Well that was horrible. Last night's ViPR class totally wiped me out. I clearly had my expectations all wrong. For those of you not in the know, ViPR (or at least the version they run at my gym) is like circuits but using these weighted tubes to do exercises with. You get a rest from those only to do gazillions of pressups.
I sweated buckets and worked through the oh-my-god-I'm-going-to-faint feeling. I do ache quite a bit today, but not quite as much as after LBT. Or maybe it's just more distributed. I had intended to do hills on the treadmill last night but I was too wiped out after the class. I may try and drag myself out after work for a run tonight.
I'm signed up to classes every lunch time this week now which is good and although it doesn't look as though I'll be parkrunning at the weekend, I have time for a medium run on Sunday. Rock on!
Tuesday, 25 January 2011
Monday, 24 January 2011
Buck up your ideas girl
Well here we are at the start of another week. I failed to go to the training run on Sunday and instead met friends for lunch, which was lovely but not really helping matters with regards to races. I stayed out much later than I intended to on Saturday night but did remain sober. Also cooking experiments haven't resulted in increased speed or weight loss.
I came into work to the news that N ran 13 miles at the weekend. Bummer. Tonight I am going to my first ever ViPR class at the gym and might do some additional hill work on the treadmill before going home to a healthy dinner of reasonable proportions and an evening of study.
By the end of February I want to have completed at least one 10 mile run and be down to 60kg. That's uppping my mileage by about 6 miles and 3kg to lose... as I appear to have put weight on this week. Bummer.
Stats:
Weight 63kg (bummer)
Fat % - 25.7
Water % - 54
Muscle % - 70.2
BMI - 19.8 (boo)
I came into work to the news that N ran 13 miles at the weekend. Bummer. Tonight I am going to my first ever ViPR class at the gym and might do some additional hill work on the treadmill before going home to a healthy dinner of reasonable proportions and an evening of study.
By the end of February I want to have completed at least one 10 mile run and be down to 60kg. That's uppping my mileage by about 6 miles and 3kg to lose... as I appear to have put weight on this week. Bummer.
Stats:
Weight 63kg (bummer)
Fat % - 25.7
Water % - 54
Muscle % - 70.2
BMI - 19.8 (boo)
Saturday, 22 January 2011
New adventures in parkrun
This week has, once again been fairly light on the exercise front. Work has been manic, leaving little time for lunch breaks until Thursday when I did a legs bums and tums class that left my glutes aching. They're still aching, for the record, and prevented me doing reverse curls in the lounge last night.
However this morning was a parkrun morning and Shruti made the decision to come along and see what it was all about. I probably bore her to tears about it! Actually I probably bore most people to tears about it. Anyway she lives near Reading so it made sense to try that one for a change. I felt horribly disloyal to Frimley as we wandered to the start line but the crowd were friendly, slightly more in number than Frimley, and I really enjoyed it. The course is a little easier than Frimley, there being less inclines, less narrow parts and less dogs and buggies. It did start raining half way around but thankfully stayed a drizzle rather than anything heavier.
Shruti ran in 34:49 (great first effort) and I managed 28:18 (woo! still in the 28 zone!) With any luck and a bit of work I can push into the 27 range in a couple of weeks. I think I have a spa day next weekend so won't be parkrunning (sorry Shruti - but go anyway, be brave) but will be back to it as soon as I can.
Going out for dinner with Shruti and friends tonight so must try not to consume too many calories. The jury is still out on whether I'm actually going to make it to the training run tomorrow (alcohol will NOT be a factor).
However this morning was a parkrun morning and Shruti made the decision to come along and see what it was all about. I probably bore her to tears about it! Actually I probably bore most people to tears about it. Anyway she lives near Reading so it made sense to try that one for a change. I felt horribly disloyal to Frimley as we wandered to the start line but the crowd were friendly, slightly more in number than Frimley, and I really enjoyed it. The course is a little easier than Frimley, there being less inclines, less narrow parts and less dogs and buggies. It did start raining half way around but thankfully stayed a drizzle rather than anything heavier.
