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.

The perfect route?

I live in a lovely area, and as yesterday I went on a route around Kenilworth Castle. Only 3 miles round - a minor hill but nothing to harsh. It was bliss this morning. After having to de-ice my running tights as OH had left them on the line over night and they had frozen stiff I set out. The only issues are the few gates you need to go through but this allows you to admire the fantastic scenery and views of the castle.

It is on days like these it is a pleasure to be out running.

After running round in the morning had a WW lunch meet up with people I have chatted with on the message boards. It was great fun, nice to chat about WW with other cult members and not have others look at you as if you are mental talking about dieting and WW. It has really helped me refocus on the plan and I will now aim to get off those last few pounds.

Ginger Lime Cream Recipe - Tasty and low points.

Only 1 point per serving - Makes 4 servings whole recipe 3.5 points)

Ingredients
1 Packet of Sugar free lime jelly
275ml boiling Water
20g caramalised stem ginger - cut into tiny pieces
250g Quark


* Add 275ml of freshly boiled water to jelly powder and ginger - mix well. (To speed up the process add 175ml of boiling water and if the jelly dissolves well add 100ml of cold water)
* Allow to cool - but doesn't need to be cold.
* Add in the Quark mix really well - I use a blender it adds air an makes the pud much lighter.
* Pour into 4 individual moulds and pop in the fridge until set...

YUMMY Scrummy in my Tummy...

Running fuel.

Before my physio appointment I went out on a slow short run. 2.5miles in 30mins. Wasn't the best weather but the ground just flew under my feet it was a real treat to be out.

Then before work onto physio who despite a few minor niggles has said I am fine to run as I want just need to read the signals my body sends me and no follow up appointments needed.

Jelly tots picture... 165g kcal and 0 fat - 2.5 points but great for eating on the run I have found. And they are very yummy!

I LOVE Cardio Tennis!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFlyibK66VM

After yesterday's rowing I wasn't looking forward to Cardio Tennis - only 5 out of 10 from the group turned up today - So we had to really work hard. Got very hot and sweaty, but who cares. It was fantastic. I really went for it. 872 kcal a new high apparently - 8.5 bonus points.

The hour well 50+mins flew past. Their is another session straight after was tempted to do that one as well. Looking forward to next week's session, but a few runs to be done before then and a trip to the Physio!

The hardest workout for ages.

Hardest work out I have done this year? After last nights 10k my knee ached a little Should have not tried to do 10k on the rowing machine in 45mins, but I felt like I must beat my target from last time.

It was hard work from the first second. Rather than reset the clock and move on I kept at it. I am determined if nothing else. 10k in 43mins slower than last week but at least I made it - 45 Mins Rowing 10 429m and heart rate monitor says 744cal 7.5 points.

I finally found this picture... me finishing my only 10k I look so tired and fat. This years picture will hopefully be a lot better and not in 1999 place!


Bed soon, hopefully a good sleep and the promise of a good Cardio Tennis session tomorrow should help those weary legs.

Sneaky Peaks (SP)... and Weight In (WI) results

Well it is that time of the week again... WI and after my course I came home and jumped on the scales... without shoes I was heavier than last week. I knew that 4lbs in a week was a little OTT. This SP worried me... but decided that I had time to go for a run before my WW meeting and this might help or at least take my mind off it.

I planned to only go out for an easy 15min run as that would be on a slow build up from my starting point. But after my warm up run and stretches I set off with my MP3 playing some tracks and although miserable I felt great. Ran past my 4 bridges and decided to go on until the end of a song... Bad mistake as it was a Meatloaf track... so 8 mins? later I had gone under the other 2 bridges and could see the end of the track so had to go on... So turned and ran back 6.74 miles from my phone / fitness trainer - I will plot the route later. In 54 mins which did include the warm up run and 2 mins of stretches. So seems that I am really on for my 10k run this year - Just have to protect those shins.

Home, shower kids to bed and out to meeting and... STS (Stay the same) I must try harder this week to track and make sensible food choices and then I will loose some weight.

Hot and sweaty but thinner?

Not the best picture ever taken of me, but not bad for a post run picture and I hope looking better than my before pictures.

Get out and run.

Never thought I would say let alone do an early morning run, but I have! 3 miles in 25 mins and I could have done more and gone faster but I must protect those shins from the shin splints returning.

Blogging this on my cool down walk on my mobile! Very impressed with myself.

None Scale Victory

Decided to get myself a new pair of running tights as they are not all that bad after all. Then I can have a wear 1 wash 1 principle especially if I get sweaty or muddy.


So went to a sports shop with DS in tow today (bad mistake) rather than internet as I wanted them for tomorrows run. DS helped me pick a pair then I decided to get a new top as my other one is bright Yellow with massive reflective panels great for the road but not the disused railway line (I stand out a little too much.)


Anyway he helped me choice a few to try on. Got one and it felt tight for me to wear yet. Was a little depressed as I thought I was easily an XL but maybe the style didn't suit me...


Took it off and realise that although the hanger said XL it was a S. OMG - Went out and got a L and it is a great fit - possibly a little baggy!

