Membership vs Non-member prices : Part 2

In my Membership vs Non-member prices : Part 1 post I looked at how much I'd saved by taking out a gym membership over 4 months whilst training for my Charity Challenges. At my new sports centre, over the past month, I carried out a similar exercise.

First month = £28
18 month Contract Membership = £29.95
Members deal on PT session = £10 (50% saving on a block of 10 @ £200)

PT sessions = 4
Gym sessions = 1
Swim sessions = 2
Total = 7

The cost of my first month's membership in May was £28 in May. I only used the facilities 7 times during the month, far less than I used my previous gym each month (an average of 13 times) but I have had more events in the calendar, I ran and cycled outside and I've been moving house too, so actually that's not bad.

If I'd paid full price for each of the sessions I'd have spent £109 so to date I've saved £81! The saving is so large because I've been having personal training sessions which are usually £30 a pop and I got a great members discount on a block of 10. I've decided to stick to using the gym. Even if I only go twice a week I'll save money by paying £29.95 a month and I get access to so many facilities and benefits.

Even if you're not training for events, or prefer exercising outside a gym membership is still a great investment but it's worth taking a little time to find one to suit you. Not all gyms are created equal.

The Start of a New Adventure

For some time, almost a year in fact, I’ve been thinking about taking my love of and enthusiasm for fitness further and taking a qualification in Personal Training. As my charity challenge drew to a close I started to think about what to do next ("taking a break" didn't really get a look in), and there were a few signs that made me think it might be the right time. I thought a lot about the pros and cons, asked existing PTs about their experiences and for advice and researched different courses and institutions.

Pros: Learn more about something I enjoy, get a recognised qualification, potentially make some money, help others realise their potential, help my nearest and dearest with confidence.

Cons: Fair financial and time commitment in order to “do it right”, not remotely related to anything else I’ve studied (although I could argue that as a pro too).

After some deliberation I’ve signed up to the Advanced Diploma in Personal Training with FutureFit, specialising in Pre and Post natal exercise and nutrition. I chose FutureFit as their prices and course content were better than any others in the area, you can work through at your own pace and a large proportion of the study is online rather than class room based, although there are workshops and face-to-face assessments. I’ll be studying alongside my full time job and so the format of FutureFit’s course works perfectly for me. I’m used to distance learning with the OU and this course will be a lot like that.
Premier were cited as another top notch provider but not only were they significantly more expensive but required a commitment to workshops that I simply wasn’t able to make. FutureFit have been around for as long, are similarly recognised and include business skills that Premier doesn’t offer.

I’m really excited to get started. I know it’s a popular market to get into and it’s likely to be hard to build up clientele. I may never make this work as a career or business but I’m so looking forward to learning again and of course you can look forward to a new series of posts as I work my way through the qualification.

Oh and I also get an NUS card again as I'm a student :)

Eton Open Water Swim 2013

Yesterday I took part in the Eton Open Water Swim run once again by Human Race at Dorney Lake. It was only a week since I was last there and it's already my favourite place to compete, at any discipline on offer!

Being silly in front of the event van

The start times weren't as staggered as for last week's triathlon so there was more of a queue to get into the car park and registration was alarmingly packed but it was dealt with well by virtue of the organisers prioritising those with earlier start times, delaying the start by 15-20 minutes and everyone being just a bit sensible. At registration I collected my race number, cap with timing chip, energy gel and a back issue of H2Open which I'm reading with interest.

There were 5 distances being swum on the day; 750m, 1500m (mine), 3k, 5k and 10k. I can't begin to imagine swimming 10k... it's enough effort running the distance! The start times were at 15-20 minute intervals with a deep water start and in-water briefing. Somehow the water didn't seem as cold as the previous week but that may have been due to wearing wetsuit boots on this occasion. I deliberately placed myself at the back of the pack as I intended to do breaststroke, so was going to be slower and hoped to avoid the melee. There were only a handful of us swimming this stroke (although I did spot one girl doing backstroke) but it was good to know I wasn't the only one.

