Well, after the Spar 10km, I was very happy with myself but also very tired and very worried about waking up the next morning with stiff legs. When I did wake up the next day (yesterday), I was still happy, cause no stiffness, BUT, a little later in the morning I realized that I might have shin splints in my left leg. I was having some pain on either side of the shinbone when walking and sometimes even when just sitting. I did some reading on the web and that confirmed it. The symptoms of shin splints were exactly what I was experiencing. It was quite a blow....
Of course the main 'cure' is rest, but thats REALLY not what I want to be doing right now, especially with my next 10km on Saturday. I really want to do this 10km for two reasons: Firstly because its my club's run and secondly to get a more accurate assesment of how well I CAN actually do a 10km. I couldn't really tell that with the Spar race, cause there were just so many people that you couldn't run the way you want to.
In looking up and asking around about what one can do for shin splints, other than rest, I found a few ideas. Anti-inflamatories can help, a horse gel called Arnica Ice (I think) is apparently also recommended (runners LOL they'll do anything to get back on the road) and then there's taping ( http://www.runnersworld.co.za/injury-prevention/treatment-room/tape-yourself-shin-splints/) . I decided that using all three might be my best bet, so decided to go out and get some tape.
I went to Sportsmans Warehouse in Canal Walk, cause I knew that I had seen some of the tape there and its the closest and biggest sport shop to me. I was helped by a very nice dude called Calvin (if I'm remembering correctly). The tape is about R119 a roll and obviously when used, its used and gone. According to the video above about taping, it will last about 5 days on your leg. If this is likely to be a recurring or ongoing problem, that will end up costing me quite a bit. Calvin then introducted me to compression socks. At R299 a pair, these are much more expensive, but have the advantage of you being able to use them over and over again, so in the long run it seemed like the better deal. I tried them in the shop and walked a bit and the effect was great. The pain was almost non existant (in hindsight, I spoke a bit too soon here, but that comes later).
I got the compression socks (Thanks Calvin) and put them on when I got home. In walking around with them a bit, I discovered that while wearing flat shoes, I can still feel the pain, but its not nearly so bad but when wearing my stability running shoes, it was MUCH better. I was so pleased by all this, that I decided that I might do a short training run today (this all happened yesterday).
I woke up this morning, still all pumped up about the compression socks, only to find that the shin splints seemed a bit worse this morning. Hmmmm, "okay (I thought), I won't know untill I try"
With that thought in mind, with compression socks on, I went for a training session. I decided to try the next Shape Challenge session, which started off with a 5min walk, then a 20min jog. I thought that i would see how that went and decide from there what to do. Well.......the 5min walk went okay, although I could feel the pain of the shin splints with every step. The 20min jog however, ended up being an 8 min jog, I just couldn't do anymore than that. I walked a bit, jogged a bit, walked a bit, jogged a bit more and then I really just couldn't anymore. My session ended up being about 25mins, with most of that being walking.....
So, with reality having kicked me firmly in the shin *SIGH*, I have decided to make the rest of the week a rest week and then try my Pro Sano 10km on Saturday. I am unhappy and perturbed about it, but what can I do. Any further training is just likely to make the situation worse and as much as I hate being 'grounded' I SUPPOSE its the best thing to do right now *HUGER SIGH*
A very unhappy Carol sighing (deliberate misspelling) out.....
Showing posts with label shape 10km Challenge. Show all posts
Showing posts with label shape 10km Challenge. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Monday, April 4, 2011
Soooo, its Monday AGAIN!!!
So, its Monday again and its school holidays and its also week 8, day 2 of the Shape 10km challenge.
Yesterday I managed to find a decent pair of ankle running socks which I was very pleased about, not the ones I wanted but okay ones. The annoying this is, even though this shop had an array of running socks, they were all ONE brand and MOST of them were also secret socks. Because I didn't want weird colour socks, I only had a choice of two pairs, its really annoying.
Todays Shape Challenge session was: Walk 5mins briskly. Jog 20mins. Walk 5mins. Jog 10mins. Walk 10mins briskly to finish. And I did it, the whole session exactly has specified. The 20min jog was probably the longest 20mins in my life LOL but I did it. I wasn't too sure if I could make the 10min jog thereafter, BUT I DID!!! I'm very proud of myself for that 20min jog :-)
LOL, I've noticed that every time I need to type the word 'jog', my fingers type job instead and I always have to change it. I think my body is trying to tell me that jogging is like a job hehehehehe
Anyway, I'm now one day closer to finishing the Shape Challenge and also one day closer to doing the Spar Womens race EEEEEK
On another front, as you (well, those in SA anyway) will have seen on the news, we are in for some steep electicity price hikes, so I decided that hubby needs to put up the washing line again so I can stop using the tumble dryer. I know that a tumble dryer uses a lot of electricity and therefore isn't eco friendly, but let me tell you, its so much more convenient and once you get used to it, its very hard to give it up. Unfortunately (hump, cleaverly for Eskom :( , the put the price up at the beginning of winter, when they know full well that people will be using more hot water, heaters, tumble dryers etc, not because they want to, but because its necessary. I'm using the washing line now, but I do realize that when the weather gets worse, I'll need to resort to the tumble dryer again. Hopefully though I can keep it down a bit.
In addition to that, I had stopped using fabric softener on my washing a while ago when I started using the tumble dryer, because the TD makes the washing soft, now though, the washing dried on the line, is very hard, so I had to go out and get some fabric softener again :(
Oh well, till next time..............
Yesterday I managed to find a decent pair of ankle running socks which I was very pleased about, not the ones I wanted but okay ones. The annoying this is, even though this shop had an array of running socks, they were all ONE brand and MOST of them were also secret socks. Because I didn't want weird colour socks, I only had a choice of two pairs, its really annoying.
