Sunday, 17th April 20eleven.
C25k week 1 day 1.
I guess it's no surprise that with my lack of posts not too much fitness has been going on. I have been walking a lot lately (about 20hrs so far this month) so I haven't totally been reverting to my old ways, and our eating is quite healthy too in comparison to the old-days.
Upon waking today I decided it was the perfect opportunity to lay in bed, but that would have achieved nothing, so I got up and put on my workout wear and headed out the door before I thought better of it. It was chilly out considering I had a sleeveless top and 1/2 length pants on, but I soon warmed up when I started running. Having been absent from running for the last 2 months I was sure I would struggle like that very first day, but surprisingly I seemed to pick up where I left off. I think the walking helped maintain my new-found 'fitness'.
After the 5 minute walking warm up I managed to run the first 3 minute-long intervals completely (although it might have looked more like a shuffle at some points) the 4th I completed almost to the end (about 10 seconds to go), then the rest were half run/half walk. Another thing I noticed was that my legs weren't hurting like they did in the early days, but rather it was my breathing that stopped me from running. The cold air wasn't helping and I had a little phlegm in my throat that I wanted to cough up but couldn't so I was struggling to get my breath.
The weather is starting to become more like winter so I think that will become a challenge to me over the next few weeks.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Thursday, February 10, 2011
iRun 1.2.1
Monday, 7th February 20eleven.
C25k week 1 day 4.
I have decided to start week one again. For a program that is supposed to cater for anyone, week one is hard! I have decided I preferred the motivation in Robert's podcast better than the beeps in the Podrunner podcast, although I have to say that it is slightly demoralising when he says after the sixth(?) run interval that you shouldn't be tired or out of breath... man, I'm almost collapsing on the ground by that stage!
After dinner we headed out as a family - my husband pushed the 2 year old in the pram. Miss 5 decided that next time she should ride her bike instead of running because she found it difficult to keep up (she was doing better than me, but with a show-off husband/daddy who sprints off into the distance even while pushing a pram it made her a little reluctant).
I am happy to report that I managed to run at least half of all of the intervals (yay!). I was pleasantly surprised with my efforts (which hubby attributes to his company) even though I wasn't moving as well as I would have liked. I have noticed my Achilles (or some such muscle/tendon that runs up the back of your leg from you ankle) is really tight and doesn't allow me to run as freely as I first could but I am not letting that put me off.
I really enjoyed exercising as a family and we may have to make it a regular Monday night activity.
C25k week 1 day 4.
I have decided to start week one again. For a program that is supposed to cater for anyone, week one is hard! I have decided I preferred the motivation in Robert's podcast better than the beeps in the Podrunner podcast, although I have to say that it is slightly demoralising when he says after the sixth(?) run interval that you shouldn't be tired or out of breath... man, I'm almost collapsing on the ground by that stage!
After dinner we headed out as a family - my husband pushed the 2 year old in the pram. Miss 5 decided that next time she should ride her bike instead of running because she found it difficult to keep up (she was doing better than me, but with a show-off husband/daddy who sprints off into the distance even while pushing a pram it made her a little reluctant).
I am happy to report that I managed to run at least half of all of the intervals (yay!). I was pleasantly surprised with my efforts (which hubby attributes to his company) even though I wasn't moving as well as I would have liked. I have noticed my Achilles (or some such muscle/tendon that runs up the back of your leg from you ankle) is really tight and doesn't allow me to run as freely as I first could but I am not letting that put me off.
I really enjoyed exercising as a family and we may have to make it a regular Monday night activity.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
iRun 1.3
Tuesday, 1st February 20eleven.
C25k week 1 day 3.
I woke up at 6:20am this morning, donned my running gear and headed out while hubby was getting ready for work.
I thought I would try out the Podrunner podcast this time because I have listened to the Robert Ullrey one twice already. I liked the little beeps to tell you to run/walk but I think I prefer hearing some motivation and encouragement along the way.
I have discovered the benefit of keeping up the routine. After a week where I wasn't able to get out for various reasons (Thursday and Saturday were both spent doing hard labour in the garden) I found it more difficult this morning - perhaps also because I was straight out of bed.
With the temperature already pushing 30*C (at 6:30am!) I decided not to push myself to the max, and ended up running 6 intervals (again starting with the full 60 seconds, then gradually decreasing) and walking the rest.
By the time I got home I felt like a ball of sweat and my face looked somewhat like a beetroot. I was still sweating after my tepid shower. If nothing else, interval training certainly raises your heart rate and works your muscles.
