Today we have been a-wandering. We went to Bosham and had a brisk walk around the village and water line. I didn't take my garmin with me but I estimate we did about 2.5 miles. We're off to check out the first band of the day but later on I shall be doing my routine of tricep dips, pressups, crunches, lunges and glute work in the safety of my room between acts. Admittedly it's not as energetic as yesterday but it's still exercise that I otherwise wouldn't be doing. A run again tomorrow I hope, and definitely a bike ride to break the monotony of running on Monday.

Oh and it's not all that sunny, which is a shame.

Juneathon Day 18 - Field Work

Well despite being fuelled up on bubbly, cheese and half a box of chocolates I managed to do a 2 mile run around some of the emptier fields at the festival. I have to say my heart wasn't really in it and running on stubble was hard work but I didn't stray too far below my race pace (which probably means I should try to up my race pace). I think we're out of bubbles now so tomorrow might be easier.

I did do some wandering around the shops today but I don't think that counts, even if it did include a visit to the Adidas outlet store and the procurement of a couple of new zip through tops and a new vest. Yum!

I'm feeling pretty fat now so when the festival is over it's onto a low fat, veg heavy diet. I'd like to stay a size 10!

Juneathon Day 17 - Down on the Farm

Today I have mostly been sipping bubbly whilst lazing in the sunshine whiling away the time until Blues on the Farm festival kicks off. I've been feeling pretty good since yesterday's race, not experienced much tightness in the muscles or anything. I did pack my running kit for this weekend however I intended to take it wasy today so I've done 40 triceps dips, 100 crunches and 20 press ups. Given that things don't start until 7.15pm tomorrow I'll have plenty of time to go for a long walk or a bit of a run.

But for now I shall leave you to go and get my groove on to Virgil and the Accelerators. Peace out ;)

Juneathon Day 16 - No More Physio

Today marked my last session with Neil. I was at once happy that I got through the 10k on Sunday with no pain but also a little sad that I wo't get to chat with him about vegetables and running anymore. Still if I get myself signed up for the Yately 10k in August then I may well bump into him, though hopefully not literally.

We ran through the exercises I'd been doing, determined that I will always find the glute exercises difficult (although I am getting much better at the £50 note exercise) and agreed that I should keep up the exercises on a lesser basis as I will never be able to change my biomechanics completely, it's always going to be a battle. He did give me one more iteration of the £50 note but we didn't have to do any ultrasound or releases. So I guess i'm sort of fixed!

To celebrate I decided, on a bit of a whim, to run the Forest Five. I'd deliberately not applied before the day as I didn't know if I'd feel up to it but as it was local and different terrain, and a shorter distance than Sunday I decided to go for it. It was very different to the races I've run before, not least because I was on my own, but it was smaller, more running club members and less in the way of timing. I got a small goody bag (but no medal) and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was a stunning evening, sunny but not hot, and running through the forest was an absolute joy. I did it in 49:20 with a loo stop and a trainer adjustment stop. There were a couple of hills that I managed to cope with and I'm sure I could have pushed a bit harder if I'd really tried. I just wanted to enjoy it. And no knee or shin pain!

I think I'm a proper runner if I do this sort of thing on a whim... and can keep up with the running clubs to some extent.

Juneathon Day 15

Today was pretty non eventful all things considered. I discovered mild bruising from all that hula hooping last night and I went to my swissball class. That was about the highlight! I'll try to make tomorrow more exciting :)

Juneathon Day 14 - Hula hula

Today I signed up for the Thames 10k on 7th July and have a plan to go do the Forest 5 on Wednesday. I'm also signed up for a swissball class tomorrow. I very nearly didn't do anything this evening. I hadn't taken my gym kit to work as I couldn't get in early or stay late and then it started raining and didn't realy stop. I wasn't feeling motivated enough to go running or riding in the rain and I'd left it too late to go climbing (which I'd forgotten was even an option!). I had to pack for the festival I'm going to at the weekend, which is going to present me with even more difficulties for Juneathon both in terms of exercising and blogging and suddenly it was 9pm. So in keeping with remembering alternative ways of exercising I broke out the weighted hula hoop and hula-ed my way to a trimmer waist for 30 minutes, followed by 30 pressups, 100 crunches, 20 tricep dips and some glute work. Feel the burn!

