Back to Flat - Day 3 Update

Well I looked at the plan felt the ache in my joints and I was up really early with a poorly daughter SO I skipped the plan! Think it was exercise 3 the Wall press-up - an Press up where you walk your feet up the wall so you are effectively doing a handstand supported by feet against the wall! Decided that that may be too much of a challenge.

So instead I went to the gym hit the rower to see if I could match some times I saw off the WW boards for 2000m... Attempt 1 7:34 then after the weights and at the end just before my stretch and cool down I did 7:41 - 200m With a better warm up and a little more training I am sure I could take 34 seconds off this time lol - who says I am competative.

So as well as the rower, I cycled and hit the weight machines (I think the plan with using your own body weight is very effective maybe even more so than the gym)

So wasn't a total miss on the plan just not perfect!

Back to Flat... Day 2

OMG did I ache this morning! Nearly decided to miss day 2 and do it tomorrow but decided that the plan has been put together by professionals and they would tell me if I needed a rest day or alternate days would alter different muscle groups - WRONG.

Thought that I would record how many of each exercise I did in each set to see if I improve next week and to try and keep me on track and motivated.

• Diamond Press Up - IMPOSSIBLE - Ended up flat on my face! I just don't have the upper body strength - so after I got myself back up I did them on my knees still really hard but I managed a few. 4, 6, 6
• One Leg Squats - Nice but boy do I need to work on my right leg - just not as strong as my left and I struggled to maintain balance and form. 8, 12, 16
• Two-point box - Superman I am not but this was a super exercise - maybe this meant I was doing it to easily and not putting enough into it? 17, 17, 17
• Lunge Jump - HARSH, especially as I had to really try to land softly not to wake the house. 14, 15, 15
• Triceps dip with leg lift - KILLER - thought it was hard yesterday but with the leg lift and sore shoulders this nearly killed me. 5, 5, 7
• Squat thrust - should have been easy BUT coming at the end of the set it was really hard 16, 13, 13

Well I ache even more now so hate to think how I will feel tomorrow but we will see.

Just hope there are no gaps in the curtains as me doing this exercise set in just my boxers must look a sight!

Back to Flat In a fortnight - Day 1

The story so far.

I purchased Men's Fitness as I was feeling under the weather and my Mum always got me a magazine when I was ill off school when I was little (Normally the Beano or the Eagle). With it came a suppliment - Back to Flat in a Fortnight - A quick and easy plan to get a flat stomach with... NO GYM... NO DIET... NO HASSLE - and in only 20 mins. WHat had I got to lose -I am off on holiday for two weeks so I could have a flat stomach by then? Well we will see.

So this morning I started the 6 easy exercises (only 45 seconds each one) and do this 'set' three times. Well after a warm up, stretching and cool down 20 mins is more like 35mins, and the easy exercises are far from it!

On the page they look so simple and doing the first one is... BUt after three sets I was dripping sweat and I ached in places I never knew about before. I thought I was fit from my running and tennis but I guess not - this could explain why I don;t have a flat stomach now.

Well I plan to keep going with the plan tomorrow and see how it works out (I might even record how many I do in each set - OMG this sounds like a real program and I am taking it seriously) I am tempted to do a before and after picture but I am not sure I am brave enough so I may forget that idea.

Thanks for reading and I will update you tomorrow as I try day twos exercises!

I did it!

My first 1/2 marathon competed. But any do I ache today.

Water with everything.

One thing I find really civilised about Greece is that they give you water even with an iced coffee. But I'm sure that this one has sugar in it - or it is just vile.

Strange potatoes!

Visited a different doctor as rash no better, actually it is probably worse. Still on a restricted diet.

Two more sleeps and back in the UK.

Frappe - so wrong but so tasty.

Frappe - Cold/iced coffee! I take mine black no sugar it sounds vile but I am addicted. Only issue is the caffine.

Lost on my run!

I have a good idea of my run route but minimal road signs, a map without a scale and unsure what a 'main' road is. I got lost... Very lost so after asking a pistachio farmer where I was in my poor Greek I ran downhill towards the sea. Then through the 'city' and I was saved. 7miles rather than the planned 3, and very hilly!

