I was so excited to be doing the Relay for Life this year. Twelve months ago, I set myself the goal of running my two half hour legs of the relay. When I set the goal, I didn't really believe I could do it, but I decided to give it a go. I managed to run for 30 mins non-stop once late last year, but it wasn't until this year that I began to be able to do it consistently. As recently as six weeks ago, I wasn't sure I'd be able to do the first leg let alone run the second! In fact, looking back over my blog, I managed a half hour run for the first time this year in mid-February.
Last year I walked 15 laps altogether, and so I set myself a goal of 20 laps. I worked out that I'd have to be able to run at 8km/hr to achieve that. I wanted some wriggle room, so I tried to get used to running a little faster than that. I also tried to get used to running for more than 30 mins so that I could give myself a good stern talking to when I got to the "I can't go any further" stage.
Well, to my delight, I managed to run 11 laps in each leg. That's 4.4 km. I didn't manage to do it non-stop - I took a few one minute walking breaks - but I knew I was on track to make the 10 laps so I wasn't worried about walking. That's where I learned today's lesson though. I got to the AIS outdoor running track a little early, so I had a cup of coffee. I'm a dill! I managed to run 4 laps without stopping, but halfway through the 5th I realised that the sloshing in my stomach wasn't going to go away, so I dropped to a walk for a minute. That seemed to settle it enough to manage a little more running. I ended up taking the break on the 5th, 7th and 9th lap the first time, and on the 3rd, 5th, 7th and 9th lap the second time. Interestingly, on the last lap I was able to manage to keep going. It's amazing how knowing you're going to stop soon gives you the strength to keep going.
At the end of my second leg, I decided to walk with the next relay person as a cool down. On the way around, I realised that if I walked 3 laps I'd have covered 10 km, so I did that. The event organisers had a stretch class happening shortly after I finished, so I did that. It was terrific. I couldn't manage all the stretches - I'm not flexible enough - but I certainly could feel the benefits.
After I got home, I headed straight for the gym to collect my 25 points. I had great plans of collecting 50 points by doing Body Pump as well, but on the walk from my place to the gym I realised that my knees were telling me that lunges and squats would be a bad idea if I thought I was going to be able to run tomorrow. As I really want to run the 5 km rather than walk it, I decided to listen to my knees.
I jumped on the bike because it's kind to knees, but I realised I wasn't enjoying it after 4 mins and switched to the treadmill. I walked for 40 mins at 6 km/hr and zero gradient. This means I covered 14 km for the day, not counting any extra walking I do, such as to the gym and back. My pedometer reading was past 22k at lunchtime! My legs are really feeling it now. I think I'll be having a power nap this afternoon.
One thing is for sure tomorrow - I won't be drinking any coffee in the half hour before the run.
Saturday, 31 March 2007
Friday, 30 March 2007
Nice easy day today
I thought I'd better take it easy today if I was going to run for an hour tomorrow morning. This morning's gym visit involved half an hour on the treadmill at 6 km/h on an inclination of 3. It was quite relaxing. I tried some Chi Running focuses, like walking from my centre and leaning forward. I also did the body sensing thing, checking in with how I was feeling. It was hard to keep concentrating. I can see that I'll have to keep practising.
I was supposed to get to the Relay for Life opening ceremony this evening, but there was an urgent support problem just as I was leaving. One of my team was there, but I decided that it would be kinder to go back and help him out. After all, I didn't have to be at the opening ceremony. Seeing that I wasn't going to be able to make Relay for Life, I thought about dropping in at the gym for the Biggest Loser party they were having instead, but I ended up having to stay back at work too late to do that too.
Still, my step count is only 11k for the day, so I've given my legs a good rest before tomorrow. I've been reading everyone's blogs, and they are all busy tapering! My little rest feels like a baby taper.
I'm really quite excited about tomorrow. I'm going to go to bed early, so I get plenty of sleep.
