Saturday 31 March 2012

When you want to run but shouldn't

Tough call isn't it. You want to get out there. Just a mild jog, it'll be fine. But sometimes you need to give those poor knees and feet a rest. What do you do?

Two suggestions I've been given are swimming and cycling.

Swimming - okay if you live near a pool. If you do it's great for improving stamina and balancing out your muscles. It's a full body workout (if you do it right!) and there's no shock or stress to your knees, feet, back. Cheap stress relief too. All you'll need is basic swimming gear and a sensible swimming style. If your style is rusty it's a good idea to get some lessons.

Cycling - an expensive sport compared to running I hear you say. So get an old bike, one that fits and works. It's there for a workout not necessarily road racing (yet!). Find a few hills and have a go at getting that bicycle up them. Tough to begin with. Although there's no shock to the knees they're still getting a tough workout. Same with you feet and back. Better yet the cardiovascular workout is just as good as a good run if you're able to push yourself enough.

So, there I was. I'm itching for a run. Husband is saying "go for it, we'll be fine" but I have a tough 10k run tomorrow. Dang it!! I want to go but I know it will affect me for tomorrow. Argh! Aha! Bike!

Yes, I did. An easy paced bicycle ride for 12k up a few tough hills but not to much effort. Extra iron twice a week is definitely being felt.

Now I'm happily chilled enough to wait for tomorrow.

Roll on Brill Hill 10k. Hills, hmmm, I'll get there one day, I still don't like them at the moment.

TTFN
Hels

Friday 30 March 2012

Low motivation days

What do you do when you want to run but you can think of more excuses why you can not?

Tough day at work
I've already walked 5k why should I run more
Dinner needs sorting
My legs feel tired
I've just had a huge meal
It's to late in the evening!

Sigh! I know it's time management but how do I make appointments with myself?

It's back to lists isn't it?
Friends would be better but unfortunately getting together is difficult and requires more time management. Sheesh!

The good thing about this weekend is that I'm booked into a 10k race - Brill Hilly 10k. At least I will get a good long run in with some stupid sized hills added on the side.

So, here's me getting out my diary and booking appointments with myself that I NEED to keep. Ugh!

TTFN
Hels

Thursday 29 March 2012

Intro - March 2012

So here goes.  I'm at it again.  Trying out something new to keep me motivated. 

A bit of history to begin with I think. 

I used to run/cycle everywhere at around 15 up to 21 years of age.  After years of sitting on my arse, looking at those people in there ever increasing skimpiness outfits, I finally decided to join the middle age road running peeps in 2009.  After a few set backs (gal bladder, asthma, back pain, incorrect running style injuries and finally anaemia) I've not given up.  I feel fitter every time I enter a race and even tho I'm still at the back with the newbies and stubborn determined folk, I believe I will get faster.  One day!! 

So.  Why the blog? 

If I have to update this thing.  Keep it alive by recording my progress.  Then at least my poor, poor husband will have a break from me planning, plotting or devising some other way to get me training better whilst juggling life, the universe and feeding the animals! 

Why is it so hard to keep motivated? 

My kids - I love spending time with them.  I don't want to miss moments with them.  Playing in the garden.  Going for walks.  General stuff that when they're older will be very very sweet memories. 

My husband - He's lovely, snuggly and wants to spend time with me.  Lucky?  Oh hell yes!!  I really don't want to leave him with the kids and miss out on that general stuff that usually happens.  It's not a control thing.  It's a feeling missed out thing. 

Pets n housework - Well.  I don't have the tidiest of houses.  My husband will undoubtedly agree!  So lets just say that gets in the way as well. 

So.  When should I go out and run?  Is paying a babysitter £30 a time for a run worth it?  Sigh!  I should go back to school and book myself into a "Time Management" course! 

Well.  Thanks for reading.  Hope someone out there in the world wide wilderness enjoys this blog. 

TTFN
Hels