Monthly Archives: May 2012
And the running continues…
I came close to the end of my run tonight and thought about trying to break 4k on my next outing. Little did I know I would break it this evening and I am really chuffed.
I think I am going to invest in some decent trainers though as I am having some shin splint pain.
It’s great to be able to use the arm strap for the iPhone and I bought a shoe wallet today for my keys. Now I can concentrate on the run rather than whether I drop or lose anything en route!
Run Rabbit Run
Tonight I went for my second run and have managed to beat the distance and pace I did on my first outing on Saturday.
I did want to run last night but the combination of late trains and weather meant I didn’t go out and postponed to tonight. It’s only my second run but I did feel guilty for not doing it when I promised myself. It’s mainly because I want to prove I can do this and I can keep it up so at least I have some motivation!
I’m using Nike+ on my iPhone now to help me along with Get Running which is coaching me into my run. I wanted to tell the coach where to go it I persevered. It’s funny how a voice no matter how artificial can make you want to answer back…
This time in 31 minutes I managed 3.90 km and I am impressed I went so far. All this time I have heard people say about running 10k and it sounded like it was really far. Ok I am not at the stage of running that distance yet but I know am sure I could run it if I tried (eventually).
I felt pain in this run and am glad that the coach gives me chance to slow down and cool down (of course I could stop at any time!). This I am taking as my body adjusting to the run but if it persists I will stop. I guess I am giving myself sufficient break between runs and am ensuring I keep up a regime of stretching etc.
Apart for the pain and the feeling of hating running (I hope this will pass!), I have to overcome the looks you get from other people when out running. It’s probably the same type of looks I have been giving runners for years. I can’t help but feel self conscious. I guess I need to zone them out but am finding that difficult at present. That said I run around our new estate in the country so I dread to think what the runners who go down Londons Embankment think when they are confronted with such crowds.
It’s odd that I thought I’d zone out and think about work etc my mind currently has me concentrating on running rather than anything else which I guess is a good sign. If nothing else it may help me switch off at the end of the day.
I did measure my walk to the station this morning and my walk around London at lunch (which I try to do most days) and I have accumulated a further 3km on top of the run.
I always say to doctors and gym instructors that I walk a lot but they don’t believe me. We’re participating in the Global Corporate Challenge and I am averaging 17,500 steps a day. You’re supposed to break 10,000 and I am doing that easily. Most colleagues who are living and working in London find it difficult to break 6,000 steps. If anything I am pleased to hear this as I have long advocated I am fitter than most people and this proves it.
Anyway this is my second run and I am determined to keep this going. I will continue to post my progress and have to say thanks to friends real and virtual who have given me plenty of encouragement so far (especially Paul for the fantastic advice and encouragement, Nic for commenting on my legs and Jan for the High-5′s. Of course Richard and Brandy have been very encouraging too 
)
Multi layered weekend
We’ve had a lovely weekend and its been thanks to such glorious weather here in the UK.
On Saturday Richard and I tackled the garden. It’s not been nice enough to get out and do it so we seized the opportunity given the weather. A trip to the garden centre and home store got us everything we needed including some new pots and plants to brighten up the garden. It was hard work especially in the heat but we’ve cracked the garden now and it’s looking lovely.
Of course we made the most of the weather and our tidy new garden by enjoying lunch, dinner and a leisurely day outside in the sun.
Whilst Richard had a snooze with Brandy I decided to make good on my promise to start running and got my trainers and shorts on and made it out on my first run. I’ve downloaded an app called “Get Running” which coaches you into running, teaching you how to start out and staying with you as you run. It’s a great app and a great place to start. I found myself cursing the coach so I know I’m paying attention to her!
A good friend of mine (in fact many friends of mine), is a runner and he gave me so me sage advice which I took on my virgin run. At school I was a sprinter and hated long distance. I cannot say I found my first 30 minutes to be any fun but I did managed 2.19 miles (3k) which isn’t bad considering I only ran for 8 minutes (interspersed with walking and warm up/cool down).
I was very sore when I got in and I felt it this morning but I shall persevere. The app is really helpful and with the tips from my friend and encouragement from Richard I am sure I will get along ok.
Odd really as I always criticise joggers when in London but here I am becoming one of them!
Today has been more leisurely although it started early as we both woke up before 6!
We had breakfast in the garden as it has been another glorious day.
Following a clean up of the house we took a drive to Layer Marney Tower which is a tudor estate on the outskirts of Colchester.
Layer Marney is situated within miles of open countryside and we enjoyed a wonderful afternoon strolling around the grounds and observing Essex and Colchester from the top of the tower. As you can see from our photos it’s a lovely spot.
A week of work looms but it’s the Queens Jubilee celebrations this weekend so we have four days off. Let’s hope it’s just as sunny and just as fun.
Olympic Park Progress
Here’s a few new snaps I took from Westfield yesterday of the London 2012 Olympic Park.
And here’s a few older pics so you can see the progress…
Olympic torch starts its UK journey
The Olympic torch started its UK journey in Lands End, Cornwall yesterday and ended it’s first day in our home city of Plymouth.
I am really pleased to see such a large turnout and a positive reaction from everyone at home.
I must go and check when it’s due to arrive in Colchester!
Lego as art
I find what people/artists are doing with Lego to be interesting and fun. This film takes three such artists and explores what the medium means to them an dhow they engage the viewer with just the standard plastic bricks.
I have to say though I find a couple of the artists to be a little bit creepy!
There’s LOTS of hope :)
I honestly cannot wait for Bright Light Bright Lights new album to be released and thankfully it’s not long to go now…
Follow Rod on twitter @brightlightx2