I was supposed to get to the Relay for Life opening ceremony this evening, but there was an urgent support problem just as I was leaving. One of my team was there, but I decided that it would be kinder to go back and help him out. After all, I didn't have to be at the opening ceremony. Seeing that I wasn't going to be able to make Relay for Life, I thought about dropping in at the gym for the Biggest Loser party they were having instead, but I ended up having to stay back at work too late to do that too.
Still, my step count is only 11k for the day, so I've given my legs a good rest before tomorrow. I've been reading everyone's blogs, and they are all busy tapering! My little rest feels like a baby taper.
I'm really quite excited about tomorrow. I'm going to go to bed early, so I get plenty of sleep.
Thursday, 29 March 2007
Tired legs
I've covered a lot of distance today. I blame the girls at work, who are enthusiastically running a "Biggest Winner" competition. They have all sorts of health challenges that you can meet to gain points - eat 10 pieces of fruit in a week, walk 10000 steps a day, etc. They are also organising fun activities. Today, we were put into teams and encouraged to walk around the building twice. There's a 1.4 km walking track around my workplace, which is in the middle of a paddock.
Now, even I can do the maths - 1.4 km x 2 = 2.8 km, which isn't a lot of distance. It is, however, 2.8 km on top of the distance I already planned to cover. I did an interval run this morning, and repeated it this evening. That was another 6.3 km all up. My pedometer is reading almost 28000 steps! No wonder my legs are tired.
I really enjoyed both interval runs. I find I run much better in the morning than in the evening though. The run itself involved 15 mins of intervals of 6 / 9.5 km/h, followed by 5 mins at 9 km/h and 5 mins at 6 km/h before a short cool down and stretching. I then did Body Jam, which I love. Unfortunately the class is going to be cancelled in a few weeks.
I didn't realise I hadn't blogged last night, because I was busy reading other people's blogs. I managed to get through my overdue weights session on Wednesday by splitting it in half. I couldn't see any other way to manage it this week, so I did the first part in the morning and finished it off in the evening. Because of that, I spent a little bit of extra time on my abs exercises. Leanne told me how to make one of the exercises harder .. and it was a lot harder! I also managed two sets of 10 reps on the rolldowns. That's the first time I've managed to persevere through the two sets.
Squash was a lot of fun. I played four games and managed to win two of them. The court seemed really small last night. I don't know if it's because I'm finding it so easy to get around it or because I feel bigger because I have more muscle. I'm definitely not bigger. I've lost a little more weight and my clothes are continuing to feel looser.
I'm having the strangest experience at the moment. When I catch sight of myself in the mirror, I feel like I'm looking at a stranger. At first I thought it was my new hairstyle, but it's not all that different. I finally realised that it's my neckline. I think my neck is thinner. It's quite disconcerting to be having trouble recognising myself.
I got my team t-shirt for the Relay for Life today. It's much better than last year's, thank goodness. It's also two sizes smaller and it's loose on me. **huge grin**
I'm really looking forward to all the running I'm doing on the weekend. I've been working hard to be fit enough to manage to run one of my legs of the Relay for Life. I've grown in confidence lately so, not only do I expect to run both legs, I also think I'll be able to run on Sunday as well. I originally planned to walk because I didn't think I was fit enough to run two days in a row, but I've realised that I'm much fitter than I give myself credit for.
I had great fun chatting with people at the gym tonight. To think I used to go and hardly speak to anyone. It's a much friendlier place than it used to be. I hope this spirit of camaraderie continues after the fitness challenge is over.
Oh, I forgot to mention how my team did in the 'walk around the building' at work. I wasn't that keen on participating, because I always get a lot of exercise on Thursdays. I had this plan to walk with whoever was the slowest member of our team and have a nice relaxing time. The first part of the plan was a success - I was with the slowest member of the team. The relaxing part didn't come to fruition. My team members lead the way around the building, so there was I, keeping up with them. I wish I had longer legs! Still, it was fun and we managed to win the challenge comfortably.
Now, even I can do the maths - 1.4 km x 2 = 2.8 km, which isn't a lot of distance. It is, however, 2.8 km on top of the distance I already planned to cover. I did an interval run this morning, and repeated it this evening. That was another 6.3 km all up. My pedometer is reading almost 28000 steps! No wonder my legs are tired.