Swimming.

I am really enjoying have the pool or sea on hand every day as it is lots of fun, but I need more lessons! I hope this exercise will mean I at least have a STS on my WI return in UK.

Cont.

Then I was given a list of foods to avoid. I could stave! Well not quite.

Off to the doctors!

Had a nasty rash flair up the mild cream from the chemist didn't work so after my 3mile run and breakfast I went to the clinic. Not easy with my limited greek but it was air conditioned. After a long wait I was hooked up on a drip.

Out and back.

Normally out and back runs are boring and a little depressing but not with such lovely sea views. Ran 9 miles by accident this morning needed a whole water bottle! Reward... A boiled egg!

Syntagma square at night.

Back in Athens for am evening before going on to an Island. My limited Greek I class held up to buy some snacks! Hopefully I will find my way back to the flat.

The hill from hell!

The last 200m of my Eretrian run, no matter what route I took! Hard.

Gigantes.

My favourite greek dish - Giant beans. Yummy. Then more food, 'Burger' oven potatoes, Greek salad & fried cheese! (Totally none WW so I had only a mouthful to be polite)

It is hard when you staying with relatives you have to be polite.

On the positive side I have done a great 8km run along the beach this morning.

Please no more picking.

No option on breakfast but Cheerios are a holiday treat, no skimmed milk but not ton bad. My problem is that at dinner I picked. Didn't fancy the food but I still grazed. Oh well lets hope I won't gain that much.

Oh well hopefully a 5 or 10km run tomorrow should limit the damage.

Onto book number 4.

A good holiday means being able to read lots! I have read all my UK books and had to buy some in Greece, so this must be a good holiday.

I hope Monday night WI people have done well.

They don't run outside in Greece.

4.5m run done. My off road surface here a beach / at home a boggy track. Lots of hoots and shouts from people who are up but on idea what they are saying.

Food wise being feed like mad trying 2 eat sensibly.

No idea who is reading this blog, if you are please leave a comment.

A perfect WW lunch.

Actually maybe not as I feel over full but that may be the heat. Green beans and courgettes from the oven, tomatoes and cucumber, small piece of bread. Pudding carpoose - watermelon. It was yummy and I don't normally like green beans.

What a morning run!

Does it get much better than a run along a deserted beach? It was still warm at 24 but at least I did my 3 miles. I think every run will be a hill run though.

Grapes hanging over the porch.

Out of Athens to the villa. Crickets churping sun really shining. Hotter than 30.

It is hot!

Think I am melting! Only into the high 30s but ever so hot. Not yet started to eat.

So near.

At gate waiting for flight. Still feeling full of food. And wondering if I can blog from Greece.

On our way...

To check in at least. Then onto Greece.

Eating again!

Our flight leaves at 4.30 so having lunch at the hotel. Actually the rest are eating I am having a break from food.

Better breakfast but this is not going to be a low fat holiday!

Hotel is lovely, massive breakfast choice but I feel guilty about just having a little, especially at the price per room.

Used the swimming pool 3 times, I'm turning into a water baby. At least that should off set some damage.

Oh dear, the food starts.

Haven't even made it to Greece and the food starts! Lovely meal all mediterranin but I ate far too much.

Been ages since I posted.

Only 1lb to in until I am back to my goal weight. But having IKEA meatballs and pasta won't help me get there.

I have been rubbish at this of late.

Seem to have stopped updating my blog! Just busy with life and reports I guess! Well I did the Two Castles race - with minimal training in the run up (like 0 runs in the mo9nth before and 1 in April and May!) Due to knee pain, however I did manage just over 50 mins so not all bad. But I know I could have gone so much faster.

How will I be able to run in this?

Due to bad knees not trained for my 10k by running! Having a walk around Ryton with daughter and it is boiling. How will I run in this?

Has this good beyond stubble?

I'm free...

Within 5lb of goal. Hurrah

Hurrah... What a loss!

Ran in (limped really) jumped on scales and 3 1/2 lbs off. Would have been 4 if I had not celebrated.

How many points?

Cinema with minimes Hannah Montana!

So long between posts.

Born to run!!!