Todays Shape Challenge session was: Walk 5mins briskly. Jog 20mins. Walk 5mins. Jog 10mins. Walk 10mins briskly to finish. And I did it, the whole session exactly has specified. The 20min jog was probably the longest 20mins in my life LOL but I did it. I wasn't too sure if I could make the 10min jog thereafter, BUT I DID!!! I'm very proud of myself for that 20min jog :-)
LOL, I've noticed that every time I need to type the word 'jog', my fingers type job instead and I always have to change it. I think my body is trying to tell me that jogging is like a job hehehehehe
Anyway, I'm now one day closer to finishing the Shape Challenge and also one day closer to doing the Spar Womens race EEEEEK
On another front, as you (well, those in SA anyway) will have seen on the news, we are in for some steep electicity price hikes, so I decided that hubby needs to put up the washing line again so I can stop using the tumble dryer. I know that a tumble dryer uses a lot of electricity and therefore isn't eco friendly, but let me tell you, its so much more convenient and once you get used to it, its very hard to give it up. Unfortunately (hump, cleaverly for Eskom :( , the put the price up at the beginning of winter, when they know full well that people will be using more hot water, heaters, tumble dryers etc, not because they want to, but because its necessary. I'm using the washing line now, but I do realize that when the weather gets worse, I'll need to resort to the tumble dryer again. Hopefully though I can keep it down a bit.
In addition to that, I had stopped using fabric softener on my washing a while ago when I started using the tumble dryer, because the TD makes the washing soft, now though, the washing dried on the line, is very hard, so I had to go out and get some fabric softener again :(
Oh well, till next time..............
Thursday, March 31, 2011
I conquered my nemesis
Soooooo, week 7 day 3 is now DONE!!! I amost died doing it, but its done, finished, kaput, klaar....
This session was REALLY hard. During the last minute of the 3rd and 4th 4min runs, I found it increasingly difficult to physically draw breath into my lungs, but luckily my beathing quickly recovered during the 4min walk between the runs. After the session, my legs really felt like jelly and in fact still feel a little jellyish even now, many hours later, my feet were also really sore/burning and still feel a bit sore. In fact this session was so difficult, I'm really beginning to wonder how I'm going to manage from now on as the sessions just get more and more difficult. There's a possiblity that I might end up repeating certain weeks, untill I can manage a bit more easily, but I'll see how it goes.
As this gets more difficult, I'm really beginning to be nervous about my upcoming races. I know I CAN definately finish them, because if worse comes to worse, I can walk most of the way, but I really want to do the best I can and that means running as much of the race as I physically can.
However, giving up is NOT an option so I will keep on going even if I adjust the schedule a bit.
This session was REALLY hard. During the last minute of the 3rd and 4th 4min runs, I found it increasingly difficult to physically draw breath into my lungs, but luckily my beathing quickly recovered during the 4min walk between the runs. After the session, my legs really felt like jelly and in fact still feel a little jellyish even now, many hours later, my feet were also really sore/burning and still feel a bit sore. In fact this session was so difficult, I'm really beginning to wonder how I'm going to manage from now on as the sessions just get more and more difficult. There's a possiblity that I might end up repeating certain weeks, untill I can manage a bit more easily, but I'll see how it goes.
As this gets more difficult, I'm really beginning to be nervous about my upcoming races. I know I CAN definately finish them, because if worse comes to worse, I can walk most of the way, but I really want to do the best I can and that means running as much of the race as I physically can.
However, giving up is NOT an option so I will keep on going even if I adjust the schedule a bit.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
I'm so disappointed, I want to cry :(
Today is Day 3 of week 7 of the Shape 10km Challenge. The session for today is: Walk 5 min, jog 5 min (4 x 4 min run at faster than usual speed, with 4 min walk inbetween). 10 min walk to finish....
I started off well with the 5min walk and then went on to the 5min jog. With the jog, I struggled right from the word go, but as usual, pushed my way through it. I walked for 4 min, then started the first 4 min run at faster than usual speed. I got about 2 min into it and just could not do it anymore. My legs were aching and wobbling like jelly and my chest was burning and I was puffing like a steam train. I stopped and walked for about a 1 min and tried again. I ran at faster speed for about another 1 min with the same result as before, but maybe a bit worse. I decided that there was NO WAY I was going to be able to do this, but rather than a total loss, I decided to walk for 4 min, then jog (at my normal speed) for 5 min, then walk home. I walked for the 4 min, but only got about 3 min into the jog and I just couldn't go on. At that point I totally gave up and decided to just walk home and call it a day.
I felt like crying I was so disappointed. This is the first time since I started this challenge that I haven't completed a session. Although I'm not making any excuses, I flaked and thats all there is to it, I decided that I needed to try figure out why I couldn't manage this session, when I have managed all the others. This is what I came up with as possible reasons:
1) On our camping trips, I never sleep very well. Sometimes because of noisy campers and also because I don't sleep that well out of my bed (and I don't sleep well at the best of times anyway *sigh*). So I was probably pretty tired.
2) The session I did when I was camping, I ended up (as explained in my last blog) running up and down quite a few hills. Admittedly they weren't very long or very steep hills, but for me they might as well have been.
3) We did quite a bit of walking on the beach in the sand and that is definately killing on the muscles. We also did some rock hopping which I'm sure also added to the 'damage'.
Add those three things together and I'm pretty sure thats what happened today. HOWEVER, I'm not giving up totally. I'm going to give myself a day or two of rest, catch up on some sleep and then try Day 3, Week 7 again and see how it goes.
So from a very disappointed 'Carol on the go' until next time......Cheerio
I started off well with the 5min walk and then went on to the 5min jog. With the jog, I struggled right from the word go, but as usual, pushed my way through it. I walked for 4 min, then started the first 4 min run at faster than usual speed. I got about 2 min into it and just could not do it anymore. My legs were aching and wobbling like jelly and my chest was burning and I was puffing like a steam train. I stopped and walked for about a 1 min and tried again. I ran at faster speed for about another 1 min with the same result as before, but maybe a bit worse. I decided that there was NO WAY I was going to be able to do this, but rather than a total loss, I decided to walk for 4 min, then jog (at my normal speed) for 5 min, then walk home. I walked for the 4 min, but only got about 3 min into the jog and I just couldn't go on. At that point I totally gave up and decided to just walk home and call it a day.