Prepping for the off

The problem with being at the back of the pack was that I got lapped, a lot. The 1500m was made up of 2 laps of the short course while the 3k, which started just 15 minutes after us was 4 laps. I found the sound of the next wave coming up behind me quite nerve-wracking but not nearly as scary as as having people swimming over me whilst overtaking. I think I kicked a fair few people, got hit a few times, and almost choked on water sent up my nose by the wake of other swimmers - this is what open water mass start swimming is really like.

Spectators view

At the finish there were plenty of marshalls to help us out of the waterm encouraging us to take our time and get our "land legs" back. Once up the gantry we collected a carton of cocovita, a cereal bar and a very smart medal, an improvement on the fare from the triathlon. I came 243 out of 255 finishers with a time of 47:59 which I was perfectly happy with. There were 6 DNF and 3 DNS.

Showing off my new medal. Lovely one it is too.

Once again the event was held at a wonderful location, it was well marshalled with good clear instructions, and a high standard of organisation generally. I really recommend these swim events. They make me want to be a keen swimmer and take lessons so I'm not the one at the back doing breaststroke but the one in the middle doing front crawl.

It was a gorgeous bright sunny day but breezy so we didn't stick around for a picnic as planned but did find a sheltered spot to have a celebratory drink.

Celebrating the end of my charity challenges

Guest Posting about Skincare for Fitness

There's a lot to be said for the benefits of running. Sure you can get injured and lose a few toenails if you're not careful, but don't believe all the claims that it knackers your knees. But I love what running has done for my body and complexion. When you work out it's as important to look after your body on the outside as it is on the inside, especially if most of your work out is outside.

I'm guest posting today (first time ever!) on Missy in the Mirror on the subject of skincare for fitness and my routine so do hop on over there and check it out.

Thanks!

In which I wish for DOMS

This week's training: 1200m swim, PT session, 1000m swim, 4 mile run

I realised this morning that I've now completed all the training sessions I'd set myself for the charity challenge. There is nothing left to tick off apart from the final challenge, the swim, and the drinking session afterwards. It's taken me a bit by surprise. I feel a little sad but also really chuffed, and you know there'll be another training plan on the horizon before too long!

On Tuesday I used the pool at one of the sister centres for the first time. The pool was lovely and warm and was marked into slow, medium and fast lanes, none of which were over crowded. The only downsides are that there are no enclosed/private showers and the cleaners seem to insist on cleaning the changing area while everyone's using it instead of before or after hours. This meant having to walk through whatever product they were cleaning the floor with, getting sprayed with the hose under the door of the changing cubicle as they rinsed and having them scrubbing and hosing *around* us as we used the mirrors and hairdryers! I mean seriously - DO IT AFTER HOURS! I don't appreciate having my work clothes sprayed with god knows what! I added to the list of complaints others had left with reception and hope it's taken on board. I used the pool again this morning, same thing.

Yesterday I had my first paid-for Personal Training session. I was going to use one of my membership pack vouchers to get the session for £12 rather than £30 but had a call from the centre during the afternoon touting 50% discounts on PT sessions "for the next hour only" so I booked up a block of ten (which I was going to do anyway) for £100 - bargain! Dave was very enthusiastic about the fact I'd booked up a whole ten... This time I’d opted to have a circuits-based session rather than Dave just supervise my programme. He promised to work me hard I have no DOMS today so I've asked that he work me harder next time. At this point I think he's still getting to know my preferences and limits. Next session arranged for next Friday.

Finally, this evening I met up with @amerbob for a run along the river. I was a bit nervous as it was the first time I'd met up with a twitter friend in real life but I decided to be brave. We escaped the rain and hail and chatted about all sorts. I think the first thing she said to me was about how tall I was... I guess I seem shorter on twitter :) She's lovely and chatty and fun and I'm sorry I'm moving away but hope we can still meet up for more runs.

So a fab week ahead of what promises to be a fun swim on Monday.

Fundraising Update - May

It's been a while since I gave a proper update on my fundraising and given I've just completed my fourth event I think this post is due.

To date I have raised almost £1,400 towards my £3,000 target. I've had a few donations by text and cheque but the total hasn't moved dramatically since the marathon. This is entirely my fault. I've been on a bit of a come down since the marathon and even more so since Tough Mudder, feeling as though my last two challenges are easier, which of course they're not, they're just different, so I haven't been promoting my self or the cause quite so often. This needs to change!