I really enjoyed both interval runs. I find I run much better in the morning than in the evening though. The run itself involved 15 mins of intervals of 6 / 9.5 km/h, followed by 5 mins at 9 km/h and 5 mins at 6 km/h before a short cool down and stretching. I then did Body Jam, which I love. Unfortunately the class is going to be cancelled in a few weeks.
I didn't realise I hadn't blogged last night, because I was busy reading other people's blogs. I managed to get through my overdue weights session on Wednesday by splitting it in half. I couldn't see any other way to manage it this week, so I did the first part in the morning and finished it off in the evening. Because of that, I spent a little bit of extra time on my abs exercises. Leanne told me how to make one of the exercises harder .. and it was a lot harder! I also managed two sets of 10 reps on the rolldowns. That's the first time I've managed to persevere through the two sets.
Squash was a lot of fun. I played four games and managed to win two of them. The court seemed really small last night. I don't know if it's because I'm finding it so easy to get around it or because I feel bigger because I have more muscle. I'm definitely not bigger. I've lost a little more weight and my clothes are continuing to feel looser.
I'm having the strangest experience at the moment. When I catch sight of myself in the mirror, I feel like I'm looking at a stranger. At first I thought it was my new hairstyle, but it's not all that different. I finally realised that it's my neckline. I think my neck is thinner. It's quite disconcerting to be having trouble recognising myself.
I got my team t-shirt for the Relay for Life today. It's much better than last year's, thank goodness. It's also two sizes smaller and it's loose on me. **huge grin**
I'm really looking forward to all the running I'm doing on the weekend. I've been working hard to be fit enough to manage to run one of my legs of the Relay for Life. I've grown in confidence lately so, not only do I expect to run both legs, I also think I'll be able to run on Sunday as well. I originally planned to walk because I didn't think I was fit enough to run two days in a row, but I've realised that I'm much fitter than I give myself credit for.
I had great fun chatting with people at the gym tonight. To think I used to go and hardly speak to anyone. It's a much friendlier place than it used to be. I hope this spirit of camaraderie continues after the fitness challenge is over.
Oh, I forgot to mention how my team did in the 'walk around the building' at work. I wasn't that keen on participating, because I always get a lot of exercise on Thursdays. I had this plan to walk with whoever was the slowest member of our team and have a nice relaxing time. The first part of the plan was a success - I was with the slowest member of the team. The relaxing part didn't come to fruition. My team members lead the way around the building, so there was I, keeping up with them. I wish I had longer legs! Still, it was fun and we managed to win the challenge comfortably.
Tuesday, 27 March 2007
Another good run
I went running with Leanne this morning - we covered 4.2 km in half an hour, which I was really pleased with. I'm hoping to run two sessions of 10 laps in half an hour on Saturday at the Relay for Life, and if I can run like I did this morning I'll be fine.
I enjoyed the run. It makes quite a difference running with someone else. The chatting is fun and the company is encouraging. I'm hoping that the group who are running together in the Biggest Loser challenge will keep going once the challenge is over, even if it's only on an informal basis.
I didn't get to the gym this evening. Something more important came up after work. I'll have to make up the points later in the week. I managed to make up Sunday's points on Monday. I did a pump class as well as my usual workout.
I was careful not to overdo it on Monday, so I stuck to my old favourite - the treadmill. In the morning, I did the "Fat Burner" session. After discovering that I was severely underestimating the level I should be doing on the bike I cranked the level on this up to 8. I did 20 mins at 6 km/hr and then finished off with 10 mins of walking at 6 km/hr. My legs felt good after Sunday's run.
In the evening, I did the "Aerobic Training" session for 20 mins at 6 km/hr for 20 mins and then walked for another 20 mins, before going to Pump. The lunges in the Pump session were a killer, although I managed to do them all.
I'm overdue on my weights session, so that's on the cards for tomorrow. I've also got squash, which is my favourite. Something to look forward to.
