Tuesday 23 August 2016

Training Day 1

23rd August 2016

Today was HOT.  Temperatures soared into the high 20's. What a gorgeous day, for chilling in the park, throwing a frisbee around....OR......my first attempt at going for a jog/run!?

The latter of course was the order of the day:)


So, not only was it a *boiling* day today, I was also running with 3 year old Joshua in the new (pre-loved), sports buggy!  This must make running harder, right?

When I first started out, after 5 mins, I thought I couldn't do any more - my legs were killing me after just that short time, and I began wondering why on earth am I putting myself through this?

I persevered, but it was start/stop practically the whole way which made my average pace really terrible at 19 mins!!! This must have been because on quite a few occasions, I walked for a short while before starting to jog again? Anyway, I know it's rubbish - but this is my very first attempt at running/jogging practically - ever! For this reason I am not feeling shameful, but ever so slightly proud that I got my lycra on and actually did it! 

Oliver was on his bike, and he was absolutely such an encouragement to me.  What really helped was that Oliver was giving me targets, for example - get to that bus stop without stopping mummy! lol.

When we were near the duck ponds in Bradley Stoke we passed a group of young boys squealing with their mobile phones in there hands - we thought - must be Pokemon!  So I asked what have they caught, to my delight there was a Bulbasaur, right there, so I must admit I ceased the opportunity to catch the the little beauty! (We have 83 in the Pokedex now, but that's another story!).

On the first half of the outing, I actually bumped into a lady that Oliver knew from school, and we started chatting, about what I was training for.  It turns out she has done lots of organised running and obstacle events!  We exchanged some pictures, and I told her about myself spectating Jayce & Andy doing Tough Mudder on the weekend - when I showed her the picture of the lads, it turns out that she works with them and knows Jayce quite well!  Small world!


As we continued on our journey, while I cannot lie and say it was easy - it some ways it felt a teeny bit easier than it had done to begin with.  Running is hard!  I wouldn't say I was really unfit - but cycling is so much easier!!!  

The total distance was 3.6 miles, with a moving time of 1hr 9 minutes. it seemed quite a nice little route actually - so I will probably do it again next time :)  It will be interesting to see how I get on without pushing the buggy the next time I get to go on a Solo-run without any kiddie's in tow! :)





Monday 22 August 2016

I've signed up to Tough Mudder!
22nd August 2016

On the weekend (20th August), I was a spectator at Tough Mudder in Cirencester Park.  Next year, I will be a participant!

Last night I actually registered to take part in the event, and I am really really excited about it.  It's really motivated me to try and become fitter - something to work towards.  It's a whole 12 months away so I do have a long time to train for it - and I will have to!

I am not a particularly strong runner - a tredmill is something that I tend to avoid when I do happen to be at a gym!  I usually go for the Cardio Waves and Cross trainer.  I'm going to have to work hard - and I will.

My loose plan is:
  • Run with Joshua in the off road buggy while Ollie is on his bike.
  • When the boys are away - run....
  • Go out on my bike with boys or on my own.
I am not super fit - but I don't think I am in the worst shape.

I expect people will realise that I am not particularly one for getting all dirty and I hate being unclean - so it's also a personal challenge in a way for me as well. However, Funnily enough though, I am actually looking forward to being covered in mud for some daft reason!  

I'm glad I have been to the event to spectate and therefore I know more or less what to expect!

Once some one told me I couldn't possibly do a 38 mile bike ride from Bristol to Clevedon - and I did it, of course - so I know I can do whatever I set my mind to - and I know it won't be a walk in the park - but I can do it - I know I can! :)