Random Running

The Mr managed to convince me that I'm probably better than c25k week one and that, instead of following the plan, I should just run as much as I can, with no route.

I got MapMyRun up on the ol' HTC and we set off. Yes, we. I ran with my husband for the first time ever. After about 15 minutes we were doing some 'off-roading' in the woods and my asthma started to kick in. Having lost my inhaler in the house move I decided to slow down for a bit. Some sporadic (and painful) jogging later and I was back home.

Unfortunately I had managed to pause MapMyRun in my pocket and so had no idea how far we'd gone, if all that pain was worth it. I went on-line later and figured it must have been just under 2.5 miles in about 35 minutes. Not bad when you feel like you're going to pass out, be sick and explode your lungs all at once.

The thing is, I feel like I failed. It wasn't a long run, overall I was quite slow and it hurt. I'm going to stick to the plan and do solitary c25k runs from now on. If they are easy then at least I'll feel like I've achieved something and look forward to the next run.

As it is, bring on Sunday when I'm going to smash my previous week 1 time/distance record. Go me!

Public Transport is an Inspiration

Photo Credit

 I work 2.9 miles from home. According to Google Maps it should take about an hour to walk, 35 minutes on the bus and 10 minutes to drive. Last night was my first experience getting the bus home and all I can say is wow. What a waste of time (and £2.20).

I had a few bits of shopping to do first but was still at the bus stop 10 minutes before the bus was due at 6.38pm. I walked in the door just before 8.00pm. Ridiculous. I could have walked it quicker.

So, there's the inspiration, the kick up the bum I needed. There's no way I can face getting public transport home when the distance is so small. Here's to running home in 2012!

Getting Back Into It

As I'm sure you can tell by my absence, my first run after the injured knee did not go too well. After the first running interval I felt like I'd been kicked by a donkey. Since then I've just not had the guts to go back out.

Winter Running Fears

You'll be pleased to hear that my injury is almost completely healed. I'm still not comfortable running, and my knee feels achy after a day standing around in the shop but I'm almost there. I'm planning to go out on Sunday afternoon for a c25k week 3 run (90s run, 90s walk, 3m run, 3m walk) and if that goes well then I'll do a couple more week 3 runs before starting on c25k week 4, just to make sure I ease myself back in and don't do any further damage.

I know it's not that cold... yet!

The thing is, these past two weeks of no running have seen a bit of a weather change. We're definitely getting more to the winter end of autumn and I'm not sure I want to go outside in a t-shirt! In my head I know that after a couple of minutes I'll be sweating like a pig, but the longer I don't run, the scarier it seems.

There is also a safety issue for me. I finish work at 5.45 by which time it is really dark. My Karrimor running kit has a lot of fluorescent bits on it so I should be easily seen but, probably something to do with being brutally mugged as a teenager, I'm not so keen on being out in the dark for other reasons.

I've done a bit or research (isn't t'interweb great?!) and read a fantastic book (full review to come soon!) and have compiled a list of the most useful tips.

1. Always tell someone where you are going, the full route and what time you expect to return. This way if you don't return, they know where to start looking for you!
2. Make sure you have some identification with you and a number to call in case of emergency - I write my husband's number on my arm. This way if you're in an accident you won't be Jane/John Doe.
3. Make sure you have some money stashed about your person. If you're going on a long run take enough for a bus/taxi home in case you get injured, for short runs enough for an emergency phone-call should you need to make one. That's if you can find a phone box of course.
4. If you're going to be running in an unlit area take a small torch, a tiny keyring torch is perfect.
5. Don't have your music too loud. You need to be aware of your surroundings, traffic and other people to stay safe.

So, be safe running, wish me luck for Sunday. Any other tips please post a comment below.

c25k 3.2

I feel I should warn you all... I'm injured!

(not my knee)

c25k 3.1

Week three really steps up the running. You do two repetitions of - 90s run, 90s walk, 3m run, 3m walk. Doesn't sound like much but three minutes? That's quite a lot!

c25k 2.3

The third run of week two was after work before a week off. Unfortunately this meant I had to have all my 'stuff' with me in a backpack.

Time for a run

One of the excuses I always used for not exercising was that I didn't have enough time. Since I started running I have realised that actually, I can fit exercise into my life quite easily.

c25k 2.2

Today, being my only day off during the week, was my turn to take Ashleigh to school. In my great wisdom I decided to wear my running kit to school then do a 2.4 mile route back home. Needless to say I was freezing. Walking at 4 year old pace wearing a t-shirt and capri pants in October is not a good idea. Ashleigh was good though and we skipped for quite a lot of it.

c25k 2:1

Tonight's run was pretty great! For week two you do 90 seconds of running followed by 120 seconds walking. After the first running interval I felt OK but was breathing pretty heavily.

c25k 1:3

That. Was. Horrendous.

From the very start my long forgotten asthma kicked in and my chest felt tight and painful, my leggings kept falling down, someone stopped me to ask directions to the pub, chavs wouldn't move out of my way, I hurt my ankle in a pot-hole, I almost got run over crossing a road, I got scared by an ambulance and my right ear-phone kept falling out.

I guess there's always good runs and bad runs.

c25k 1:2

For my second run I chose to use the NHS Podcasts to guide me through the run. This had the benefit of not having to carry my phone with me for the interval training app and instead clipping my little ipod nano to my t-shirt. 

c25k Rest Day

Yesterday was my day off from running and, although I felt fine at the beginning, I didn't feel great at the end. My calves are really tight and walking can be a bit painful.

c25k 1:1

I'm not overweight, I'm just really, really unhealthy. I used to go to the gym with my Dad a few years ago when I was staying at his, I think I went twice or so. My four year old daughter puts me to shame when we race home from school.