I enjoyed the run. It makes quite a difference running with someone else. The chatting is fun and the company is encouraging. I'm hoping that the group who are running together in the Biggest Loser challenge will keep going once the challenge is over, even if it's only on an informal basis.
I didn't get to the gym this evening. Something more important came up after work. I'll have to make up the points later in the week. I managed to make up Sunday's points on Monday. I did a pump class as well as my usual workout.
I was careful not to overdo it on Monday, so I stuck to my old favourite - the treadmill. In the morning, I did the "Fat Burner" session. After discovering that I was severely underestimating the level I should be doing on the bike I cranked the level on this up to 8. I did 20 mins at 6 km/hr and then finished off with 10 mins of walking at 6 km/hr. My legs felt good after Sunday's run.
In the evening, I did the "Aerobic Training" session for 20 mins at 6 km/hr for 20 mins and then walked for another 20 mins, before going to Pump. The lunges in the Pump session were a killer, although I managed to do them all.
I'm overdue on my weights session, so that's on the cards for tomorrow. I've also got squash, which is my favourite. Something to look forward to.
Sunday, 25 March 2007
Twice around the creek
I made it around the creek twice today! According to Map My Run that's 6.48 km. That's the furthest I've run without stopping, so I'm feeling very proud of myself. Not only was it further, it was also faster. I made it around the first time in 22:39 and finished in 46:01. That's roughly 7 mins per km.
I started out concentrating on lifting my feet and made an effort not to go too fast at the beginning. It seemed really easy, and I ended up at my first marker ahead of my usual time, so I don't think I did too well on "going slower at the start". As I was running that first bit I thought heard someone behind me. I kept expecting them to pass me, but they didn't so I thought maybe I'd imagined their existence. When I got to the bridge, I was able to look back, and there was another runner there. I still expected him to pass me. I got to the next point where I could see how far he was behind me and he was further behind! That's never happened to me before. I was feeling all the excitement I think Celeste must have felt when she passed her jogger.
The route around the creek isn't completely flat, so I got to run up and down a few tiny hills. I followed the arm pumping, leaning forward advice from the Chi Running book going up and I let gravity take me down. Usually when I'm running down a hill I hold myself up and try to get my breath back. This time, I felt like I was flying down the hills. It was great fun. I was wishing the hills were bigger!
I was amazed by how much faster my time was too. The last time I ran around the creek it took me 24:30 and I got to the point where I stopped (approx 5.5 km according to my map run) in 41:44. Today the first lap was nearly 2 mins faster and I reached the 5.5 km mark in 39:10. I thought I was going much more slowly the second time around. It was a little slower, but it was nowhere near as slow as I thought it was.
I passed on going to the gym this morning. I realised that I was going to struggle to get there and back before my brother arrived, and I figured I'd already done more work than I'd planned on my run, so I gave myself a day off. I'll make up the points tomorrow evening by doing a class.
After having a coffee with my mum, Jim and I set off to the shopping centre. We ambled over and back, taking an hour to do the whole walk. It was only about three and a half kms, but we were busy chatting and ensuring that my nephew, Simon, looked carefully in all directions when crossing the road. It was a lovely walk and didn't feel like exercise at all. Mind you, I've had an afternoon nap! I was exhausted.
Jim's looking terrific and he tells me that his knee is getting a lot better too. I didn't rub it in about being able to run when he can't, but I was bubbling over with enthusiasm about my progress.
Something beginning with T
Isabelle posted a letter meme the other day. Her letter was G and she wrote about a number of G words that mean something to her. I loved reading her post about her Girls, Giggles, Granny, Green, Gardens, Golden Daffodils and Grand Designs, so I put my name up for a random letter. Isabelle allocated me the letter T. If any of you would like to do this, let me know and I'll send you a letter via a comment in your blog.
Teachers
I've always valued and admired teachers. In fact, many years ago I was a high school maths teacher. I was very lucky with some of my teachers. I imagine that having a student who simply raced through the syllabus must have been a challenge for them, but these teachers, mainly women, worked out how to keep challenging me, found me extension work to do to keep me interested in school, and instilled in me a lifelong love for helping others to learn.