My bruise has suddenly become dramatically rainbow coloured and doubled in size which is both fascinating and slightly more uncomfortable but it'll only get better from here... I hope!!

So tomorrow it's swiss ball and then helping Shruti pack for her trip to Kili. I'm so excited for her. I heard from the guy who also had to drop out on summit night who is thinking about going back and has asked if I'd like to go too. I'm very tempted, as long as I can get the funds together. No sponsorship this time.

I got to see the photos from yesterday, both official and un official :) My fave taken by my parents is below. I thought I was thinner than that, damn my sweet tooth!

Juneathon Day 13 - Bluewater & Bounce

Well I've just got back from doing the Sweatshop Bluewater 10k. We almost didn't make it, we all woke up late and then during it's charge my iPod decided to delete my running playlist so it was a mad panic in the car to assemble something. Luckily all my fave tracks were still on there. I'm happy to say I completed it in 1:00:40 (according to my Garmin) which is a new PB and enough for me to be happy but not enough for me to write next year's event off... I'm still searching for a proper sub-hour.

The event wasn't quite as well organised as last year. The warm up was non-existant but there were a couple of local bands playing en route which was ace. My favourite part was the steel band playing the Match Of The Day theme on the way to the start. The weather was perfect, overcast and cool. And I'm not too worn out so I'm considering signing up for another event on Monday (not to do one on Monday, just putting my name down).

In fact my legs dont' feel tired or achey at all. It always seems to be my shoulders that ache and my upper body in general that stops the lower half doing it's thing... I wish I knew what to do about that. But for now since I've tallied up my spoils (1 gooy bag, 1 medal, 9 lucozade lites and 12 lucozade powders) it's time to kick back with the Sunday papers and the laterst Triathlete's World until it's time for Bon Jovi at the O2 later.

Juneathon Day 12 - Tapering

I feel a bit sore and bruised today but there doesn't seem to be any real damage after yesterday's incident. In fact I got right back on the bike again this morning and took a jaunt into town to do my odd jobs like going to the bank and buying some plasters. Admittedly it was only a short 3 mile ride but I'm very aware I've got the race tomorrow and a 15 or 20 mile bike ride or a run of any sort is just not what I should be doing.

I'm at that point again where I start to feel a bit twitchy if I've not done any exercise. I'm trying to hang on to this good energy for tomorrow so I'm going to do crunches, pressups and tricep dips whilst watching a film tonight and then get an early night. All my kit's ready for tomorrow; iPod charged and morning alarm set. Can't wait!

Juneathon Day 11 - Stacked It

Well true to my work I went for a bike ride today. It ended up being later than usual because I was feeling lazy and had become rather engrossed in building a website. Still I went out about 7.30pm intending to just do a couple of miles but my legs felt really strong and it was a gorgeous evening so I just kept going. I decided to explore a path I'd ridden part of before and ended up almost lost. On my way back I managed to graze a kerb instead of mounting it and ended up getting rather friendly with the pavement. I grazed my hands, elbow, shoulder (?) and bruised my hip and bent my keys which were in my pocket, ripping my jeans in the process. You can see the state of my knees below...



Yes, that was through denim and they are rather sore. I'm hoping the soreness goes away by Sunday. Somehow it's made me even more determined to get a good time. A nice couple came out of their house to check I was ok and a passing cyclist put my chain back on for me.

In total I rode about 10 miles and didn't feel worn out at all! I only came home to clean up and get some food, otherwise I reckon I could have been out there all night :) I've also done 40 pressups and 100 sit ups. I will up the ante after the race 'cause I appear to have challenged someone to complete the Tough Guy Nettle Warrior next year and I reckon it's going to take me some time to achieve the fitness level I want. Quite excited!