I felt like crying I was so disappointed. This is the first time since I started this challenge that I haven't completed a session. Although I'm not making any excuses, I flaked and thats all there is to it, I decided that I needed to try figure out why I couldn't manage this session, when I have managed all the others. This is what I came up with as possible reasons:
1) On our camping trips, I never sleep very well. Sometimes because of noisy campers and also because I don't sleep that well out of my bed (and I don't sleep well at the best of times anyway *sigh*). So I was probably pretty tired.
2) The session I did when I was camping, I ended up (as explained in my last blog) running up and down quite a few hills. Admittedly they weren't very long or very steep hills, but for me they might as well have been.
3) We did quite a bit of walking on the beach in the sand and that is definately killing on the muscles. We also did some rock hopping which I'm sure also added to the 'damage'.
Add those three things together and I'm pretty sure thats what happened today. HOWEVER, I'm not giving up totally. I'm going to give myself a day or two of rest, catch up on some sleep and then try Day 3, Week 7 again and see how it goes.
So from a very disappointed 'Carol on the go' until next time......Cheerio
Camping at Palmiet & week 7 - day 2
We went camping at Palmiet this weekend. Palmiet is our fav camping spot for various reasons. We haven't been for a while so were really looking forward to it. Luckily, because we got there early on Friday, we got our fav camping spot too. We had recently bought a 2nd hand camping fridge and were using it for the first time. At first, we couldn't figure out how it worked on gas (there was no manual with it), but phoned my daughter to find out. We got it working but there was a strong smell of gas all the time, which really worried me, so before we went to bed on the friday night, we switched it off. Hubby discovered that part of the regulator was chipped and thats why gas was leaking out. When the shops opened on Saturday morning we had to go and get a new regulator - luckily we did find on and with that on, the fridge worked great.
One of the first things we noticed when we went down to the beach on Saturday, is that the channel from the river to the sea wasn't there anymore!!!! The beach just continued to the other side leaving the lagoon/river mouth totally cut off. The nice thing about that, is that the water in the lagoon was lovely, so nice that I even swam a lot and normally I don't swim much at Palmiet cause the sea coming into the lagoon usually makes it very cold.
(note our new camping cupboard next to our tent - it made things around camp much easier. We also used for the first time our new - but secondhand - camping fridge (behind the cupboard, so you can't see it). It works on gas as well as elec & car battery which is great, cause we don't camp on the sites with elec. You can also see, between the trailer and the camping cupboard, our washing station which my hubby very kindly made for us)
Talking about Friday night *SIGH*, there were some VERY LOUD, & VERY NOISY people on the top level of the campsite. The TALKED LOUD, they LAUGHED LOUD and the SWORE LOUD. I couldn't sleep and the last time I looked at my watch it was about 2.30am and they were STILL at it GRRRRRRRRRR
One of the first things we noticed when we went down to the beach on Saturday, is that the channel from the river to the sea wasn't there anymore!!!! The beach just continued to the other side leaving the lagoon/river mouth totally cut off. The nice thing about that, is that the water in the lagoon was lovely, so nice that I even swam a lot and normally I don't swim much at Palmiet cause the sea coming into the lagoon usually makes it very cold.
(My hubby in the lagoon, you can see in the background how badly burnt the mountain is from a recent fire there)
While I was swimming there was a very pretty, very tiny crab swimming in the water and I caught him for a while just to admire him :-) Lots of lovely little fishies too. We saw a lot of birdlife and also the mongoose that we usually see at least once during our weekend camps. The bats at night are awesome too, although my son's girlfriend didn't think so cause she's scared of flying things.
(Luckily my son's girlfriend wasn't here when I took this. These gulls are BIG ones LOL)
It was a wonderful and relaxing weekend, well most of it anyway, here comes the not so relaxing part. One of my Shape Challenge running sessions was on the weekend. Walk 15mins briskly. 2 x (13min jog, 2 min walk). Walk 10mins briskly to finish. There is a nice boardwalk near the campsite, so I decided it might be nice to do my session on the boardwalk. I started off about 7.30am and went to the boardwalk. I soon discovered that for two reasons, the boardwalk wasn't suitable for my run. 1) It was rickety in places, and broken in places 2) The boardwalk was sporadic with places inbetween with sandy, rocky path. I was worried I could twist my ankle. So, as soon as I saw a part going back up to the road I took it, thinking it would be much better running on the road. All good and well, EXCEPT for the fact that it seems that EVERY road in Kleinmond has hills on them *SIGH*. I ran up hill and I ran down hills and no matter where I ran there were hills *PHEW*. However, I did get my session done, so I'm now one more day closer to completing the challenge.
Packing up again of course wasn't fun, but at least we had a nice bacon, egg, mushroom & fried tomato breakfast to fortify us for the task. On the ride home I actually fell asleep in the car I was so tired and then of course came the unpacking of the car and now over the next day or two, I have to wash and repack all the camping stuff again and wash all the dirty camp clothes - BUT ITS ALL WORTH IT!!!!!
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Cirque du Soleil and day 1 of week 7
Last night my hubby and I went to see Cirque du Soleil, courtesy of our children who gave us the tickets for Christmas. What an AWESOME show. I had never had the inclination to go and see the show, but boy am I glad I did.