I loved teaching maths. It was so rewarding to see students suddenly understand what it was that they were trying to achieve. The decision to leave teaching came as a total shock to me, but when I made it, after a series of stress related illnesses during a time of government cutbacks and worsening work conditions, it ended up being one of the best things I'd ever done for myself. Every once in a while I think about returning to teaching, but I look at the salary I now earn doing a much less stressful job and realise that it's a nice daydream but it's not going to happen.
Fortunately for me, I've discovered that it doeesn't matter what job I do, I can still teach. I love being able to help people discover their potential and become more than they knew they could be.
Television
Television plays such a large role in our lives. I remember watching "Adventure Island" when I was young. My mother made me a heart shaped apron just like my heroine Lisa. I wanted to be Lisa when I grew up and I treasured that apron. I had a "Mr Doo-bee" jumping ball, and I remember seeing the first episode of "Sesame Street" when it screened in Australia - it was Janet's 5th birthday. My father used to appear in television ads, in crazy dress up with his boss, singing and dancing. He was also asked to sing Irish songs on the local afternoon show every St Patrick's Day. I loved "Doctor Who" and "MASH" and I really enjoy the new "Doctor Who" and "Torchwood" series.
Funnily enough, since I started my journey to being a fitter and healthier person, I watch a lot less television. I try to see "The Biggest Loser" as I find that show inspirational, but there's not much else I'm watching at the moment, unless it happens to be on DVD. That's not to say that the television is never on - it's great company as background noise when I'm writing up my blog.
Training
I love my personal training sessions. I never saw myself as someone who would be an enthusiastic exerciser, so I knew I needed my trainer to push me to work hard. I've had three personal trainers help me on my journey, Kelly, Sarah and Leanne, and all three have been wonderful. Kelly trained the unfit, unhealthy version of me, and introduced me to the idea of "good pain". Sarah taught me to set long term goals. Leanne is encouraging me to find out what it is that I'm capable of achieving.
Talking
I love to talk. If talking was an Olympic sport I could talk for Australia! When I was living in Melbourne I was a member of Toastmasters. I love public speaking.
My family are high intensity communicators. If you were at our place when we're all there, you'd be amazed that there can be so many conversations going on at once, and that people can be actively participating in more than one at a time. You can always be assured of being listened to at our place, as we see listening as an important part of talking. We love story telling and enjoy hearing all our old favourites at family occasions. It's great when we have family or friends visit from Ireland, as all the old stories come out again for another airing.
Travel
It's just as well that I like travel, as I travel from Melbourne to Canberra for work on a fortnightly basis. I love flying. The novelty may have worn off, but I still enjoy the sensation of taking off and landing.
Travel overseas is tremendous fun, and I don't do it nearly enough. My last big trip was to Ireland and England in 2003 with my favourite sister, Janet. We went over for my Uncle Jack's 80th birthday. My next trip is to the Gold Coast in May, again with family. I'm looking forward to that one, particularly to being on the beach in my swimmers. When I reach my goal weight I'm going to reward myself with a trip to Broome. I've always wanted to go there.
I started out concentrating on lifting my feet and made an effort not to go too fast at the beginning. It seemed really easy, and I ended up at my first marker ahead of my usual time, so I don't think I did too well on "going slower at the start". As I was running that first bit I thought heard someone behind me. I kept expecting them to pass me, but they didn't so I thought maybe I'd imagined their existence. When I got to the bridge, I was able to look back, and there was another runner there. I still expected him to pass me. I got to the next point where I could see how far he was behind me and he was further behind! That's never happened to me before. I was feeling all the excitement I think Celeste must have felt when she passed her jogger.
The route around the creek isn't completely flat, so I got to run up and down a few tiny hills. I followed the arm pumping, leaning forward advice from the Chi Running book going up and I let gravity take me down. Usually when I'm running down a hill I hold myself up and try to get my breath back. This time, I felt like I was flying down the hills. It was great fun. I was wishing the hills were bigger!