Must say it was a very 'serious' race - which looking back on I probably wouldn't have entered if I had realised. Lots and lots of club runners (Not like my first ever 10k last year which was more on the fun than the race)

40:22 (Not quite under the 40min mark on the official watch but close.../ 8:04min miles not 8...

I was not the last Senior Man... HURRAH

So all three of my dreams about the race held out.My knee ached part of the way round but I ran though the ache. Not bad enough to stop me - only minor pain. Felt painful this afternoon, but I still went to my tennis lesson (They cost £5 - not wasting that...) after my WI.

Arrived early so spent 15 mins doing a whole range of stretches... Not a single ache or dullness on court or since... Maybe I should do my stretches for that long each day?

Tennis lesson.

Only reason I am doing this is I have prepaid for the course.
After my run my knees ache a lot but I do enjoy the tennis. I just hope 8 people turn up so we can have doubles, singles could kill me.

Did it!

The May Day 5 - run by the Godiva Harriers. A 5 mile road race and I did it... In 39min 56 secs on my watch - not sure what the offical time will be but I am so happy.

The race day approaches...

I am getting really nervous about tomorrow... My 5 mile race.

I entered it as a warm up for the Two Castles Run but then I had a two week lay-off with my dodgy knees. It looks a very serious race (The first in the Warwickshire race series!) - not sure they want a 'amateur' like me taking part!

I know it doesn't matter what time I finish in but I hope I do myself justice - Oh and not be the last SM home!

With my time off from running I am not expecting a great time. So what do I expect? Doesn't matter as long as my knees hold up but if I am being honest I would like:-
Less than 50min (Defn.)
45mins (9 min miles) - happy.
I really want less than 40mins.

Oh well lets see what happens - I will find out at 11:40, 11:45 or 11:50 tomorrow anyway. I will post the result on my blog just after I finish!

Excess exercise...

Since the start of the week, my knee has felt better, and tennis has restarted I have been on an exercise drive hearing up for my mad May Day run. So far I have, run twice, tennis lesson and cardio, swimming lesson and swum 42 lengths and been to the gym. I will get to goal and get less than 50 mins in the race.

Posh nosh.

After circuits class I treated myself to some of the best fish and chips just a child's portion.

Iced skinny latte!

Haven't posted for ages and feel very bad. Not just from not posting but with a knee injury. Will let you know more soon. But I am going to enjoy my treat.

I have flies!

Foggy morning at Draycote. Decided to make this my first 'proper' long run so I set off to do 8 miles in 1hr20 10min mile pace. Walking 1 mile warm up and cool down so 10 mile total.
Buzzing run, but the flies are evil. I have eaten 3 (I wonder how many WW points that is?) And choked on them and got them in my eyes - YUCK!

How much smaller!

Found my old running top in a bag just compared it to my current kit. Just how much have I lost?!
Think it is time to up my training to the next level and make my long run 2 true long run and aim for at least an hour on the hoof. So tomorrow may go for 8miles.
I have found a May 5 mile race that I'm tempted to try as it will be a test and a good short term goal before the big one! Only worry is this race is a cheapish price compared to main race but looks very serious and I am not sure I am a serious runner. I have printed off the entry form just need that final push.

Running in the morning.

No cars, no traffic. Bliss. Sets you up for the day.

Wish I had run.

Went on an old steam railway, but due to return times we walked the 3.5miles (not sure - felt more took longer as well)
Was a fantastic route - wished I could have run it or maybe a little more although I did enjoy the walk would have been a lush run. One to remember for the future.

Joggers nipple. Ouch!

Thursday first day of my holiday, did a few bits at work then shopping in Aldi! For running kit. Feel I got a bargain - jacket, 2 tops, 2 pairs of shorts and 3 pairs of socks for less than £40. Looks good stuff not Nike, Ronhill or Brookes but still.

Off for a family visit to relatives, took along my running kit - as I have been feeling guilty as I haven't done much exercise this week.

So this morning up early and ran. It is lovely flat roads one gentle hill. Did 5.8 miles in 42mins. Got back to find blood all over my shirt - arrh. Joggers nipple. Must in vest in some lube.

After my run today I'm tempted to enter a 5 mile road race to get a chip time and to fully prepare for my big race.