Juneathon Day 10 - Rat Race

Today has been really tough in terms of fitting any sort of exercise in. I was up at 6.30am to go into London and had a team dinner this evening which left me with barely an hour between getting home and going out again. I almost threw in the towel but pulled on my trainers for a quick interval session and settled for missing out on pre-dinner drinks. My heart wasn't really in it, it has to be said, and I was fairly easy on myself but at least I did something. I didn't do as well as last time, I walked more than I should have done. I have more time tomorrow though so although I might give the running a rest, I should be able to get out on the bike for a bit of variety. I will definitely conquer intervals after the race though... I mean it's not like I'm going to stop training, in fact I've got the half marathon to look forward to even if I book nothing else up before then... and I'm still tempted to run a few more 10k's before the summer's out.

I am also quite tempted to sign up for the summer version of Tough Guy one year. It certainly won't be this year and might not be next if I want to do a tri (although I'd like to actually go and watch one before I participate and that might not happen for a while). Something does strangely appeal about doing something so stupidly outrageous and body breaking. So many events to try! So much training to do and so many years worth of planning. I think the hardest part is pacing myself!

Juneathon Day 9 - Last Run Through

Despite best efforts to cause my muscles more discomfort, last night's Swissball session, although tiring, hasn't crippled me as anticipated so I had no excuse but to go into work.


I went for a 2 mile run tonight which didn't really feel like too much work but I guess I need to take it easy in view of the race on Sunday. I haven't managed to fit in a 6 miler in my training. Thanks to the physio (which really does seem to be doing the trick) I've not run as much as I normally would in preparation but I know I'm capable of the distance so if I don't wear myself out too much before hand and the weather predictions stay true to the current promise of "not too hot" then I stand a fighting chance of equalling or beating my PB from last year. Of course I might not manage it and so I'll have to try not to get too disapointed if that happens.


I was having a read of the Frimley Lodge ParkRun website and saw I got a mention in the news post for last week. I really did enjoy it even if I got a rubbish time. I would love to go back this Saturday and run again but it wouldn't be sensible. I won't be able to make it now until 3rd July but plenty of opportunity after that so I'll just have to exercise my patience insteadof my legs.

Juneathon Day 8 - I didn't know I had muscles there

Wow. Well today I woke up feeling as though someone had punched me in the solar plexus. Suffice to say yesterday's classes worked then! To add insult to injury I did it all over again this evening. So tomorrow I may not be able to move from my bed. I'll keep you posted.

Is it just me or does anyone else like that slightly burny, achey feeling after having worked that bit extra? Oh good!

Juneathon Day 7 - Crunch time

This lunchtime I have done a swissball class followed by an abs class. I followed these with a helping of macaroni cheese with garlic bread. I felt the need. And now I feel very good. I hadn't done these classes in a while and I really felt the burn, especially in abs. It was nice to feel that without the pain and sweat of running, just for once.

Not sure when's best to do my running this week, given that I'm racing on Sunday. I would have loved to have done the ParkRun again but it's the day before I race which is usually a rest day for me. Wouldn't want to over do it!

Juneathon Day 6 - Suffering

I'm not well. I have a fully developed cough with a dose of streaming nose. I also seem to have totally run out of energy to the point of getting snappy with people. So today was just a 2 mile walk, 100 crunches and 30 pressups. Back on proper form tomorrow but glad I managed to do something.

Juneathon Day 5 - Melting

Well last night I did manage to squeeze in another interval session and I did significantly better than the previous night which made me feel awesome. Also was surprised to discover I'd covered about 2 miles during that time too.

This morning I made it to my first ever ParkRun and stumbled through 5km in 23 degree heat. It was not fun. I fear for my new PB target next weekend. It was a really good atmosphere though, very well organised and plenty of people cheering you on. I'm too ashamed of my time to publish it but I wasn't last and I got round even though I felt like I was going to throw up at the half way mark. I am properly exhausted now though and plan to take it slightly easier tomorrow.

Have a happy rest-of-Saturday!

Juneathon Day 4

It's day four and in the Juneathon house Vikki's starting to wonder how to fit some exercise into her day...