I was amazed by how much faster my time was too. The last time I ran around the creek it took me 24:30 and I got to the point where I stopped (approx 5.5 km according to my map run) in 41:44. Today the first lap was nearly 2 mins faster and I reached the 5.5 km mark in 39:10. I thought I was going much more slowly the second time around. It was a little slower, but it was nowhere near as slow as I thought it was.
I passed on going to the gym this morning. I realised that I was going to struggle to get there and back before my brother arrived, and I figured I'd already done more work than I'd planned on my run, so I gave myself a day off. I'll make up the points tomorrow evening by doing a class.
After having a coffee with my mum, Jim and I set off to the shopping centre. We ambled over and back, taking an hour to do the whole walk. It was only about three and a half kms, but we were busy chatting and ensuring that my nephew, Simon, looked carefully in all directions when crossing the road. It was a lovely walk and didn't feel like exercise at all. Mind you, I've had an afternoon nap! I was exhausted.
Jim's looking terrific and he tells me that his knee is getting a lot better too. I didn't rub it in about being able to run when he can't, but I was bubbling over with enthusiasm about my progress.
Something beginning with T
Isabelle posted a letter meme the other day. Her letter was G and she wrote about a number of G words that mean something to her. I loved reading her post about her Girls, Giggles, Granny, Green, Gardens, Golden Daffodils and Grand Designs, so I put my name up for a random letter. Isabelle allocated me the letter T. If any of you would like to do this, let me know and I'll send you a letter via a comment in your blog.
Teachers
I've always valued and admired teachers. In fact, many years ago I was a high school maths teacher. I was very lucky with some of my teachers. I imagine that having a student who simply raced through the syllabus must have been a challenge for them, but these teachers, mainly women, worked out how to keep challenging me, found me extension work to do to keep me interested in school, and instilled in me a lifelong love for helping others to learn.
I loved teaching maths. It was so rewarding to see students suddenly understand what it was that they were trying to achieve. The decision to leave teaching came as a total shock to me, but when I made it, after a series of stress related illnesses during a time of government cutbacks and worsening work conditions, it ended up being one of the best things I'd ever done for myself. Every once in a while I think about returning to teaching, but I look at the salary I now earn doing a much less stressful job and realise that it's a nice daydream but it's not going to happen.
Fortunately for me, I've discovered that it doeesn't matter what job I do, I can still teach. I love being able to help people discover their potential and become more than they knew they could be.
Television
Television plays such a large role in our lives. I remember watching "Adventure Island" when I was young. My mother made me a heart shaped apron just like my heroine Lisa. I wanted to be Lisa when I grew up and I treasured that apron. I had a "Mr Doo-bee" jumping ball, and I remember seeing the first episode of "Sesame Street" when it screened in Australia - it was Janet's 5th birthday. My father used to appear in television ads, in crazy dress up with his boss, singing and dancing. He was also asked to sing Irish songs on the local afternoon show every St Patrick's Day. I loved "Doctor Who" and "MASH" and I really enjoy the new "Doctor Who" and "Torchwood" series.
Funnily enough, since I started my journey to being a fitter and healthier person, I watch a lot less television. I try to see "The Biggest Loser" as I find that show inspirational, but there's not much else I'm watching at the moment, unless it happens to be on DVD. That's not to say that the television is never on - it's great company as background noise when I'm writing up my blog.
Training
I love my personal training sessions. I never saw myself as someone who would be an enthusiastic exerciser, so I knew I needed my trainer to push me to work hard. I've had three personal trainers help me on my journey, Kelly, Sarah and Leanne, and all three have been wonderful. Kelly trained the unfit, unhealthy version of me, and introduced me to the idea of "good pain". Sarah taught me to set long term goals. Leanne is encouraging me to find out what it is that I'm capable of achieving.
Talking
I love to talk. If talking was an Olympic sport I could talk for Australia! When I was living in Melbourne I was a member of Toastmasters. I love public speaking.