There is so much going on in every minute. There is the 'main' act doing various different types of 'tricks' but at the same time there are always a few other performers doing all sorts of funny thing around the edges, you almost don't know who you want to watch - scared you might miss something LOL
The acrobatics were fantastic and the performers must have absolutely amazing upper body strength and just strength and fitness in general. I can't imagine how tiring it must be to go through that performance every day. There were so many fantastic acts, but I have to say, two things in the show really stick out for me. One was when there were 4 poles and various performers were doing all sorts of acrobatics on them, then a guy came in, went to a pole, held it with his arms straight and body totally away from the pole and climbed up this long pole using ONLY HIS HANDS/ARMS!!!!! It was spectacular, I couldn't believe he actually did it.
At various times in the show, they got the audience to participate in various ways, which brings me to the second 'stick out' performance. The 'funny' character in the show, after checking out various audience members, chose an older, rather big (not fat, just tall and big built) guy and got him up on stage. He made this poor guy copy him in quite a few ridiculous moves and it was totally hilarious. The guy was very game I must say and got into the swing of it and gave a really good performance himself. *Take a bow, whoever you were - good job*
My mind was totally changed about Cirque du Soleil and I'm VERY glad we got to see the show.
Now, on to day 1 week 7: PHEW, what a workout....
I was pretty worried about this session cause it seemed really hectic - walk 5 mins. 4 x (9min jog, 2 min walk). Walk 5 mins to finish.
Boy, it was hectic AND MORE!!! I'm sure I lost my legs somewhere along the route, cause when I got home I couldn't feel them anymore. My stamina was fine, energywise I could have sailed through the session, but my legs really didn't want to take part. On my FIRST 9 min jog, I was already thinking that I would have to give up, that I wouldn't be able to do this session, but as usual, SOMEHOW, I forced my way through it. Only one slight alteration, after the 3rd 9 min jog, I walked for 3 mins instead of 2, but that was so minor I still consider myself as having DONE the session fully and completely. It REALLY was difficult though and I am seriously worried about how I'm going to get through the remaining sessions, which only get more and more difficult. I SHALL perseve though and hopefully somehow, someway, I'll force my way through it all.
I must say though, that within an hour of completing my session, I'm feeling just fine again, although my legs are feeling a bit uncomfortable. I just hope they won't feel too stiff tomorrow :-(
Wish my luck as I carry on....
There is so much going on in every minute. There is the 'main' act doing various different types of 'tricks' but at the same time there are always a few other performers doing all sorts of funny thing around the edges, you almost don't know who you want to watch - scared you might miss something LOL
The acrobatics were fantastic and the performers must have absolutely amazing upper body strength and just strength and fitness in general. I can't imagine how tiring it must be to go through that performance every day. There were so many fantastic acts, but I have to say, two things in the show really stick out for me. One was when there were 4 poles and various performers were doing all sorts of acrobatics on them, then a guy came in, went to a pole, held it with his arms straight and body totally away from the pole and climbed up this long pole using ONLY HIS HANDS/ARMS!!!!! It was spectacular, I couldn't believe he actually did it.
At various times in the show, they got the audience to participate in various ways, which brings me to the second 'stick out' performance. The 'funny' character in the show, after checking out various audience members, chose an older, rather big (not fat, just tall and big built) guy and got him up on stage. He made this poor guy copy him in quite a few ridiculous moves and it was totally hilarious. The guy was very game I must say and got into the swing of it and gave a really good performance himself. *Take a bow, whoever you were - good job*
My mind was totally changed about Cirque du Soleil and I'm VERY glad we got to see the show.
Now, on to day 1 week 7: PHEW, what a workout....
I was pretty worried about this session cause it seemed really hectic - walk 5 mins. 4 x (9min jog, 2 min walk). Walk 5 mins to finish.
Boy, it was hectic AND MORE!!! I'm sure I lost my legs somewhere along the route, cause when I got home I couldn't feel them anymore. My stamina was fine, energywise I could have sailed through the session, but my legs really didn't want to take part. On my FIRST 9 min jog, I was already thinking that I would have to give up, that I wouldn't be able to do this session, but as usual, SOMEHOW, I forced my way through it. Only one slight alteration, after the 3rd 9 min jog, I walked for 3 mins instead of 2, but that was so minor I still consider myself as having DONE the session fully and completely. It REALLY was difficult though and I am seriously worried about how I'm going to get through the remaining sessions, which only get more and more difficult. I SHALL perseve though and hopefully somehow, someway, I'll force my way through it all.
I must say though, that within an hour of completing my session, I'm feeling just fine again, although my legs are feeling a bit uncomfortable. I just hope they won't feel too stiff tomorrow :-(
Wish my luck as I carry on....
Friday, March 18, 2011
Dead runner blogging *SIGH*
For FLIPS SAKE!!!!! (censored for public consumption - those weren't that actual words I used) Todays session almost killed me, I have no idea how I motivated myself through it exactly as specified but somehow I did. I just thank the Goddess that yesterday I bought myself a USN sport drink to drink after todays session (I actually bought it because I wanted a bottle like that, not because I thought I would need it). I need every calorie, carbs, magnesium, sodium, potassium and any other elements that are in there to recover.
Specs for today (week 6 - day 1) were as follows: Walk 5 mins, 4 x (8min jog/3min walk). Walk 5 mins to finish. Doesn't sound too bad does it but BOY WAS IT!!!
This is where I think I went wrong: First mistake - yesterday I walked up and down our stairs twice (those of you who have seen our stairs, know they are pretty scarey). The walking down, had me carrying heavy ackward things from my daughters room. Also, our stairs are cluttered with said daughters 'stuff' so its very ackward to walk up and own them at the best of times. After I had done that, I could feel a quite intense pulling in the front of my thighs. It worried me a lot cause I thought it might affect todays session, but during the day it wore off (mostly). This morning my legs seemed okay.
Second mistake - I decided to do my route the other way around, because its said that the camber of the road can affect you if you do the route the same way every time. However, what I didn't realize, is that when done the other way around, part of the route is a quite long, but very gentle incline. Doesn't sound too bad you say, maybe not, but when you're not that fit and jogging, boy it seemed like everest.