This is the challenge, clearly. I've been shipped to London for the day and I'm meeting a friend for a drink and a catch up at 8pm. This doesn't leave me an immense amount of time to fit some exercise in. I think maybe another interval session? It's too far to cycle to hers plus I'd get there all sweaty; not a good look when you've not seen someone for months... "Hi, lovely to see you, can I quickly use your shower?". I could do some pressups and crunches but it doesn't really feel like proper exercise. I guess it counts though... doesn't it? From here on in, it's fine, I'm going to run tomorrow (hopefully make it to my first ParkRun event), walk or run or do intervals in the park if I'm at mum's on Sunday (bike ride if not), I'm booked into classes on Monday and Tuesday... it's all panning out nicely.

It's just tonight... Hmmm. I think it's a 2.5 miler and a quick shower!

Juneathon Day 3 - with added Physio!

So this morning I had my physio session with Neil. I didn't 'fess up to the lack of stretches but seeing as he was pleased with my progress it didn't seem to matter. He's given me an upgrade to the "£50 note" exercise which now involves a one legged squat whilst tensing the muscles. It's tough but more from a balance point of view. I'm yet to feel the burn. He threatened to give my another upgrade to the exercise in a fortnight and provided there isn't too much damage after the race there'll probably only be one more session. I'm a little saddened by this, I like our chats.

I mentioned my 10k race and he gave me some advice on training in the last 10 days. He's involved in the Yately 10k series and put me to shame by saying that he managed it in 38.30... 15 years ago! Ah men are generally faster anyway. I'm now sorely tempted to enter one if not both of the remaining Yateley dates... Would that be wrong?


So tonight I tried out AudioFuel's Pyramid training scheme. I've never done this kind of stuff in the past which is probably why I've never progressed in the way I'd have liked. It's not a really long session but it's really wearing. My thighs really ached at the end of it and I didn't even manage to sprint the whole thing. I did get some really funny looks from people though. I think they wondered what I'd stolen!

Juneathon Day 2 - Update

Managed my 4.5 miler! I'm still a slow runner but I don't mind, I've got the health of my legs to think about. I used AudioFuel's 155 mix for the first time. Tomorrow - Pyramid training!

Juneathon Day 2

Well I didn't get out for my run last night but I did do a stack of core work (before ruining it all with some pizza and a DVD). I felt really good for it anyway and what with getting back into the stretches for my legs I'm starting to feel less scrunchy.

It's a beautiful day out there so after work I'm going to head out for a run. I've not decided how far yet but I'm hoping to have enough time and energy for my 4.5 miler. If I get a chance later in the month I want to bike over to the forest and do a run there, probably concentrating in hill work. Fun!

May was too quick for me

I didn't realise it'd been so long since I last blogged. I dunno I stop paying attention for a few moments and... there it went. Now all of a sudden it's June and things are looming.

Well even though I've been quiet on here I've certainly not been taking it easy. I've not been mountain biking so much but I've done several early morning gym sessions, a few runs on the road and a couple of core classes. The physio exercises were certainly working, but then the bank holiday weekend arrived and I spent 5 days camping and raving in a field which sort of scuppered things a bit. Hence it feels as though I've not done any exercise for ages. The raving brought on a bit of pain in my right shin and knee and my limbs are quite stiff again but I'm back on to the stretches with a vengance now.

Neil gave me a new stretch the last time I went called the "£50 note" exercise. It involves standing on my right leg with the left pressing slightly against a wall or bit of furniture, then, *ahem*, clenching as if I'm trying to hold on to a £50 note. My glutes are rubbish. I'm full of determination to be dedicated and do everything I can to improve. Encountering a fellow fitness freak at the weekend might have something to do with this.

In less than two weeks I run the Bluewater 10k. My race pack was waiting for me when I got home which was a proper reality check. This year the t-shirt is white. I'm really excited now but even so I'm still having to stop myself from signing up to other eventsd close to that date such as the Forest Five in Swinley Forest the Wednesday following the Bluewater 10k. It's been raining almost all day so my plan to go for a run tonight is in jeopardy right now. However I plan to take part in Juneathon in a bid to add a bit of motivation.

In essence it’s a month of exercise. Running, cycling, walking, rowing, weights, whatever. The aim is to just do something every day in June. I plan to start tonight with a run or some core work and then continue tomorrow with another run or a bike ride. Maybe after a week of this and some sensible eating (I've been neglecting that somewhat) I'll be brave enough to book in for my body fat percentage test!