Shruti ran in 34:49 (great first effort) and I managed 28:18 (woo! still in the 28 zone!) With any luck and a bit of work I can push into the 27 range in a couple of weeks. I think I have a spa day next weekend so won't be parkrunning (sorry Shruti - but go anyway, be brave) but will be back to it as soon as I can.
Going out for dinner with Shruti and friends tonight so must try not to consume too many calories. The jury is still out on whether I'm actually going to make it to the training run tomorrow (alcohol will NOT be a factor).
Monday, 17 January 2011
Encouragement
I've been following the Janathon Bloggers with some interest but haven't really been keeping up with my end of things. I did do parkrun on Saturday which I thoroughly enjoyed. The course is still pretty muddy and slippery but the rain held off and I ran in 28:15. Not a PB but close enough to it to feel happy that my average times are improving despite unruly labradors, head winds and narrow courses.
I gathered up all my 170BPM Audiofuel music and chose a chap who seemed to be running at a good pace and tried to keep feet to the beat and keep up with him. I'm not sure he entirely approved but it really helped me. I wasn't running with my Garmin but there's a particular volunteer who shouts out your times as you approace the halfway point which is dead helpful and meant I knew I could possibly get a PB. I always run the second lap slower though. Steve gave me a shout out mid way as well, claiming that I was getting faster (I might just about believe him now).
They were handing out fliers for the Frimley 10k in April which I'm tempted to sign up for as it seems like a nice little event. Especially as I'm going to be rethinking Tough Guy. Don't ask. I've still got Grim and the Reading half. One year I'd like to do the Chicago half as it falls near my birthday. And the Vegas one would be great as I think I've mentioned before. Not in the same year. Lots of finding pennies to be done before I can think about those.
I've tasked the OH with limiting the amouont of things I sigh up to. In the course of one weekend I talked about swimming lessons, a running club (he wants to join one so why can't I?) and getting back into cycling. There just isn't time for all that PLUS study PLUS actually having a relationship. I just need to spread it out a bit :)
This week's stats!
Weight: 62kg
Fat %: 25
Water %: 54.5
Muscle %:70.8
BMI: 19.5
I gathered up all my 170BPM Audiofuel music and chose a chap who seemed to be running at a good pace and tried to keep feet to the beat and keep up with him. I'm not sure he entirely approved but it really helped me. I wasn't running with my Garmin but there's a particular volunteer who shouts out your times as you approace the halfway point which is dead helpful and meant I knew I could possibly get a PB. I always run the second lap slower though. Steve gave me a shout out mid way as well, claiming that I was getting faster (I might just about believe him now).
They were handing out fliers for the Frimley 10k in April which I'm tempted to sign up for as it seems like a nice little event. Especially as I'm going to be rethinking Tough Guy. Don't ask. I've still got Grim and the Reading half. One year I'd like to do the Chicago half as it falls near my birthday. And the Vegas one would be great as I think I've mentioned before. Not in the same year. Lots of finding pennies to be done before I can think about those.
I've tasked the OH with limiting the amouont of things I sigh up to. In the course of one weekend I talked about swimming lessons, a running club (he wants to join one so why can't I?) and getting back into cycling. There just isn't time for all that PLUS study PLUS actually having a relationship. I just need to spread it out a bit :)
This week's stats!
Weight: 62kg
Fat %: 25
Water %: 54.5
Muscle %:70.8
BMI: 19.5
Wednesday, 12 January 2011
Easy does it
I got looked after by the OH on Sunday night, after declaring myself out of Janathon. Lots of water, blankets piled on my on the sofa, soup, DVD and some good quality sleep. I know I'm not going to win one of the prizes for Janathon now as I missed a day (not even a press up, I'm not going to lie. I can't possibly count "wandering around Bath in the morning") but I'm still going to try and do something each day, as much for the weight loss as anything.
Unfortunately I'm not managing too well. It's all excuses of course. I was meant to do a ViPR class (first ever) on Monday night but a meeting seriously overran and I missed it and I was tight on time to make my evening plans so couldn't fit in a run either. I did run yesterday though. The OH has suddenly gotten all keen on running (we were going to go on Sunday) and thought we could run my 2.3 mile route in under 20 minutes so that was the challenge.