Third mistake - on my second walking session, I saw 5c in the road. Now, I have this philosophy that if you see money lying in the road or elsewhere, you should pick it up, because by picking it up, you are telling the universe that you want money to come into your life. Flip, I swear that 5c pieced weighed a TON by the time I had finished my session. On my second round of the route, I saw another 5c and later a 10c and I thought WTF!!! There's no way I'm adding more weight and anyway I don't think I was capable of bending down to pick them up and I think if I had stopped to do that, I probably wouldn't have been able to get myself to start moving again.
Fourth mistake - okay, this one isn't really a mistake, just the luck of nature. There was a bit of a wind today and part of my route I had to run into the wind and it just so happens that that part of the route also happened to be the same part of the route with that flipping gentle incline *SIGH*
I just thank the Goddess yet again, that Sundays session is simply a brisk 30 min walk and I shall cherish every walking 30mins of it.
BUT, I am still living (if only just LOL) and my legs do appear to still be moving (for the time being - lets see if they're gonna stiffen up). I don't think I am yet capable of standing up in the shower LOL so I'll give myself another few stinky minutes before I attempt that one.
Specs for today (week 6 - day 1) were as follows: Walk 5 mins, 4 x (8min jog/3min walk). Walk 5 mins to finish. Doesn't sound too bad does it but BOY WAS IT!!!
This is where I think I went wrong: First mistake - yesterday I walked up and down our stairs twice (those of you who have seen our stairs, know they are pretty scarey). The walking down, had me carrying heavy ackward things from my daughters room. Also, our stairs are cluttered with said daughters 'stuff' so its very ackward to walk up and own them at the best of times. After I had done that, I could feel a quite intense pulling in the front of my thighs. It worried me a lot cause I thought it might affect todays session, but during the day it wore off (mostly). This morning my legs seemed okay.
Second mistake - I decided to do my route the other way around, because its said that the camber of the road can affect you if you do the route the same way every time. However, what I didn't realize, is that when done the other way around, part of the route is a quite long, but very gentle incline. Doesn't sound too bad you say, maybe not, but when you're not that fit and jogging, boy it seemed like everest.
Third mistake - on my second walking session, I saw 5c in the road. Now, I have this philosophy that if you see money lying in the road or elsewhere, you should pick it up, because by picking it up, you are telling the universe that you want money to come into your life. Flip, I swear that 5c pieced weighed a TON by the time I had finished my session. On my second round of the route, I saw another 5c and later a 10c and I thought WTF!!! There's no way I'm adding more weight and anyway I don't think I was capable of bending down to pick them up and I think if I had stopped to do that, I probably wouldn't have been able to get myself to start moving again.
Fourth mistake - okay, this one isn't really a mistake, just the luck of nature. There was a bit of a wind today and part of my route I had to run into the wind and it just so happens that that part of the route also happened to be the same part of the route with that flipping gentle incline *SIGH*
I just thank the Goddess yet again, that Sundays session is simply a brisk 30 min walk and I shall cherish every walking 30mins of it.
BUT, I am still living (if only just LOL) and my legs do appear to still be moving (for the time being - lets see if they're gonna stiffen up). I don't think I am yet capable of standing up in the shower LOL so I'll give myself another few stinky minutes before I attempt that one.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Week 5 completed
Today I completed week 5 of the Shape 10km Challenge. I decided to do it on the treadmill for two reasons. Firstly, it was quite windy this morning still and secondly, it involved doing 4 x 4min run at faster than usual speed. On the road its difficult to judge speed and be sure you're keeping your speed constant, but on the treadmill, its easy to keep track. I normally jog on the treadmil at 5.4kph and for my faster speed, I did 6kph. I'm very happy and pleased with how my training is going. Thanks Shape Magazine for an awesome training program.
On another note, I went to my second meeting at my club last night. They are putting on a race on 16 April, the Pro Sano 10km Challenge. I had NO IDEA how much WORK actually goes into putting on a race and the amount of club members and helpers it takes. When you go to a race, you just do your thing, but you don't think about what had to go on behind the scenes to make it all happen. Believe me, a LOT goes on behind the scenes for months in advance to make a sucessful race happen. It takes a lot of time and dedication on the part of the club who's hosting it. My hat off to all those who make it happen.
On another note, I went to my second meeting at my club last night. They are putting on a race on 16 April, the Pro Sano 10km Challenge. I had NO IDEA how much WORK actually goes into putting on a race and the amount of club members and helpers it takes. When you go to a race, you just do your thing, but you don't think about what had to go on behind the scenes to make it all happen. Believe me, a LOT goes on behind the scenes for months in advance to make a sucessful race happen. It takes a lot of time and dedication on the part of the club who's hosting it. My hat off to all those who make it happen.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Today's challenge session and a new peanut butter biscuit recipe
Todays session: 20mins brisk walking - 15min jogging - 10min brisk walking. All done and dusted. I must say though, that the last 5mins of the 15mins jogging was pretty hard and my last 10min brisk walk wasn't all that brisk LOL but I DID IT!!!
Now, as promised to some of my friends, the new peanut butter biscuit recipe that I tried yesterday and declared VERY YUMMY!!! A word of warning though, its makes quite a lot of biscuits so if you only want a few, you might want to halve or quarter the recipe. What I like about this recipe, is that its quite healthy, because it has oats, coconut and cornflakes in it. When I try making it again, I might use all bran flakes instead of the cornflakes or even museli instead of the cornflakes. It might be nice with crunchy or honyey crunch peanut butter instead of smooth peanut butter too.
Now, as promised to some of my friends, the new peanut butter biscuit recipe that I tried yesterday and declared VERY YUMMY!!! A word of warning though, its makes quite a lot of biscuits so if you only want a few, you might want to halve or quarter the recipe. What I like about this recipe, is that its quite healthy, because it has oats, coconut and cornflakes in it. When I try making it again, I might use all bran flakes instead of the cornflakes or even museli instead of the cornflakes. It might be nice with crunchy or honyey crunch peanut butter instead of smooth peanut butter too.
