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...

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 going to be on your own, just you and the air you breath. Not this time. On my 40 min journey, I encountered many sheep, a farmer, a bunny rabbit, 2 x dog walkers and a car. 

I told you this blog would be honest, so here goes. On the way out the door I felt really positive, strong. I was looking forward to the fresh air, the scenery, the slight break from family life. However, despite stretching and drinking water, along with a slice of toast an hour before I went out, my calves started aching. Really quickly. I mean 5 minutes in. It was ridiculous.

So, all in all, I believe I walked more than I ran. But hey, it is getting out that counts. It is better to keep moving for 40 mins than sitting in front of the tv watching 'Great British Bake off' whilst wishing you were eating a pork pie rather than being slightly out of breath and mad at yourself.

I am not going to lie, I was really disappointed with myself tonight, I planned to follow the Jogscotland programme verbatim. But I needed the loo, my legs filled with cramp, and I had a stitch.

So what I have learnt today?

1. Go out NO MATTER WHAT. STOP making excuses- Even if you walk, it is better than nothing. Getting fresh air, having some peace and quiet and getting that bit fitter is way better than vegetating.

2. You can listen to any music you want, and not feel ashamed. No one needs to know what is on your playlist. Unless of course you do a blog. Tonight I listened to amongst others Girls Aloud, Sara Bareilles and Rihanna.

3. Never under estimate the power of stretching and hydration. And hydration should mean more water than coffee or diet soda/cola. This is one I am still learning.

4 Try not to beat yourself up too much if things don't go to plan. Just keep moving.

I am now going to work out some healthy meal plans, and fantasise about new cool fitness gear. Check in soon, and would love to hear your comments. Share the link!

First proper blog, here goes!

"If you run, you are a runner. It doesn't matter how fast or how far. It doesn't matter if today is your first day or if you've been running fo 20 years. There is no test to pass, no licence to earn"- Jogscotland.

So, a little about myself. You already know I am 38, a mother of two wonderful children, and very overweight. But that is not what makes me 'me' in whole. I am passionate about getting fitter, healthier, and a healthy weight. Not skinny. Rather, athletic and healthy.

I am 5'7 and have approx 5-7 stone to lose. Yes. A lot. But I aim to get there slowly and surely.

Ten weeks ago, I joined a 'Joscotland' group here in Aberdeen, Scotland. Apart from a slight recurring  knee injury, and being approx. 0% cardiovascularily fit (is that even a word??), I can run now for 7 mins x 3 with a 5 min walk in between. No biggie if you are a seasoned runner, but for someone who could not run for 30 seconds in the winter, it is a giant leap for fat womankind.

Now for the bombshell. I have completed the London Marathon. Yes me- fattie. In 2004, I did almost zero training and managed to complete the course in a ridiculously long time. More importantly, I raised a lot of money for Cancer Research and Anthony Nolan Trust.

Hopefully by the end of the year, I shall enter a race, but only when I can do 3-5K without a walk required.

Here in Aberdeen today it is a mix of sun and rain, approx 13c. I am trying to run 3 times a week, tonight will be number 2 (no, not THAT type of number 2- where is your head at???).  So my big dilemma right now is:

1 Run outside, get lots of fresh air, but downside is possbly being seen by someone I know (Silent scream/worst nightmare) and the threat of rain

or
2 Go on the treadmill at the gym and know exactly how I am doing, watch tv and be dry but with the downside of having a seriously fit, good looking, effortless runner beside me, (Who said I worry about these things??) and clock watching the whole time. That must be 7 mins...wait.. it's only 2????? What the?????

Decisions decisions. Stay tuned....

Kneejerk Runner: Hi, thanks so much to all who have visited so far,...

Kneejerk Runner: Hi, thanks so much to all who have visited so far,...: Hi, thanks so much to all who have visited so far, especially Dame Kelly Holmes who kindly re-tweeted. First official update will come to...

Hi, thanks so much to all who have visited so far, especially Dame Kelly Holmes who kindly re-tweeted.

First official update will come tonight, so stay tuned! I still have some glitches to work out being a techno illiterate and all, but please bear with me- It will be worth it!

Kneejerk Runner: An overweight, unfittish beginners guide to runnin...

Kneejerk Runner: An overweight, unfittish beginners guide to runnin...: Hi! Welcome to my blog. I am a 38 year old Mum of 2, living in Aberdeen, Scotland. I recently decided to take up running, and joined a Jogs...

An overweight, unfittish beginners guide to running. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.

Hi! Welcome to my blog. I am a 38 year old Mum of 2, living in Aberdeen, Scotland. I recently decided to take up running, and joined a Jogscotland group about 10 weeks ago.

 Let's share our love of running here- Ask questions, moan and groan, inspire, and please please let me know your comments- I want to hear from you!

All view are my own. Let's start this journey!


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