Whereas I was the pace setter last time I could barely keep up with him this time, lagging behind almost all the way. If I'd been out on my own I'd have had a walking break or not run so fast. I set off a bit too quickly, a fault of mine if I don't have "feet to the beat". Garmin reported 20.04! So close! But something's still not right with the GPS as it only reckons we ran 1.73miles, and not the 2.3 I know the route to be. It always *used* to record it as more. Anyway, we'll crack it next time.
Need to get over to the gym and sign up to a couple of classes. I'll attack the abs when I get home tonight.
Sunday, 9 January 2011
Day 9 - All out
WellI've felt the last 36 hours feeling decidely rubbish. I've felt tired and run down beyond belief. I normally get a B12 jab every 10-12 weeks and I'm due but the way I'm feeling seems to be more than just tireness from that. I've been feeling queasy and unsteady and foggy in the head. This sounds like a lot of excuses but I'm not generally one to be beaten or wuss out.
The OH came over about an hour ago ready to go for a run, which would have been great but I think I'd either fall over or throw up.
Bottom line is I've not done anything today and I therefore I guess I'm out of Janathon.
The OH came over about an hour ago ready to go for a run, which would have been great but I think I'd either fall over or throw up.
Bottom line is I've not done anything today and I therefore I guess I'm out of Janathon.
Saturday, 8 January 2011
Day 8 - Mud, mud, glorious mud
Well we're into the secnd week now! I'm quite astonished that I've managed to run every day for 8 consecutive days. I'm not sure I've ever done that before. I need to watch out for my right knee though, it's feeling a bit wobbly.
This morning was parkrun. My 12th I think. The results are yet to come through but I'm not anticipating an PB. There were several points where I couldn't overtake people and the mud and headwinds made for a bit of a battle. The trail shoes were great though. I know if I'd have run in my normal trainers that my feet would have been cold, sodden and very miserable by the end of the course. As it was I stayed mostly dry, allbeit with large amounts of mud splattered up my legs. I managed to step in a very large puddle on the way back to the car though, resulting in very wet feet indeed. Typical.
There were more people at parkrun than I've seen before. All those new years resolutions. I saw Stefan who is a regular there, he's now done 25 runs and keeps improving my his PB. I didn't see my pacer friend but Steve the organiser said hello and asked if I was geting any faster yet. Regrettably I had to say no. Although that's the aim this year I know it's going to be a real struggle. I chose to run with music today, as I have all week. Yesterday I ran to Audiofuel's Juneathon track from last summer. Will we get a Janathon track? Please?
Here's my vitals after week 1. Improvement all round but there's still a way to go to shift the Christmas weight (regardless of whether my mother reckons it shows or not).
Weight: 63kg (hmmm, I'd like to get to 60)
Fat %: 25.6
Muscle %: 70.3
Water %: 54
BMI: 19.8 (improvement)
This morning was parkrun. My 12th I think. The results are yet to come through but I'm not anticipating an PB. There were several points where I couldn't overtake people and the mud and headwinds made for a bit of a battle. The trail shoes were great though. I know if I'd have run in my normal trainers that my feet would have been cold, sodden and very miserable by the end of the course. As it was I stayed mostly dry, allbeit with large amounts of mud splattered up my legs. I managed to step in a very large puddle on the way back to the car though, resulting in very wet feet indeed. Typical.
There were more people at parkrun than I've seen before. All those new years resolutions. I saw Stefan who is a regular there, he's now done 25 runs and keeps improving my his PB. I didn't see my pacer friend but Steve the organiser said hello and asked if I was geting any faster yet. Regrettably I had to say no. Although that's the aim this year I know it's going to be a real struggle. I chose to run with music today, as I have all week. Yesterday I ran to Audiofuel's Juneathon track from last summer. Will we get a Janathon track? Please?
Here's my vitals after week 1. Improvement all round but there's still a way to go to shift the Christmas weight (regardless of whether my mother reckons it shows or not).