Peanut Butter Biscuits
250g butter/marge
500ml sugar
2 eggs, whisked
125ml smooth peanut butter
10ml bicarbonate of soda
25ml milk
5ml vanilla essence
500ml flour
500ml Jungle Oats instant
500ml coconut
500ml cornflakes
Preheat the oven to 180 deg C
1. Cream butter and sugar
2. Add whisked egg
3. Add peanut butter and mix well
4. Dissolve the bicarb in the milk. Add essence. Add to the butter mixture and blend well.
5. Mix the rest of the ingredients. Add to the peanut butter mixture. Mix
6. Form walnut-sized balls. Place on a greased baking tray and flatten slightly with a fork
7. Bake or 10 – 15 mins until golden brown and done
8. Turn out onto a cooling rack. Allow to cool and store in an airtight container.
MAKES APPROX 8 DOZEN BISCUITS
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Week 4 completed
Wow, the wind is howling today and I knew as soon as I woke up this morning that running outside wouldn't be an option *SIGH*. So it was me and my trusty treadmill for my day 3 of week 4.
In my opinion, there are pro's and con's in connection with the treadmill. On the plus side, I like the idea that I can 'see' the speed and distance that I do but on the negative side, I don't like the 'sealegs' feeling I get when I step off the treadmill after working on it. Also, working on the treadmill is really hot work, whereas outside you sometimes get a bit of a breeze to cool you down.
The funny thing about my treadmill is, that I actually bought it years ago with the intention of using it to get fit, but I never did, it just sat around gathering dust (as I'm sure a lot of exercise equiment does in a lot of other houses). Eventually I tried selling it and I'm now really glad that it didn't get sold.
BUT, I did do my final day of week 4 and it went off really well. In fact on each of the 'legs' of this session, I actually upped the speed, so my last stretch was done at a faster speed than the first stretch.
I'm thrilled with the progress that I'm making and to think that when I first started, I could barely run at all LOL Whats also great is that even though the sessions are getting more strenuous, I'm dealing with them easier. When I started off with this exercise junket in Jan, I was walking around the block - about 12 minutes exercise, now I can easily work for 40minutes. At this point, I could probably do more, but would rather stick to the schedule than risk getting injured and have to put everything on hold.
So 4 weeks down, 8 weeks to go :-)
In my opinion, there are pro's and con's in connection with the treadmill. On the plus side, I like the idea that I can 'see' the speed and distance that I do but on the negative side, I don't like the 'sealegs' feeling I get when I step off the treadmill after working on it. Also, working on the treadmill is really hot work, whereas outside you sometimes get a bit of a breeze to cool you down.
The funny thing about my treadmill is, that I actually bought it years ago with the intention of using it to get fit, but I never did, it just sat around gathering dust (as I'm sure a lot of exercise equiment does in a lot of other houses). Eventually I tried selling it and I'm now really glad that it didn't get sold.
BUT, I did do my final day of week 4 and it went off really well. In fact on each of the 'legs' of this session, I actually upped the speed, so my last stretch was done at a faster speed than the first stretch.
I'm thrilled with the progress that I'm making and to think that when I first started, I could barely run at all LOL Whats also great is that even though the sessions are getting more strenuous, I'm dealing with them easier. When I started off with this exercise junket in Jan, I was walking around the block - about 12 minutes exercise, now I can easily work for 40minutes. At this point, I could probably do more, but would rather stick to the schedule than risk getting injured and have to put everything on hold.
So 4 weeks down, 8 weeks to go :-)
Sunday, March 6, 2011
New schedule
It was so hot on Friday night, that I couldn't sleep so I was thinking about the Spar Women's 10km and the fact that I wouldn't be able to finish my 10km training before I run it. I then had a bright idea - up till now, I have been doing training sessions on Mon/Wed/Fri and giving myself the weekends off, BUT, if I just do training every alternate day, then I can actually fit in an extra weeks training before the race :-) I decided that I was going to do that from today. So today is actually Day 1 of week 4.
Today was walk 5min, jog 8min - repeat X 3. I have to say, that the last 8min jogging stretch required a lot of willpower to get me through it, as I was jogging, I was chanting in my head "I can do this, I can do this". By hook or by crook, I was determined to not fall down on the job by not completing the session correctly. I'm very pleased to announce that the session was completed as designated by a very happy me. It was definately the most difficult session yet for me though.
Then, as I had only had a sandwich for supper last night and because I felt proud of the 'work' that I did, I treated myself to a lovely breakfast at the Fruit & Veg City where we did our veg shopping (hubby had breakfast too of course LOL).
I'm looking forward to Tuesday now so I can do the next leg of 'torture' LOL
Today was walk 5min, jog 8min - repeat X 3. I have to say, that the last 8min jogging stretch required a lot of willpower to get me through it, as I was jogging, I was chanting in my head "I can do this, I can do this". By hook or by crook, I was determined to not fall down on the job by not completing the session correctly. I'm very pleased to announce that the session was completed as designated by a very happy me. It was definately the most difficult session yet for me though.
Then, as I had only had a sandwich for supper last night and because I felt proud of the 'work' that I did, I treated myself to a lovely breakfast at the Fruit & Veg City where we did our veg shopping (hubby had breakfast too of course LOL).
I'm looking forward to Tuesday now so I can do the next leg of 'torture' LOL
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Week 3 - Day 2, immunizations & parcel
40mins brisk walking - That was on the agenda for today and its been completed. Another day ticked off the list. Luckily it was a bit foggy/misty this morning, so at least part of my walk was done in the cool, but more than half of it was done in the heat yet again.
Before I did my walk, I went with my eldest daughter to take her 9 month old son to have his immunization. He had to have TWO injections, shame the poor lil guy, but he was very brave. The first injection obviously wasn't too bad, cause he cried for about 20 seconds, however, the second one must have been worse cause he cried quite a lot. I'm not sure who was crying more, him or my daughter. Shortly though, the crying was over and he was just like normal again.
