Mission to get fit 2011 - Update 2

Yes, i know it's been a while since my last fitness update but believe me a fair bit has happened!

I returned from our Florida holiday once again having lost all motivation for running.  As I've said before I only have to miss a couple of weeks and it's then so hard to get back into it.  Anyhow, I went out for the occasional plod around the local streets but decided I needed a goal to help get me motivated - it was time to look for another race.  Scouring events on the Runners World website I eventually decided to enter the Acorns Triple Run, in particular the 5k run.  At first even the prospect of this wasn't enough to get my bum into gear but as the event drew closer I knew I had to get myself moving and slowly began to increase the number of runs and distance per week.

I completed the Acorn's Spring Run on 29th May in around 33 - 34 mins (sorry not accurate as I couldn't stop gps in time!) which I was quite pleased with.  At the same event 'P' also completed the Acorn's Half Marathon.  Whilst standing there watching runners (of all shapes and sizes) finish that Half Marathon I decided it was time to kick the training up a notch - if they could do it, so could I!

I've now entered the Evesham Vale 10k on 10th July and also the Lichfield 10k on 11th September 2011.  I've begun a training program to help me achieve the distance, as although I have completed a 10k before, this was 2 years ago and I currently can't run for more than 40 mins without keeling over at the side of the road!  I'm also getting my breathing looked into as I'm having some real issues on that point, hopefully once this is sorted it should make things a bit easier at least.

I'm hoping that by blogging my training plan for each week along with my actual runs it will help keep me motivated.  Sometimes it's just so difficult to juggle life and fit in that 4 mile run at the end of the day.  You hereby have permission to kick me up the bum if I'm not meeting my weekly quota! :)

So here goes Week 1 of the new training plan has already be completed...........well kind of! Yes, I know, not a very good start but week 2 is so far going much better :).  I will update week 2 as the activities are completed so check back for my progress.

Week 1

Mon - Rest - Rest
Tues - 20 min run, moderate - 20 min run, mod
Weds - Rest - Rest
Thurs - 25 mins, moderate - None
Fri - 20 mins, easy - None
Sat - Rest - Rest
Sun - 35 mins long run - 35 mins 4.8k

(Training plan with actual activity in blue (or red if not completed))

Week 2

Mon - 25 min run, mod - 25 min mod, 2.38 miles
Tues - Rest - Rest
Weds - 30 min mod - 29.36 min mod, 2.74 miles
Thurs - 25 min easy - None
Fri - Rest - Rest
Sat - 40 min long run - None
Sun - Rest - Rest

How the couch potato became a runner

When I think back to school PE lessons, I was.......OK.  Not Paula Radcliffe but not a snail either!  I often competed in sports day events such as the 200m and did 'OK' - 2nd or 3rd place maybe, but never won anything.  In high school I competed in the 15oom a couple of times more out of peer pressure than an actual love of the distance and always did terribly!  After leaving school I was more interested in alcohol, boys and then later on married life, children, work etc!  I don't think I really considered the fact that I needed to do some exercise until just after I hit the big 3-0.  I suddenly realised that I couldn't keep shovelling chocolate, wine and all things unhealthy into my body without noticing the physical effects.........in effect I was getting fat!

P was already into running and did the odd race here and there.  He subscribed to the 'Runners World' magazine and on odd occasions I'd pick one up and have a read.  I was surprised to find that it wasn't all about super svelte ultra marathon runners but there were also a lot of articles for novice runners or complete beginners.  From reading the magazines I then found the 'Runners World' website which was not only packed with really useful info but also the most fantastic forum.

The most important advice I could give to anyone new to running would be :

1. Make sure you're physically fit and get a check-up with the Doctor

2. Get fitted with the correct running shoes

3. Take it slowly!

When I say take it slowly, I mean TAKE IT SLOWLY!  It's so tempting once you're all kitted out with your brand new running trainers, gps watch, bright yellow lycra bodysuit etc etc to think you have the physical ability to match your new gear!  Unfortunately, stamina and strength can't be purchased at the nearest sports store ............. you have to work at it!

Remembering back, for my first attempt I intended to follow a plan I'd found through Runners World which was basically to Walk 1 min / Jog 1 min repeated 5 times.  Believe me at this point in my running career I could barely manage that 1 min jog!  Although not overweight, I couldn't believe how physically unfit I had become.  This was going to be hard!  I felt I looked such a fool to the general passer-by, never-the-less, I stuck with it, gradually increasing the length of time I jogged rather than walked and before I knew it I could jog constantly for 10 minutes without any sign of a walk!

Since then my running has continued, although I do have the occasional break (which I know I shouldn't!).  Unfortunately, I do find that when I have even the shortest break of a few weeks my fitness plummets in no time at all and then I have to work back up to the level I'd got to.  I've done a few races such as the 5k Race for Life series, the 5k Hydro Active Challenge in Birmingham, the Great Manchester Run (10k) and also the Evesham 10k.  At my best I could run for an hour without stopping.  You cannot explain to a non-runner the sense of acheivement you get from completing a race such as these, especially when you know the work you've put in to get you there.

[caption id="attachment_298" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Race for Life - Sutton Park"][/caption]

Even now, I know I'm not what you'd call 'a natural born runner' but I do the best I can with what I've been given :).  In fact, in runner's terms I'm what you'd call a 'plodder'!  All I have to keep in mind is even the slightest amount of 'plodding' is better for me than sitting on my bum watching TV!