Weight: 63kg (hmmm, I'd like to get to 60)
Fat %: 25.6
Muscle %: 70.3
Water %: 54
BMI: 19.8 (improvement)
Friday, 7 January 2011
Day 7 - Head, shoulders, knees and toes
Or day sevERRRRN! As some would say.
Thankfully the only parts of me that ache from the above list are my toes (although my shoulders ached when I ran yesterday). After the treadmill session on day 5 my feet were feeling a bit sore. I've also noticed that my toe nails are looking a bit delicate. Not a nice thing to discuss but there it is.
Yesterday I ran with the other half and got one of my best times. Could possibly have pushed harder but I'm quite sure I worked harder than normal because I didn't want him to think I was rubbish. Apparently he thinks I run quickly, which is nice. I think he'd run with me again and he reckons we could do it in under 20 minutes. I was so thrilled that he was so supportive, even going as far as to say that he would never have tried to "win" because it was my "arena". I did wear the Garmin but there was some sort of malfunction and although it recorded the time correctly it didn't record the distance and hence lap time properly... it skipped half a mile at least.
Today it was raining, raining, raining and I thought it might be a treadmill evening. But I was brave and went out for a run round the block. I've found the key to going running when you really really don't want to is to not give yourself time to think about it. Parkrun tomorrow. Meh.
I'm glad I've been able to run at least 2 miles everyday, my mojo's returning and I've started to notice physical improvements too. Next week I will try and increase my overall distance a bit. We start with parkrun tomorrow morning and new trail shoes. I'm not expecting a PB, I anticipate being a bit groggy and achey. I'm also expecting it to be wet. It'll be a short post tomorrow as I'm off to Bristol as soon as I'm run and changed.
Thankfully the only parts of me that ache from the above list are my toes (although my shoulders ached when I ran yesterday). After the treadmill session on day 5 my feet were feeling a bit sore. I've also noticed that my toe nails are looking a bit delicate. Not a nice thing to discuss but there it is.
Yesterday I ran with the other half and got one of my best times. Could possibly have pushed harder but I'm quite sure I worked harder than normal because I didn't want him to think I was rubbish. Apparently he thinks I run quickly, which is nice. I think he'd run with me again and he reckons we could do it in under 20 minutes. I was so thrilled that he was so supportive, even going as far as to say that he would never have tried to "win" because it was my "arena". I did wear the Garmin but there was some sort of malfunction and although it recorded the time correctly it didn't record the distance and hence lap time properly... it skipped half a mile at least.
Today it was raining, raining, raining and I thought it might be a treadmill evening. But I was brave and went out for a run round the block. I've found the key to going running when you really really don't want to is to not give yourself time to think about it. Parkrun tomorrow. Meh.
I'm glad I've been able to run at least 2 miles everyday, my mojo's returning and I've started to notice physical improvements too. Next week I will try and increase my overall distance a bit. We start with parkrun tomorrow morning and new trail shoes. I'm not expecting a PB, I anticipate being a bit groggy and achey. I'm also expecting it to be wet. It'll be a short post tomorrow as I'm off to Bristol as soon as I'm run and changed.
Thursday, 6 January 2011
Day 6 - plus one for two
Well I managed the 4 miles on the treadmill last night, by hook or by crook I was going to do it. Quite a few brisk walking breaks but I covered the distance and I'm glad. I even got a few words of congratulations from a woman in the changing room afterwards. I'd have chatted longer but I've never been very good at talking to women in states of undress...
Was absolutely exhausted last night, especially after taking the decorations down. Down but not packed away... that was too much effort. Managed to whip up some noodles and veg with Nigellas sesame noodle dressing (peanut butter, soy sauce, chilli sauce, sesame oil, garlic oil and lime juice) - bliss. Left overs for lunch today!
The OH has said he'll come running with me tonight. He's a "seasonal runner", from about May to September usually. I'm really nervous because I have only ever run with someone once before (excluding races) and I don't know what it's going to be like. Also he will be seeing me at my sweaty, lycra, out-of-breath worst. He's nervous because he thinks he won't be able to keep up with me (HA!). Our relationship may not survive the trauma. I plan to take him on about a 2 mile run. Of course he may wuss out if it's raining.