Today was an awesome day for another reason....I collected a parcel from the Post Office which was some goodies that I ordered from a friend of mine http://www.facebook.com/reiki.by.bronwyn or http://www.reikibybronwyn.co.za/ (by the way, my details are http://www.serenehealing.co.za/ or http://www.facebook.com/reiki.by.bronwyn#!/pages/Carol-Ward-Spiritual-Advisor-Reiki-MasterTeacher/252858623666 )
In my parcel was a beautiful Goddess statue in earth colours with a Tigers Eye crystal in her belly, a wonderful Cosmic Guide Pendant and a beautiful pendulum all made with polymer clay.
Anyway, hopefully the weather will get a bit cooler in the day soon, cause I feel like I'm melting on a daily basis :-(
Before I did my walk, I went with my eldest daughter to take her 9 month old son to have his immunization. He had to have TWO injections, shame the poor lil guy, but he was very brave. The first injection obviously wasn't too bad, cause he cried for about 20 seconds, however, the second one must have been worse cause he cried quite a lot. I'm not sure who was crying more, him or my daughter. Shortly though, the crying was over and he was just like normal again.
Today was an awesome day for another reason....I collected a parcel from the Post Office which was some goodies that I ordered from a friend of mine http://www.facebook.com/reiki.by.bronwyn or http://www.reikibybronwyn.co.za/ (by the way, my details are http://www.serenehealing.co.za/ or http://www.facebook.com/reiki.by.bronwyn#!/pages/Carol-Ward-Spiritual-Advisor-Reiki-MasterTeacher/252858623666 )
In my parcel was a beautiful Goddess statue in earth colours with a Tigers Eye crystal in her belly, a wonderful Cosmic Guide Pendant and a beautiful pendulum all made with polymer clay.
Anyway, hopefully the weather will get a bit cooler in the day soon, cause I feel like I'm melting on a daily basis :-(
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Week 3 - Day 1
So, I have now completed day 1 of week 3 and I have realized something which I'm going to admit......I don't know better than the experts and I'm gonna have to rethink my race goals and go back to my original race plan.
Let me explain - I've been enjoying the running so much, that I thought I would be clever and add in an extra training session, so on Saturday, while I was away, I repeated Fridays session. It seemed fine, but this morning when doing my session, I realized it was a mistake. Even the first 5min jogging session this morning was difficult with the 2nd and 3rd being even worse, BUT, I did do the whole session.
So, admitting I'm wrong, I'm NOT going to do the two 5km fun runs and the 10km UCT race that I had planned for March. I'm going back to my original (realistic) plan of my first race being the Spar Womans Race on 10 April.
Having said all that, this has definately NOT put me off running, I still love it and will definately continue, but I am going to listen to the experts and not do my usual 'want everything quickly' thing LOL
I'm looking forward to Wednesday's and Friday's sessions :-)
Let me explain - I've been enjoying the running so much, that I thought I would be clever and add in an extra training session, so on Saturday, while I was away, I repeated Fridays session. It seemed fine, but this morning when doing my session, I realized it was a mistake. Even the first 5min jogging session this morning was difficult with the 2nd and 3rd being even worse, BUT, I did do the whole session.
So, admitting I'm wrong, I'm NOT going to do the two 5km fun runs and the 10km UCT race that I had planned for March. I'm going back to my original (realistic) plan of my first race being the Spar Womans Race on 10 April.
Having said all that, this has definately NOT put me off running, I still love it and will definately continue, but I am going to listen to the experts and not do my usual 'want everything quickly' thing LOL
I'm looking forward to Wednesday's and Friday's sessions :-)
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Week 2 - Day 2
So its now week 2 - day 2 and I'm still going strong :-) Today was 'walk 35min briskly' and I decided that I was going to walk with a 1kg dumbell in each hand. I've done that before, in Jan when I started exercising and was doing my own thing. However, my own thing wasn't as much as my Shape 10km Challenge puts me up to and walking briskly for 35mins with weights in each hand was a little too much. I didn't suffer badly, but in the last quarter of my walk my arms were aching and the enjoyment had kinda gone out of it. It was a good idea, but I think in future I'll leave the weights behind.
Because I was only walking this morning, I decided to start early as I used to and left the house about 5.45am. It was still pretty dark, but the street lights helped. One of the reasons I decided to carry the weights, was because I worry a bit about being out on my own in the semi darkness when there aren't that many people or cars around. Soon it will be too dark for me to attempt it, but hopefully by that time it will have cooled down a bit during the day, so then I can do my training at any time.
Of course, as winter comes in, my treadmill & inside will just have to do. Running in the howling wind or pouring rain just doesn't do it for me. LOL
I'm getting a bit worried about the 5km Fun run I'm planning to do on 5 March, cause I know that there's no way that I'll be able to run anywhere near 5km's, but I suppose doing a combination of running and walking will be okay. I just hope that I don't injure myself and therefore mess up my training program.
I'm looking forward to Fridays training....
Because I was only walking this morning, I decided to start early as I used to and left the house about 5.45am. It was still pretty dark, but the street lights helped. One of the reasons I decided to carry the weights, was because I worry a bit about being out on my own in the semi darkness when there aren't that many people or cars around. Soon it will be too dark for me to attempt it, but hopefully by that time it will have cooled down a bit during the day, so then I can do my training at any time.
Of course, as winter comes in, my treadmill & inside will just have to do. Running in the howling wind or pouring rain just doesn't do it for me. LOL
I'm getting a bit worried about the 5km Fun run I'm planning to do on 5 March, cause I know that there's no way that I'll be able to run anywhere near 5km's, but I suppose doing a combination of running and walking will be okay. I just hope that I don't injure myself and therefore mess up my training program.
I'm looking forward to Fridays training....
