If you look back through any lists of resolutions, goals and plans I've ever written, there's one thing that features on all of them, but always remains unticked. Get fit. Tone up. Start running. All to the same effect, but always the one I procrastinate on the most. I'm not too bothered about losing weight, but it's always bothered me that I get so out of breath when running to catch the bus. Getting fitter and starting to run regularly was actually on my list of things to do at the beginning of this year, and after a recent glance at the calendar reminded me that it's actually nearly September (!), I thought now was as good a time as any to get going. I read somewhere that it's a good idea to keep a little diary to track your progress, so thought it might be nice to share my experiences...
Day 1
4.4 mile walk. Walking into the centre of town from my house is 2.2 miles, and so keeping up a brisk pace there and back makes for fairly good exercise.
Went to a park with Loz for the first run. Managed 1.6k running with walking breaks. Very quickly developed heartburn for the first time in my life, but at the time thought I might be having a heart attack. Not so successful.
Day 2
Thankfully no heartburn, and succeeded in running a whole 1k! Took me 7 mins 40 seconds and felt like a huge achievement. Nearly threw up on finishing, and couldn't tell whether I was covered in rain or sweat? Glamourous! Walked home with shaky legs
Day 3
Rest from running after waking up with jelly legs. Instead did a 1 mile brisk walk, and an arm workout on youtube. Legs felt much better after a walk.
Day 4
4.4 mile walk, then 1.2k run in 7.5 mins. Better! Definitely improving
Day 5
Stitch! Not cool! Felt like a cracked rib. Powered through to 1.5k in 9 mins
Day 6
Rest day, as walking up the stairs brought back the dreaded stitck. Walked into a protruding leg of the bed, resulting in a giant purple bruise and painful leg. Ate McDonalds. Whoops.
Day 7
Painful leg, so ended up with a second rest day. I'm a bit of a wuss you see. Made up for it by not returning to McDonalds and a 2m brisk walk.
Not exactly the best start, but a start nonetheless. You know those ladies who always talk about how much they love going for a run? And do so with a swinging pony tail while looking pretty and light on their feet? I don't believe them, or understand at all. When running I'm a sweaty, tomato-faced mess trying extremely hard not to vomit. Allegedly I'll get there eventually, but right now I'm not convinced. We'll have to see what the second week holds. Do you have any running tips for those just starting out?Labels: fitness, health, life, thoughts