I've clocked up 14miles so far this month. Rock on!
Also, Robert Palmer's Greatest Hits make for a good soundtrack to core work.
Was absolutely exhausted last night, especially after taking the decorations down. Down but not packed away... that was too much effort. Managed to whip up some noodles and veg with Nigellas sesame noodle dressing (peanut butter, soy sauce, chilli sauce, sesame oil, garlic oil and lime juice) - bliss. Left overs for lunch today!
The OH has said he'll come running with me tonight. He's a "seasonal runner", from about May to September usually. I'm really nervous because I have only ever run with someone once before (excluding races) and I don't know what it's going to be like. Also he will be seeing me at my sweaty, lycra, out-of-breath worst. He's nervous because he thinks he won't be able to keep up with me (HA!). Our relationship may not survive the trauma. I plan to take him on about a 2 mile run. Of course he may wuss out if it's raining.
I've clocked up 14miles so far this month. Rock on!
Also, Robert Palmer's Greatest Hits make for a good soundtrack to core work.
Wednesday, 5 January 2011
Day 5 - feeling positive
Feeling very good today. My energy levels are rising and I'm feeling totally capable of running the planned 4 miles on the treadmill after work tonight, hopefully I'll do even further. There will also be situps etc. I'll detail it all on running free this evening.
All my team are back in the office and we had a bit of a chinwag this morning about running. Four of us run at the moment. G and I are the "runners" (he did 10k on the beach on boxing day) and N and J are the "triers". N, J and I are running the Reading Half in March. I know I'm capable, having run 4 before but I've got a way to go at the moment. J does lots of gym work and cycling and N has a personal trainer. They're both ahead of my in the miles stakes at the moment; N admitted to having run 8 miles the day before yesterday in the morning and then a further 4 with her PT in the evening. 12 miles! They still think I'll be way ahead of them though which is nice :) I brought cakes in today to sabotage them ;) Orange and cranberry muffins... seem to have been a hit.
I think it's great that so many people have got new cook books for Christmas. My OH is most enthused... he's a big fan of food and my cooking. I tried a new soup last night (not from River Cottage) that tasted delicious and virtuous (and was only so by virtue of being packed with veg): Spicy spinach and chick pea soup. I'll definitely be making that again.
All my team are back in the office and we had a bit of a chinwag this morning about running. Four of us run at the moment. G and I are the "runners" (he did 10k on the beach on boxing day) and N and J are the "triers". N, J and I are running the Reading Half in March. I know I'm capable, having run 4 before but I've got a way to go at the moment. J does lots of gym work and cycling and N has a personal trainer. They're both ahead of my in the miles stakes at the moment; N admitted to having run 8 miles the day before yesterday in the morning and then a further 4 with her PT in the evening. 12 miles! They still think I'll be way ahead of them though which is nice :) I brought cakes in today to sabotage them ;) Orange and cranberry muffins... seem to have been a hit.
I think it's great that so many people have got new cook books for Christmas. My OH is most enthused... he's a big fan of food and my cooking. I tried a new soup last night (not from River Cottage) that tasted delicious and virtuous (and was only so by virtue of being packed with veg): Spicy spinach and chick pea soup. I'll definitely be making that again.
Tuesday, 4 January 2011
Day four - Hullo Jim
First day back at work today. Somehow I managed to drag myself out of bed at 7.30 (yes I know, the shame of getting used to sleeping late over the holidays) and get into work. I can't believe I used to get up at 6 some days just to get into the gym. I seem to be developing into a nocturnal creature which means getting up early is a real struggle. Think I'll have to change that.
Aaaaanyway. I almost feel as though I've not had a holiday. We've got a new starter who is a lovely girl, I've been eased into work itself and I'm devouring a punnet of grapes. I feel semi-healthy. I had lunch with the new girl so I went to the gym after work instead and did a gym session with intervals... Was ok but not a patch on where I was before Christmas. Also did 70 crunches on the swissball with 2.5kg, 20 jack knifes and 30 pressups on the swissball. Oh and some leg extensions and back extensions.