Despite my fears, I feel quite confident out running - I'm sure I look like a complete fool, but it makes me feel good to accomplish something good for my body. Afterwards, despite being tired I feel quite energised and alert (must be the blood getting to my brain!) almost like I can take on anything.
C25k week 1 day 3.
I woke up at 6:20am this morning, donned my running gear and headed out while hubby was getting ready for work.
I thought I would try out the Podrunner podcast this time because I have listened to the Robert Ullrey one twice already. I liked the little beeps to tell you to run/walk but I think I prefer hearing some motivation and encouragement along the way.
I have discovered the benefit of keeping up the routine. After a week where I wasn't able to get out for various reasons (Thursday and Saturday were both spent doing hard labour in the garden) I found it more difficult this morning - perhaps also because I was straight out of bed.
With the temperature already pushing 30*C (at 6:30am!) I decided not to push myself to the max, and ended up running 6 intervals (again starting with the full 60 seconds, then gradually decreasing) and walking the rest.
By the time I got home I felt like a ball of sweat and my face looked somewhat like a beetroot. I was still sweating after my tepid shower. If nothing else, interval training certainly raises your heart rate and works your muscles.
Despite my fears, I feel quite confident out running - I'm sure I look like a complete fool, but it makes me feel good to accomplish something good for my body. Afterwards, despite being tired I feel quite energised and alert (must be the blood getting to my brain!) almost like I can take on anything.
iRun 1.2
Monday, 24th January 20eleven.
C25k week 1 day 2.
Hubby was home with some sort of tummy flu so at 4pm I gathered my things and readied myself to hit the pavement again. My eager 5 year old decided she wanted to come with me, so together we set off to complete the 30 minute workout. In the fashion of a typical 5 year old it went something along the lines of "when are we going to run?" "when can we stop?" "how much further?" "it's taking a long time", etc, etc. When she started to run she had no concept of pacing herself - it was sprint or walk but she put in a good effort and despite having to push her a bit (when it's me that needs the pushing) she kept up with me.
Personally I was quite impressed with my effort. This time I managed to go a further 100m (approx) which meant I added 200m to my total distance out and back. I will have to measure how far I do actually travel - my guess would be about 2km? Also there was no fast-forwarding this time. I managed to run at least 20seconds of each interval (the first full one then gradually getting less) except the last which I walked the whole time.
Recovery this time was much better too, because I was not nearly as stiff and sore as after my first attempt.
C25k week 1 day 2.
Hubby was home with some sort of tummy flu so at 4pm I gathered my things and readied myself to hit the pavement again. My eager 5 year old decided she wanted to come with me, so together we set off to complete the 30 minute workout. In the fashion of a typical 5 year old it went something along the lines of "when are we going to run?" "when can we stop?" "how much further?" "it's taking a long time", etc, etc. When she started to run she had no concept of pacing herself - it was sprint or walk but she put in a good effort and despite having to push her a bit (when it's me that needs the pushing) she kept up with me.
Personally I was quite impressed with my effort. This time I managed to go a further 100m (approx) which meant I added 200m to my total distance out and back. I will have to measure how far I do actually travel - my guess would be about 2km? Also there was no fast-forwarding this time. I managed to run at least 20seconds of each interval (the first full one then gradually getting less) except the last which I walked the whole time.
Recovery this time was much better too, because I was not nearly as stiff and sore as after my first attempt.
Monday, January 24, 2011
iRun 1.1
Thursday, 20th January 20eleven.
C25k week 1 day 1.
After dinner I synced my iPhone and put the week 1 podcast on it so I could receive my instructions while I was out and about.
I popped my iPhone in the inner pocket of my running pants where it was safe and headed out the door with my drink bottle full of water and ear plugs in my ears.
I think I may have overexerted myself in the 5 minute brisk walk warm-up because by the time the 5 minutes was up I was pretty puffed out. I will remember that for next time.
When the instruction came to start my first 60 second run, I did and managed to jog for the entire 60 seconds. For me that was a huge accomplishment. I slowed down and focused on my breathing for the 90 second recovery, and when it was time to run again, I managed about 30 seconds of jogging before slowing back down to a brisk walk, focusing on my breathing. I repeated this for the 4 next repetitions but had to skip the last 2 because I just couldn't run any more. I skipped the podcast to the last chapter which was the cool down and continued walking for the last 5 minutes.
All up for my first session I completed 25 minutes out of 30, which I think is pretty good.
My aim for next time will to be to jog for a bit longer and push myself even when I think I can't do any more.
I will be continuing with week 1 until I have managed to complete the whole workout - so it will take me longer than 9 weeks to reach my goal.