5 mile run and Cardio Tennis!!!

Wasn't prepared to miss out on the free Cardio Tennis on offer or miss my 'long' run (Well 5 miles).

So I set the Alarm early and went out at 6:55 - visited the garage for water and some fizzy sugar gums. Arrived early (7:15 - 7:20 ish) After a little messing around with getting the right music. I set out on my run.

The sorting out my MP3 player allowed another early morning runner to get out ahead of me, because of this I went the alternative route around the resevoir to follow the man who left before me - I sound like a stalker!!! When I set off he was nearly 1/2 of a mile ahead of me. I decided to use him to pace myself, and thankfully I did as at 2-3 miles I was so tempted to stop and walk.

By the start of mile 4 I was closer to hime so I decided to try and run him down. I failed but after the 5 miles he beat me by 5 seconds... I was very pleased as based on chatting to him after and his look I realise he was a serious runner. We had a chat on the way back to the car - He told me his resevoir time 39 minutes I thought I did 34 mins but wasn't convinced that my watch was correct! But I guess it was.

Then rushed back to shower and change into Tennis gear - My new Babolat tennis top - in red and I am not worried as I no longer stick out so badly (Or maybe I don't mind) It was a half hour taster session of Cardio Tennis. Really enjoyed it 350kcal - or 3.5 WW bonus points but that is a bonus it was just great fun. What a shame I haven't got another class until the end of April. I will have to go to a local gym to do a circuits class.

You missed out partner.

Thought I would have a running partner this morning but no luck she was unwell so couldn't join me in my run. So I went out with my MP3 player instead.
Should have been a slow run but no. It was a fresh spring morning with a nip in the air. Bliss to run in, so I went faster and further than I planned! I LOVED IT. Just hope it doesn't effect my long run tomorrow.
I will let you know.

Rowing.

Sad? Possibly but I do like to see those metres build up.

WI result and Rowing.

HURRAH...

After 2 weeks STS (Stay the Same) I lost... 3 lbs. It averages 1lb a week so what WW tell you to expect. I am delighted as I have been quite good and been exercising like mad. Ate 4 WW Dark Chocolate Toffee bars in the meeting and then 1 in the car on the way home! 8 points! Naughty I know but I was starving following my never eat after 1pm on WI day rule.

Done my normal exercise on Monday - my tennis lesson - I am getting better even at my serve! Although I am much better at returning and thank goodness I have a good level of fitness and can move to the ball well.

Tonight, I hit the rowing machine 45mins... I did the 10km in the time actually 41min 49 secs got a bonus 700m odd for the rest of the time.

Looking forward to Cardio Tennis tomorrow - will definately be a good de-stressing session.

Never run angry...

Went out on Saturday morning early 6:30am only planning to do 2.5miles nice and easy and slow as Sunday is my long run day...
But I was angry and ran that way. Head down in my own feelings - so I chose a route with to me evil hills - which I charged up... And ended up doing 4 and a bit miles. My mood lifted a little but I think it was not the best idea running like that!

Running can be evil!

Dawn at Draycote - A picture of quiet beauty.

OMG what a hard run it was today. Should have cruised under foot but no every mile was tough, so bad infact I had to walk a bit. I know why it all went wrong but that doesn't makes it any better. I must get in a mid week run so I can maintain a base and then work on different types of runs!

Sprinting up hills...

Dry but overcast so no excuse not to go out as the aches in my knee has also gone. Decided to keep it short 3m but to sprint up the hills / inclines and have a recover run (slow) inbetween. A nice 30mins work out but it was tough after a few days off running.

Update on the last few days as I haven't posted for a while.

Monday - Tennis Lesson

Tuesday / Wednesday - Rest days as my knee ached

Thursday Cardio Tennis - 840kcal not up to my record but a good number of bonus points.

I suppose I should also state my WI result... STS. All my exercise is for nothing unless I track well and keep within my points. So gone back to Core+ (Core rules but counting the points) Already feeling better about my food intake.

Did it!

Made sure I ran a definate 10k. So I went the extra mile. Arrived as the gates opened so no running people over, Really disappointed that the fishing lodge isn't open as I would love a hot chocolate.