Monday, February 21, 2011
Week 2 - Day 1
Its now week 2 - Day 1 = 5 min walk, 4 min jog - repeat 3 times. The first 4min jog was okay, the second was more difficult and when I started the 3rd, I was really wondering if I could finish the 4mins. I just carried on plodding though and as it got more difficult, started chanting my mantra "I can do this" and lo and behold, I DID DO IT!!!!
I can't tell you how participating in this challenge and actually keeping up with an exercise program has changed my life. I constantly feel proud of myself and I eagerly look forward to the days when I do the challenge work. I never thought i'd live to see the day when I say I look forward to exercising LOL
I can see that its going to get more and more difficult as I go along, but I'm sure that I am up for the challenge and I'm looking foward to doing my first race :-) If I'm inspiring anyone else along the way, then I'm really happy about that too.
Oh, and on another plus note, I've lost about another half kg (I say about, cause my scale isn't digital). I know its not much, but I'd rather loose the weight slowly the right way instead of fast the wrong way. I have a feeling that as the challenge progresses and gets more strenuous, that the weight will come off even quicker.
Hey Ho Monday....away......:-)
I can't tell you how participating in this challenge and actually keeping up with an exercise program has changed my life. I constantly feel proud of myself and I eagerly look forward to the days when I do the challenge work. I never thought i'd live to see the day when I say I look forward to exercising LOL
I can see that its going to get more and more difficult as I go along, but I'm sure that I am up for the challenge and I'm looking foward to doing my first race :-) If I'm inspiring anyone else along the way, then I'm really happy about that too.
Oh, and on another plus note, I've lost about another half kg (I say about, cause my scale isn't digital). I know its not much, but I'd rather loose the weight slowly the right way instead of fast the wrong way. I have a feeling that as the challenge progresses and gets more strenuous, that the weight will come off even quicker.
Hey Ho Monday....away......:-)
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Week 1 - Day 2 & some recycling stuff
Today is day 2 of my first week, so its 30 mins of brisk walking. It was sooooooo windy this morning, that I wasn't up to walking outside so I decided to do my 30 min walk on the treadmill. Its not nearly as much fun and its really hotter (no breeze/fresh air), but it really was better than walking in the howling south easter outside. All went well and I'm very happy :-)
Hmmm LOL, thats a very short entry so let me write a bit about our recycling project. Unfortunately our municipality isn't into recycling, so if we're gonna do it, we have to do things ourselves. For quite a while, we have been recycling paper (or local church has a paper igloo) and glass (there were glass igloos at the Edgemead hall - now moved to the edgemead shopping centre). Late last year, we decided that we needed to get more proactive with the recycling.
The main problem with recycling, is storing the stuff till you have enough to take to the recycling depot. We have a basket for paper and an old milk crate for the glass but that was it. So we went to a local plastic shop and bought 4 fairly large bins with lids. We use those for tin, cardboard, plastic and polystyrene. Its been going really well and we usually empty some or all of the bins once a week on a Saturday at the dump (they do recycling too) in Panorama. We also have a compost bin, into which we put all vege waste and teabags etc along with the inners of toilet rolls & cardboard egg cartons (apparently its best to do it that way). As a result, we actually put very little into our black bin for the municipal collection.
Its a great thing to do, but now that we are doing it, I find myself getting very frustrated by the amount of tins & glass & plastic bottles that lie around my neighbourhood. Often when walking back from the shop, I actually pick up these items and bring them home to recycle.
Another frustration is having to wash the items. Glass jars aren't that much of a problem and some tins are okay, but animal food tins are a hassle to wash, but if they aren't washed it causes all sorts of problems - so occasionally, I still do throw the odd animal food tin in the bin cause I simply don't feel up to trying to wash it out. I try not to do that too often though.
Seriously though, most of the time its no hassle at all and I would be really happy if many more people would start doing it. Even if you don't want to go to the expense of buying some bins, just use black bags to collect the stuff. Just start with paper and glass if you don't want to go the whole hog, but you'll be surprised at how proud it makes you feel of the fact that YOU are doing something for our world.
ONE PERSON CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!!!!!
Hmmm LOL, thats a very short entry so let me write a bit about our recycling project. Unfortunately our municipality isn't into recycling, so if we're gonna do it, we have to do things ourselves. For quite a while, we have been recycling paper (or local church has a paper igloo) and glass (there were glass igloos at the Edgemead hall - now moved to the edgemead shopping centre). Late last year, we decided that we needed to get more proactive with the recycling.
The main problem with recycling, is storing the stuff till you have enough to take to the recycling depot. We have a basket for paper and an old milk crate for the glass but that was it. So we went to a local plastic shop and bought 4 fairly large bins with lids. We use those for tin, cardboard, plastic and polystyrene. Its been going really well and we usually empty some or all of the bins once a week on a Saturday at the dump (they do recycling too) in Panorama. We also have a compost bin, into which we put all vege waste and teabags etc along with the inners of toilet rolls & cardboard egg cartons (apparently its best to do it that way). As a result, we actually put very little into our black bin for the municipal collection.
Its a great thing to do, but now that we are doing it, I find myself getting very frustrated by the amount of tins & glass & plastic bottles that lie around my neighbourhood. Often when walking back from the shop, I actually pick up these items and bring them home to recycle.
Another frustration is having to wash the items. Glass jars aren't that much of a problem and some tins are okay, but animal food tins are a hassle to wash, but if they aren't washed it causes all sorts of problems - so occasionally, I still do throw the odd animal food tin in the bin cause I simply don't feel up to trying to wash it out. I try not to do that too often though.
Seriously though, most of the time its no hassle at all and I would be really happy if many more people would start doing it. Even if you don't want to go to the expense of buying some bins, just use black bags to collect the stuff. Just start with paper and glass if you don't want to go the whole hog, but you'll be surprised at how proud it makes you feel of the fact that YOU are doing something for our world.
ONE PERSON CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!!!!!
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