C25k week 1 day 1.
After dinner I synced my iPhone and put the week 1 podcast on it so I could receive my instructions while I was out and about.
I popped my iPhone in the inner pocket of my running pants where it was safe and headed out the door with my drink bottle full of water and ear plugs in my ears.
I think I may have overexerted myself in the 5 minute brisk walk warm-up because by the time the 5 minutes was up I was pretty puffed out. I will remember that for next time.
When the instruction came to start my first 60 second run, I did and managed to jog for the entire 60 seconds. For me that was a huge accomplishment. I slowed down and focused on my breathing for the 90 second recovery, and when it was time to run again, I managed about 30 seconds of jogging before slowing back down to a brisk walk, focusing on my breathing. I repeated this for the 4 next repetitions but had to skip the last 2 because I just couldn't run any more. I skipped the podcast to the last chapter which was the cool down and continued walking for the last 5 minutes.
All up for my first session I completed 25 minutes out of 30, which I think is pretty good.
My aim for next time will to be to jog for a bit longer and push myself even when I think I can't do any more.
I will be continuing with week 1 until I have managed to complete the whole workout - so it will take me longer than 9 weeks to reach my goal.
background
I am a 28 year old female living in Melbourne, Victoria. I have 2 children and a wonderful husband.
I am not a fit person. I am overweight/obese and have avoided exercise and physical activities my whole life. I have tried losing weight but am never very successful. After the birth of my first daughter I even decided to join Fernwood (women's gym) because I was determined to be in the best possible shape I could be for my baby... I went for about 8 weeks and didn't go back again for the duration of my 1 year membership. Not only was it a huge waste of money, it was a wasted opportunity. The problem with gyms is that people like me never fit in. They are for people who look like they don't need a gym. I'm sure I am exaggerating, but in my mind everyone else there was a size 8. I found this very deflating and discouraging.
Since that time (over 5 years ago) I have had some half-hearted attempts at dieting - cutting out fats, reducing carbs, etc but my biggest downfall is my lack of exercise.
Even as far back as my school days, I just wasn't the sporting type. In my time at high school I managed Ds for Physical Education - not for want of trying. I just couldn't run, I could swim but not very well, I could throw or kick a ball but not very far. I was the kid that the sports teachers loathed.
My whole life I have said "I don't run". That is until I read about a program called Couch to 5k. The program is designed to build up gradually from not running at all to running 5kms non-stop in 9 weeks. Apparently anyone can do it, so I thought "why not?". I downloaded the podcasts that match the program so that while I am out pounding the pavement I can have something to listen to and motivate me. I also purchased a supportive sports bra to minimise the bounce, as well as 3/4 Slazenger pants and a Bolle sleeveless top so that hopefully I can look semi-stylish as I take on this challenge that I'm sure won't look pretty!
This year is a year of challenges for me. What could be more of a challenge to me than to become physically fit?
My aim is that by then end of 20eleven I will be able to say "I run".
I am not a fit person. I am overweight/obese and have avoided exercise and physical activities my whole life. I have tried losing weight but am never very successful. After the birth of my first daughter I even decided to join Fernwood (women's gym) because I was determined to be in the best possible shape I could be for my baby... I went for about 8 weeks and didn't go back again for the duration of my 1 year membership. Not only was it a huge waste of money, it was a wasted opportunity. The problem with gyms is that people like me never fit in. They are for people who look like they don't need a gym. I'm sure I am exaggerating, but in my mind everyone else there was a size 8. I found this very deflating and discouraging.
Since that time (over 5 years ago) I have had some half-hearted attempts at dieting - cutting out fats, reducing carbs, etc but my biggest downfall is my lack of exercise.
Even as far back as my school days, I just wasn't the sporting type. In my time at high school I managed Ds for Physical Education - not for want of trying. I just couldn't run, I could swim but not very well, I could throw or kick a ball but not very far. I was the kid that the sports teachers loathed.
My whole life I have said "I don't run". That is until I read about a program called Couch to 5k. The program is designed to build up gradually from not running at all to running 5kms non-stop in 9 weeks. Apparently anyone can do it, so I thought "why not?". I downloaded the podcasts that match the program so that while I am out pounding the pavement I can have something to listen to and motivate me. I also purchased a supportive sports bra to minimise the bounce, as well as 3/4 Slazenger pants and a Bolle sleeveless top so that hopefully I can look semi-stylish as I take on this challenge that I'm sure won't look pretty!
This year is a year of challenges for me. What could be more of a challenge to me than to become physically fit?
My aim is that by then end of 20eleven I will be able to say "I run".
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