My family are high intensity communicators. If you were at our place when we're all there, you'd be amazed that there can be so many conversations going on at once, and that people can be actively participating in more than one at a time. You can always be assured of being listened to at our place, as we see listening as an important part of talking. We love story telling and enjoy hearing all our old favourites at family occasions. It's great when we have family or friends visit from Ireland, as all the old stories come out again for another airing.
Travel
It's just as well that I like travel, as I travel from Melbourne to Canberra for work on a fortnightly basis. I love flying. The novelty may have worn off, but I still enjoy the sensation of taking off and landing.
Travel overseas is tremendous fun, and I don't do it nearly enough. My last big trip was to Ireland and England in 2003 with my favourite sister, Janet. We went over for my Uncle Jack's 80th birthday. My next trip is to the Gold Coast in May, again with family. I'm looking forward to that one, particularly to being on the beach in my swimmers. When I reach my goal weight I'm going to reward myself with a trip to Broome. I've always wanted to go there.
Saturday, 24 March 2007
Good hair day
I definitely had the best hair in the gym this morning, and it didn't take as long as I predicted. I was only there for an hour and three quarters. I love going to the gym after I get my hair done, as I don't end up with all the amazing "hold your hair still in a gale" product everywhere. I also look more like the real me, which personally I prefer.
It seemed quite busy at the gym. I jumped on the treadmill and opted for the fast walk option. I did see how I'd go with a jog, but my ankle felt just a little bit not right so I dropped back to walking. I started off at 6.0 km/h on a gradient of 3, but decided to see how I'd go at 6.4 km/h. I remember a few weeks ago deciding that it just wasn't comfortable to walk at that pace. Today, I walked at that speed for 25 mins on a gradient. How good is that?!?
Even though I wasn't running, I tried some Chi Running stuff. I concentrated on keeping my shoulders relaxed and being conscious of moving my elbows rather than my arms. This focus stuff takes focus!
The rest of the day was quiet as far as exercise is concerned. I caught up on some blog reading, which I enjoy hugely. I shopped, which counts as walking, and I spent quality time with my good friend, Erika.
I'm feeling very tempted to eat heaps this evening, but I've done well to stay in my calorie range today, so I'll resist temptation by going to bed. I find that works really well.
I'm looking forward to tomorrow's exercise program. I'm also looking forward to the extra hour in the day. I love it when daylight saving ends.
It seemed quite busy at the gym. I jumped on the treadmill and opted for the fast walk option. I did see how I'd go with a jog, but my ankle felt just a little bit not right so I dropped back to walking. I started off at 6.0 km/h on a gradient of 3, but decided to see how I'd go at 6.4 km/h. I remember a few weeks ago deciding that it just wasn't comfortable to walk at that pace. Today, I walked at that speed for 25 mins on a gradient. How good is that?!?
Even though I wasn't running, I tried some Chi Running stuff. I concentrated on keeping my shoulders relaxed and being conscious of moving my elbows rather than my arms. This focus stuff takes focus!
The rest of the day was quiet as far as exercise is concerned. I caught up on some blog reading, which I enjoy hugely. I shopped, which counts as walking, and I spent quality time with my good friend, Erika.
I'm feeling very tempted to eat heaps this evening, but I've done well to stay in my calorie range today, so I'll resist temptation by going to bed. I find that works really well.
I'm looking forward to tomorrow's exercise program. I'm also looking forward to the extra hour in the day. I love it when daylight saving ends.
Friday, 23 March 2007
Fabulous run this morning
I really enjoyed my run this morning. It felt great while I was running. I was still on a high by the time I got to work an hour later.
I bought a book on Chi Running. I read about it on someone's blog, and I saw it in Borders the other day, so I thought I'd give it a go. Today, I jumped on the treadmill and worked on a couple of things mentioned in the book - my cadence and picking up my feet. The time just flew and I didn't feel like I was working hard at all. I ran at 7.6 km/h. I was only going to do 20 mins because I was a little late to the gym, but I decided to keep going and ended up running 4 km in just under 32 mins. I nearly missed the bus, but the run was definitely worth it.