I've vowed to promote myself through facebook and twitter more in the final couple of weeks and ask for retweets where I can. I've had articles in the local papers but not a lot ever comes from these. I've yet to go door-to-door in my neighbourhood so I shall be doing that and I have a collection day booked at the local supermarket which I hope will be as effective as they have been in the past. A couple more bake sales at work won't go amiss either.

I could have perhaps gotten a few more supermarket slots but they're hard to come by these days, and I'd have loved to have run a quiz night with a raffle/auction but I didn't get organised early enough which I regret. There's still the possibility of "topping up " my total by running one of these after the events, when I potentially have more time to organise it but unfortunately I don't expect I'll hit the £3,000 mark.

If anyone has some suggestions for fundraising or can promote me a little on the social networks I'd be very grateful. You'll be helping to raise vital funds; £3,000 runs the support line for an entire year! They're a very small concern and any amount makes a big difference to this charity.

Thank you, as ever for all your support.

Eton Sprint Triathlon 2013

On this weekend just passed the Eton SuperSprint Triathlon was held at Dorney Lake near Windsor. The events, which ran on Saturday and Sunday, are organised by HumanRace who not only run triathlons throughout the year (many at Dorney Lake) but a vast array or other events including open water swimming, duathlon, cycling and running (including trail/cross country). This event cost £62 which I think is fairly comparable to others I've looked at.

I've taken part in HumanRace events before and have always found the organisation to be top notch. This was no exception. All race information held on the website and you're emailed links a couple of weeks before hand. No race packs are sent out in advance, everything is collected on the day, which means less to forget on the day.

The event was well sign posted, car parking plentiful and the event village well laid out. The grounds were really beautiful and most people seemed to have brought their families and picnics, ready to enjoy a full day by the lake. It was easy for spectators to move around and find spots to watch their competitors. The atmosphere seemed far more laid back than at many of the running events I've been to. It felt friendly and inclusive and family oriented.

At registration you collect your set of race numbers and event t-shirt as well as pay your one-day membership fee for Triathlon England if you're not already a member. Before the main event kicked off there was a kiddies scootathon for 4-8 year olds (scooting, cycling and running). It was possibly the cutest thing I've ever seen and was a fantastic way for children to feel part of the day.

Contemplating the temperature of the water

Triathlon can be a little overwhelming but everyone was really helpful and kind to newbies such as myself. There's a lot of kit involved, labels need to be in the right places and for a novice, finding your place in transition can feel a bit like the first day at school. Thankfully there were plenty of people on hand to guide you. Male and female changing areas and showers were provided and toilets in ample supply.

T1

I was entered in Mates Wave 1, the first wave to start at 10am on the Sunday. I didn't have any mates taking part with me but the mates waves contain a higher percentage of first-timers then the age and gender based waves that start later in the day. Starting in waves means that you're not too crowded on any section of the course and I never felt as though I was at the back of the pack, a huge mental advantage! Each wave has a different coloured swim cap so you don't get mixed up and it's easy to call a group to the start.

Final leg!

The water was around 14 degrees, making wetsuits compulsory but I don't think anyone was brave enough to go without. The swim/race brief is given IN the water as it's a deep water start, prompting a fair bit of squealing. The 400m swim was just one lap of the markers but the water marshalls were still very encouraging to those of us at the back. 21km of cycling was made up of 4 laps of the lake on a beautiful flat course and the 5km run was two laps on a section of a path between the cycle route and the lake. Everything was very clearly marked but you are responsible for counting your own laps. There is chip timing but you only cross the mats at the start and end of each section. At the finish everyone got some water and a carton of cocovita.

Me and mum at the finish

I didn't expect to enjoy the event nearly as much as I did. I grinned most of the way round, and made some of the marshalls laugh when I shouted gleefully each time a completed a lap on the bike. The bike ended up being my favourite part. I couldn't feel my legs once I got off so found the run challenging but still achieved a good pace. The weather was so lovely we had a little post-race picnic by the car, watching later wave cyclists zooming past. It was a wonderful event, a great day out and I would love to do another. I think the only thing I was slightly dispointed with was that you don't get a medal.

Commemorative t-shirt

Results were up by mid afternoon and I was thrilled to achieved a fairly respectable time of 1:39:12.

I was not first, I was 515th