Running log 30.12.2013

A similar but shorter route than yesterday,  but it was running all the way. The hill that got the better of me yesterday felt a lot easier today. I was determined I wasn't going to walk up it this time and thanks to my breathing feeling a lot  better today I managed to beat it. That's very satisfying psychologically since I won't be running this route for a couple of months now. I think the hill is a bit tougher than some of those I will face at home.
I have a route in mind for next time I am here - it will be challenging,  but it's something to aim for and will show me how far I have come.

Distance: 1.44km time:11m 18s

Running log 29.12.13

Today was my first run in two weeks,  and it showed.  As well as the loss of fitness in having not run for a while,  the other major cobtributing factor was the difference in weight - I reckon I am around 1 stone heavier than when I last ran.

The first hill was more difficult than it should have been - I was very short of breath so had go walk for a bit.

On the plus side,  I covered nearly 2K in total and got myself out first thing in the morning. I have also discovered the mapmyrun app, so I expect that will come in handy in the future to record my runs and also find new routes.

Distance:1.91k  time:16m10s

Running log - 15.12.2013

Today was the big day. I joined 350 santas in raising money for St Gemma's Hospice. After scoping out the course I was fairly confident of getting a decent time - by conserving some energy for the long hill near the end. That was until they announced at the start that the route was only 1/2 a mile, so there would be two laps - I'd have to deal with that hill twice! The actual running was tough - it was a fairly hilly course, and wearing the santa outfit made it harder. The atmosphere and experience was fantastic though. It must've been something special to see 350 santas warming up in unison before the race. I did 1 mile in 13m30s - 3 or 4 minutes slower than I'd hoped, but all things considered I was happy. Thanks to all of my supporters - thanks to them I raised over £150 for the charity. That will go along with everything raised by the other runners, which in total should cover the costs to care for 2 people referred to the hospice.

Running log 10.12.13

Really pleased with my run today. I got a lift to weigh in and ran home. There were a couple of long, shallow hills which were tricky, but I kept going and even managed to push myself for the final steep hill to my front door. I made the mistake of sitting down and chilling straight after the run - when I got up I could hardly walk! I've since managed to stretch my legs so hopefully I'll not suffer too much tomorrow. I tried my santa outfit on over my running gear and managed to get the trousers all the way on. Unfortunately they didn't last long when I tried moving in them, so I'm going to have to find some bigger ones before the run on Sunday! On the subject of which, I've now seen the route, so I'm going to walk it in the next couple of days to check out what I'm in for. If you're feeling generous or inspired then please think about sponsoring me - it's a really good cause! http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/AndySantaDash Distance: 1.5 miles, time: 15.56

Back on track...

Most of this week has been on plan - I even minimised the syns when planning the menu for the murder mystery party on Saturday. The effort really paid off. I lost 3.5lb this week - I am very chuffed with that and it's given me a push to stick with it and try to lose a much as possible before the end of the year. It's taster night/Christmas party next week and I'm really looking forward to that - hopefully it'll give me more inspiration as we approach Christmas.

Running log 7.12.2013

Two days without a run due to tightness in my left calf, so today was a chance to blow the cobwebs away, or so I thought. I got quarter of a mile and just didn't have it in me to go further. I'm really frustrated - I got off to a good start, but for some reason my mind just couldn't get me to keep going. The worst part of all is that it was as I was going up the biggest hill on my route - I really hope it doesn't become some sort of psychological barrier to me. Distance travelled - 1/4 of a mile in 2.30. I need to make sure I keep getting out on the road though - I picked up my Santa outfit for next weekends Santa dash last night (if you want to sponsor me then see here: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/AndySantaDash) but it's a little too small for me (I might need to make some alterations to it and will definitely have to wear my running gear under it to avoid the embarrassment (and cold!) if it falls apart during the run. Not sure how I'm going to cope breathing through the beard though!!

Fitter, faster, fatter...

So in a week where I've finally made myself get out running regularly, and after being inspired to try out some new SW recipes I managed to put on 1.5lb to take me just 1.5lb short of the weight I was at the start of the year. It's a bit frustrating, but I know why I put the weight on - sticking to v low syns for meals was a good start, but I snacked on synful foods and overdid it on my HEs - having porridge, scan bran (cake) and hi-fi bars in the same day wasn't really going to help was it? Just a few more weeks left until the end of this year and I will do my best to lose as much weight as possible. The running will help - the good feeling of getting fitter and faster will pass on through the food I want. By making the conscious choice about running then hopefully I will make the same choices about food.

Running log 4.12.2013

Fifth run in five days and it felt pretty good. I felt strong going up the long incline and powered through the hill towards the end. A mile in 9.31 - 20 seconds faster than Monday's run and nearly a minute faster than Saturday's. Feeling really chuffed - maybe the enforced rest last night helped!

Running log 3.12.2013

On a positive note this was my fourth run in four days. The bit negative is that I had to abandon it after quarter of a mile.
My calf decided to start acting up, so rather than risk injury I felt the best course of action was to count today as a bit of a rest day.
When combined with this evening's weigh in (more of that in another post once I have been shopping) them I am frustrated to say the least.

Running log 2.12.2013

Another run under my belt today. My first under the new routine without my running partner to spur me on and set the pace. It was pretty late (9pm) when I went out but I'm really glad I did - hopefully it will spur me on to get out even when I do get back from work a bit late. My aim is to get into the habit of running so that it becomes easier to just get out and do it. 3 days in a row now - a run every day in December :-) Distance: 1 mile. Time: 9.51 - 10 seconds faster than yesterday!

Running log 1.12.2013

The same route as yesterday, except for a downhill finish. It was tougher, which I put down to having a full stomach from eating too much too close to the run. As it turns out, it was more to do with the quicker pace. 1 mile in 10.01 - 27 seconds faster than yesterday, which I'm very happy with. I hope to get out as much as possible in December - I'd like to end the year on a high and kick off the new one in fitness style.