Of course, I don't know if the run felt easy because of the different technique or because I'm so much fitter. Still, it doesn't really matter. I had a great time.
I didn't get to the gym tonight. I had a social engagement that took precedence. I was glad to discover that I was able to miss a gym session without completely stressing over it. I'll make sure I do the weights session over the weekend and I'll survive not earning the points for the workout.
I've realised that I'm going to have the best hair at the gym tomorrow. I'm off to the hairdresser in the morning, and then I'm heading straight to the gym. I hope that all the people on the treadmills around me appreciate it. *chuckle*
On Tuesday all the people around me nearly witnessed something I'm sure they'd probably not appreciate. I was running along on the treadmill and my shorts started to fall down. These were bike pants, so it was pretty extreme for them to fall down. Fortunately, I was able to hike them up enough to ensure that I didn't have an ongoing battle with my pants falling down, as it would have put an end to my run. On reflection, I was quite pleased that this had happened because it's a sign that my shape has changed again. I'm not so sure I'd have been pleased if they'd kept falling down though.
On Sunday my brother and I are getting together. The conversation was quite hilarious - Me, the former couch potato: "I'm going for a run, then I'm off to the gym. I'll be home around 10:30." Him, enthusiastic exerciser, who inspired me to start this journey in the first place: "I'll come over then and we'll walk to the shopping centre (miles away) for a coffee - that way we'll exercise while we talk". Me: "Great idea." Can you believe it - I think that's a great idea?!? What's happened to me? By the way, the reason we're walking is that he can't run because of a bad knee. Being a loving sister, I take great delight in reminding him every once in a while that I can run and he can't. He's avoiding a knee reconstruction, so I figure he's fair game. Besides, I can always run away from him!
I bought a book on Chi Running. I read about it on someone's blog, and I saw it in Borders the other day, so I thought I'd give it a go. Today, I jumped on the treadmill and worked on a couple of things mentioned in the book - my cadence and picking up my feet. The time just flew and I didn't feel like I was working hard at all. I ran at 7.6 km/h. I was only going to do 20 mins because I was a little late to the gym, but I decided to keep going and ended up running 4 km in just under 32 mins. I nearly missed the bus, but the run was definitely worth it.
Of course, I don't know if the run felt easy because of the different technique or because I'm so much fitter. Still, it doesn't really matter. I had a great time.
I didn't get to the gym tonight. I had a social engagement that took precedence. I was glad to discover that I was able to miss a gym session without completely stressing over it. I'll make sure I do the weights session over the weekend and I'll survive not earning the points for the workout.
I've realised that I'm going to have the best hair at the gym tomorrow. I'm off to the hairdresser in the morning, and then I'm heading straight to the gym. I hope that all the people on the treadmills around me appreciate it. *chuckle*
On Tuesday all the people around me nearly witnessed something I'm sure they'd probably not appreciate. I was running along on the treadmill and my shorts started to fall down. These were bike pants, so it was pretty extreme for them to fall down. Fortunately, I was able to hike them up enough to ensure that I didn't have an ongoing battle with my pants falling down, as it would have put an end to my run. On reflection, I was quite pleased that this had happened because it's a sign that my shape has changed again. I'm not so sure I'd have been pleased if they'd kept falling down though.
On Sunday my brother and I are getting together. The conversation was quite hilarious - Me, the former couch potato: "I'm going for a run, then I'm off to the gym. I'll be home around 10:30." Him, enthusiastic exerciser, who inspired me to start this journey in the first place: "I'll come over then and we'll walk to the shopping centre (miles away) for a coffee - that way we'll exercise while we talk". Me: "Great idea." Can you believe it - I think that's a great idea?!? What's happened to me? By the way, the reason we're walking is that he can't run because of a bad knee. Being a loving sister, I take great delight in reminding him every once in a while that I can run and he can't. He's avoiding a knee reconstruction, so I figure he's fair game. Besides, I can always run away from him!
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