Maintenance

Site is undergoing a makeover, so please bear with me. I am a bit of a techno phobe, so it may take time, but hey, the content is the main thing.

Please keep coming back- There will be an update later today- Up for discussion is CXWorx, Outdoor running and Sports days!

Anyone who wants to design my blog for free, let me know!

Cannot put into words..

Tell me if you can relate to this. I find it very hard to put into words how I feel about running, but I will try. If you get this, let me know.

Last night was my Jogscotland group. I was lucky to get a one on one session as I was the only one that turned up for the 'slower' group. It was a sticky evening, and I was nervous about going as I had not run all week. I don't know why I get so nervous about going to group but I do. Scared I am forced to walk at some point, worry I will get a dry mouth/lactic acid in calves/need the loo/trip.

The session was tough and I had a mental battle as usual the whole way. But in a perverse way, I was also enjoying it. However, a little hill work was introduced, and it was a main road that went right by my friend's house so I was dreading someone seeing me- perhaps they did.

At the end of the sess, I was so proud of myself. Exhilarated, and excited. Funny- the last 30 seconds of the run were the hardest. I felt so chuffed I never had to walk.

One thing- I ran with a water bottle. As I breathe in and out through my mouth, it gets dry very quickly. I try to do it through the nose, but just cannot, even with practise.

 I thought the water would help. It did, but I hated carrying it, even though it was a sports bottle. And I ended up feeling sick at the end.

So, I took the dog for a walk, and then really enjoyed some lasagne for dinner.

Looking forward to getting out Friday again and to hear from you, whether you are in the USA, Canada, Korea, or anywhere!

Running on Fire!

Running on Fire!

Wow, time flies when you are having fun. Sorry it has been a while since my last update- stick with me!

This was the week that I felt 'in love' with running- It may not happen every time, but this week- wow!

I decided to be honest with my Jogscotland instructor, Claire, and admit that because of the weeks missed through injury and just not trying hard enough, I have been really struggling- mentally too.

It was the best thing I did- the beginners group has naturally broken in two, and Claire was happy to run with me and another lady (who it turns out only has one lung- who am I to complain about my weight being a disability?)

So, we stripped it back to a 3 min run, 3 min walk programme and so glad we did- I enjoyed it. Thursday hit the trreadmill and loved it. Friday I was forced to see the new Star Trek movie with my husband, which it turns out was not too bad.

Today, I took my daughter for a leisure swim. It turns out I still love the flumes at the age of 38, whilst the 8 year old is terrified of them. Just call me Daredevil.

One thing I found really worked for me today before my treadmill session was watching 10 minutes of Bob Harper and Jillian Michaels in 'Train the Trainer'- it fired me up, put me in  a really positive state of mind, and really made me push myself hard. Who knows, I may even go to the kettlebell killer class again tomorrow?

Also, choose snacks wisely, and give it 2-3 hours before a workout to eat, and eat some carbs and stuff within an hour of finishing. I love the Graze mixed seeds with soya, a bowl of cereal or wholemeal toast.

I would love you to spread the word about my blog, and share your comments, or ask questions. Keep coming back!

Wishful thinking sometimes works!

Be careful what you wish for...

Sitting at my desk today I passed comment to my colleague that I have been super good with my eating plan the past couple of days- Houmous, carrots, pitta bread, pumpkin seeds etc. I also commented that I kinda wish running club was delayed tonight as I have a slight headache and tired.

My Jogscotland leader NEVER cancels- until today. Twenty minutes later I get a text to say she is not well, and club will resume next week. I am sorry she is ill, but I am also relieved to have an opportunity slightly to catch up with my runs (I had a knee injury for 2-3 weeks so I feel really behind the rest of the group).

So, have I hit the gym? Well, hate to say it, but the lure of the camembert and crackers in the cupboard/fridge proved too much. Always tomorrow.

Some words of wisdom therefore for all of us- YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT. Hence I am a big fat, smelly lump of cheese, or dry as a cracker. Go figure....

Elavation

Headed to the treadmill as promised. I felt strong, positive, lovin it. But - my usual calf issue kicked in, and although the rest of the body felt good, the legs were killing me.

Did stretching, drank water (but enough)??, and did some strength training too, which I really did enjoy.
I guess eating a small amount of cheesecake a couple of hours before did not help.

Ipod playlist today included Janet Jackson, Bastille, Nero and yes my favourite, Sara Bareilles.

Right now, it's 22.30 and I am sitting with my legs elavated after a nice hot shower and watching 'Your style in his hands'.  I like the idea of a mega shop, but your husband having to buy your stuff? Eh. No.

I am also drinking some 'Blend of both tea' which blends 'regular' tea with green tea. It is actually really pleasant, and I was not a fan of green tea before.

So, Monday tomorrow, a new week dawns. My plan is to work (Yes, no one pays me to blog yet), cook delicious nutritious meals (but most likely will eat a load of crap), and love life. Thursday involves lunch at a Japanese restaurant which I am looking forward to!

 A question for you- Tonic water with Quinine-  I have heard it is good for leg cramps, but dont drink too much. Have you tried it? I might give it a go and let you know.

Come check in again, and invite your friends- tell them what an awesome blog this is!!

FAQ FOR NEW RUNNERS

Ok, so you fancy taking up running but don't know where to start? Here are some tips that helped me a couple of months back, so thought I would share. I would love to hear your thoughts- share your own tips or ask a question!

GET DECENT SHOES- This is soo important, in particular if you are new to running, have some sort of injury issue, run a lot already etc. Many running shops analyse your gait (running style) for you, either using the wet sand test or on a treadmill with a camera. I had this done and I over pronate which is pretty common. Yes, you do need good shoes, it will make life easier, prevent injuries, and make for a smoother ride. As the famous ad says- "because your worth it".

DRINK- No, not beer, but water. I am not yet at the stage of worrying about electrolytes and all that fancy energy gels. But make sure you drink plenty throughout the day, and remember the loo before you go for a run! I find a banana is also pretty useful (nothing to do with the loo!) a couple of hours before, but that may just be me.

DON'T WORRY ABOUT OTHER PEOPLE- I am still a very self conscious runner, and I cannot yet run around the streets of my home for fear of being seen. But don't be like me! It is soo true, everyone is worried about themself, not you. You are not the centre of their universe. Same in the gym, no one is bothered about you. Everyone is there for one reason- to get fit and look better!

LAST BUT NOT LEAST-
RUNNERS ARE YOUR FRIENDS!- It really is true. Although I am a complete beginner, I have found all runners thus far to be a friendly bunch and respect the fact you are trying to improve yourself too.

I can go on and on, and may well do in my next post later. Let me know if you are reading this- nearly 500 views which is awesome, but only one response!! Anyone there??

Later I will hit the treadmill and do some strength training. Gym of choice is RGU Sport in Aberdeen- great facility! If you are a member, say hi here!

Kneejerk Runner: Two down one to go

Kneejerk Runner: Two down one to go: Ok, so I decided to do the run/walk outside. 10c, spitting with rain, through a forest and onto an open farm track. You think you are goi...