I was reading through my new River Cottage Everyday cook book last night and getting very excited about the new recipes. The smoothies and breakfast ideas particularly excite me. One of my resolutions is to cook something new at least once a fortnight and though I won't be starting with this book I think tonight will either be a new soup or a noodle concoction. YUM!
Aaaaanyway. I almost feel as though I've not had a holiday. We've got a new starter who is a lovely girl, I've been eased into work itself and I'm devouring a punnet of grapes. I feel semi-healthy. I had lunch with the new girl so I went to the gym after work instead and did a gym session with intervals... Was ok but not a patch on where I was before Christmas. Also did 70 crunches on the swissball with 2.5kg, 20 jack knifes and 30 pressups on the swissball. Oh and some leg extensions and back extensions.
I was reading through my new River Cottage Everyday cook book last night and getting very excited about the new recipes. The smoothies and breakfast ideas particularly excite me. One of my resolutions is to cook something new at least once a fortnight and though I won't be starting with this book I think tonight will either be a new soup or a noodle concoction. YUM!
Monday, 3 January 2011
Day three - slowly but surely
Had big plans today. Then I woke up at 10am. I am building my distances very slowly. I'm trying, honest I am. It's just so much more difficult than I expected it to be. I guess the extra holiday weight and the lack of exercise before Christmas has just decimated my fitness levels.
Hey ho. Almost 3 miles today. Tomorrow, to ring the changes, I'll be going to the gym after work. I'll do a bit of weights work and try and do my intervals session. That's 20 minutes, 1 minute at 6.7kph, 1 minute at 13 kph, repeat. Before Christmas I was doing 3 of the recovery periods at 9.5kph. Let's see if I can do that tomorrow.
It tried to snow when I was out today. Blimmin' weather. As I was running down the hill before I turn into my road I got to thinking how cool it would be if someone managed to take a picture of me as I pass the automated "slow down" traffic signal, just before a car comes into shot... just a thought.
Hey ho. Almost 3 miles today. Tomorrow, to ring the changes, I'll be going to the gym after work. I'll do a bit of weights work and try and do my intervals session. That's 20 minutes, 1 minute at 6.7kph, 1 minute at 13 kph, repeat. Before Christmas I was doing 3 of the recovery periods at 9.5kph. Let's see if I can do that tomorrow.
It tried to snow when I was out today. Blimmin' weather. As I was running down the hill before I turn into my road I got to thinking how cool it would be if someone managed to take a picture of me as I pass the automated "slow down" traffic signal, just before a car comes into shot... just a thought.
Sunday, 2 January 2011
Day two - ooof
Dragged myself out first thing this morning and did the same route as yesterday. I'm clearly an evening runner, somehow it felt even more difficult this morning. How is that possible? Will do more miles tomorrow. Today I'm off to wander around the grounds of waddesdon manor.
Have fun!
Saturday, 1 January 2011
Day one - Bleurrrrgh
I think the first day of Janathon has got to be the hardest. You've partied hard the night before, maybe drunk a little too much, had some sort of sleep and woken up at 1pm feeling sluggish, hungry, dehydrated and not in the best of spirits for stepping foot outside into the cold day.
Or was that just me?
I finally dragged myself out at 5pm for just over two miles. I was happy with that quite honestly. It's a fair start. I ran the whole way at my normal pace (so not slowed down by last night's festivities). I'm sure amongst the 170 odd of us taking part, there will be some mentalist who ran 14 miles or something. Basically this is the shortest run I do and I intend to build it up over the month.
Sigh.
Or was that just me?
I finally dragged myself out at 5pm for just over two miles. I was happy with that quite honestly. It's a fair start. I ran the whole way at my normal pace (so not slowed down by last night's festivities). I'm sure amongst the 170 odd of us taking part, there will be some mentalist who ran 14 miles or something. Basically this is the shortest run I do and I intend to build it up over the month.
Sigh.
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