Just how fat did I look!!!

Felt that I really should have a before picture on my blog to really inspire me. Can't believe how well I did keeping out of pictures and looking at these you can see why I tried too! OMG I had serious MOOBS! A massive beer belly or maybe I was pregnant!

Really the worse thing is that these aren't even the very worst ones I have - but my kids are in those. When I get to goal an WW want me in the magazine I am sure they will be able to work some digital magic.

I am now so focused on those last 11lbs - But I must get a current picture into my blog profile so I can see how well I have done.

Not a very WW lunch!

Son really wanted a McD's for his lunch and in a moment of weakness I agreed. 6points for a chicken burger! Not sure it was worth it but my son was happy.

Short slow run...

Went out for a run after work - short and slow as having to run at the pace of my running partner. Probably good for my shin splints and it was nice to have company. The whole route out and back was 5 miles in 1hr 15mins So actually not a bad time.

Now looking forward to my next run when I will up the pace, or Sunday when I try for 3miles.

Driving and Cardio Tennis

Had to drive to and from the University again this week in the minibus. Had a nice tour round the sculpture park then a mad rush to get the minibus back in time.

Had a great time at Cardio Tennis - 754 kcal tonight definately getting quicker and fitter. When I started 8 weeks ago I was up round the 890 mark.

10k - On a rowing machine not the road!

Well after a mad day at work got home, took daughter to Rainbows and quickly hit the gym.

No more treadmills for me - too much of a risk for a return of my shin splints. So I had to do something else. Elliptical Trainers / Steppers - I just can't handle them. Exercise bikes way to boring - much prefer to cycle outside. I probably should do some weights but for those last few pounds it is all about CV workout. So I hit the Ergo - or rowing machine.

And I am totally addicted! Last week I set 40mins - and after 9204m in that time I felt I must go for the 10 000m. Managed it another 3:16 later - After a few minutes rest and setting the clock for the other 796m. I have a target of 43:16.

So this week set the 10 000m and aimed to beat 43:16. Tried to pause to wipe sweat from my eyes but couldn't stop the clock. But no excuses allowed - so I picked up the pace...

Managed a negative split - and managed 42:58... 18secs faster. Delighted.

I wonder if I will be able to get under 40mins?

Hurrah... The scales were good.

Has my blog plan worked? Has my extra running helped? Who knows? Not me that is for sure but jumped on the scales and... 14st 10lbs So that is 3st lost since restarting.

So now less than 1st to go. 6 more lbs and I am free to WI. Hurrah.

So now I must keep it up!

Bog running.

I love running through mud! Ran the old railway line after work today. Blew away the cobwebs and run out my worries. Accidentally upped my pace and ran a lot further in my 11 minutes out! And on the way back a few fast sprints and walking mixed. Thankfully no pains so I hope I have seen the back of shin splints.

I so want a chocolate bar!

Back at work today, driving to the sculpture park. The weather was lovely and sunny but ever so windy. Not sure why but I really needed a chocolate hit today! - maybe it is the driving - Yorkie anyone? Think I will have to have a snack later - Turkish Delight (3.5 pts).

Didn't go running today, I wish I had set out this morning but decided 30mins more in bed was more appealing. Had my tennis lesson after work and I seem to be improving I even hit in some serves!!!

I must go for a run tomorrow morning - especially as I have WI tomorrow night!

Fab run today.

Decided I should have a long run today and rather than following my physios advice I was naughty and headed out for a 5 mile route. Combining walking, a lot of it, and running.

I am only meant to be running for 9 minutes but felt that I needed to test myself and my shin splints before I get discharged from the physio.

After a mile of walking and then a run to warm up my muscles I did my stretches. Then I set out on my run properly - not in my Ronhill tights today but shorts. Oh it was a bitter wind round Draycote Water but lovely blue skys and morning sun made it fab.

After 25minutes - over 2 miles later (I know too fast for my recovery but it is hard to go really slowly) I stopped, I seem to have a lot left in the tank but it was my first 'long run' and run on roads since return from my shin splints I thought best not to push it too much. Walked the rest of the route back to the car. Feel fine - no aches or pains so I am very happy.

☆ From Fat 2 Fit ☆

I have my 10km race - 7th June 2009... Which my returning to training, after shin splints, is aiming for.

Today's run... 2 minutes - slow before the stretching...
9 minutes solid got to the third bridge today in that time. Was a little naughty and ran a little bit longer.

Then on the way back I was very naughty - I ran flat out - just in one minute bursts 5 of them!!! - Bliss.

Felt a little niggle in on my leg today for a few mintues of my run... but feels like a muscle pull rather than my shin splints pain. - I hope! I will ice up later just to be safe.

Why start to blog now?

Well I have been messing about with that last stone for far too long now... So I have decided to really start being serious in my weight loss and documenting the battle with those last 15lbs.

So here it is my five point battle plan:-

1. Document my battle.
2. Follow WW to their plan not mine!
Which leads to 3 and 4
3. Track what I eat
4. Plan what I will have to eat
3. Exercise 4 times a week.

So Starting Weight 15st... Goal Weight 13st 13lbs.