Had to do something

Although Janathon has come and gone, it definitely felt weird to do nothing ... even if I am still getting over a bad cold! So ... had to do something, anything ... so went to the gym. As I'm just getting back to the gym and regular weight training since the beginning of January, I was somewhat afraid of 'losing it'. Losing my form and my strength that I've just recently gained!

I know, I know ... a week off weights won't kill me ... well, physically at least! However, I was itching to get back to my 'moving meditation' ... and it felt GREAT!!!

Maybe do a bit of a bike tomorrow just to keep the legs turning ...

I really do need a focused training plan to keep me ... well, focused!! Definitely prefer input from someone else (coach / trainer) on what to do and when to keep me on a balanced and sustainable schedule! Will be talking to someone tomorrow and see how that goes!

Yesterday's run

Just wanted to confirm that I did indeed run for the last day of the Janathon. Had a technical problem with computer yesterday which is now sorted!!

Did a nice easy 30 minute jog! Seeing as I'd been unwell for a few days, being able to run again was a great feeling ... and as I was running I was wondering what February will bring!

More running, more biking, more swimming (didn't do alot of that in January ... brrrr!!!) and more gym. Well, maybe not more of everything as not sure what 'more' I could do seeing as I did exercise almost every day!! For me, the pendulum will come back somewhere in the center, in the more balanced area where I'll come up with some sort of training schedule that is nurturing and restorative to the body (that's what I need at the moment ... says she, still with the tail end of the cold hanging on!!!) yet still active.

I will look forward to continuing to blog regularly (not sure about every day though?!?) and to encouraging others in their training! Let's keep the momentum and encouragement going from Janathon into February and beyond!

Held myself back

What a gorgeous day today ... certainly a day to be 'out and about' (said with a Canadian accent)!

Was actually feeling human today after this cold and was chomping at the bit to get out there. However, as I did not want to overdo things, I actually help myself back from doing more! Do you ever get like that when you want to do more, yet do not because you know it will not do you any good?

I started the day with a bit of a bike ride ... which was an easy two-hour ride along the coast road. Even though it was a relatively 'easy' ride, I was still huffing and puffing up those hills ... or rather, wheezing and spluttering ... but I did it! I wanted to go out for longer, however figured my first real day back exercising, that was enough!

Then, as it was so nice, I walked into town, met up with a friend and puttered along the seafront for a few hours just to drink in the sun! Now off to dinner to have a drink of another kind ... namely a bit of wine me thinks!!

So ... what are we all going to do after the Janathon finishes?!? Keep on posting and keep on encouraging each other?!? Or, simply wait to Junathon? Anyone started to think about withdrawal symptoms?!?

Went to the Cirque

Decided I'd 'try out the body' to see how it would cope with a very light and very easy gentle jog this morning ... and managed ok! Did 20 minutes at a very light, easy, gentle pace.

I did not want to overstretch myself because I was heading up to London to see the Cirque du Soleil at the Royal Albert Hall and I knew it was going to be a long day. 

The show could not be called a circus in the 'normal' sense of the word ... it is however a circus of acrobatics, artistry, acrobatics, music, acrobatics and spectacular costumes. Did I mention that there was some acrobatics ... I feel like I had a workout just watching it!!!

My friends and I walked out of the 2.5 hour show feeling dazed ... in a good way. It was so spectacular, incredible and awe-inspiring. The sheer physicality of some of the acts is mind-boggling, the feats of strength, flexibility and precision is mind-boggling and even the music and costumes is ... you guessed it ... mind-boggling!! There were times when it literally took my breath away ... or times when I was holding my breath wondering how they were doing what they were doing!

The Cirque comes to the Royal Albert Hall every year in January, and sometimes does other shows around the UK and Europe. If you have an opportunity to go, GO!

p.s. fired me up to get back into my exercise again ... even if I won't be like one of the female performers with 'an eight-pack'!!

Shifting the focus

Well ... I'm definitely on the mend and feeling better. Better being a relative term here ... as I am better than yesterday! As it was bright and sunny today, and I was getting cabin fever, I went for a walk along the seafront. Walked about 3 miles ... and it was great to get out and get some fresh air in the lungs ... even though I was still hacking and wheezing!! I am however longing to put on my running shoes and get out for a run!

Rather than looking at this enforced lay-off negatively (and I was kinda negative yesterday!), let me take this opportunity to publicly say some of the positives that this cold has provided me ...

• I appreciate that it is JUST a cold, abeit a bad one! It could be worst or more serious that seriously stopped me in my tracks ... so I am grateful it is only a cold!
• I've got lots of rest ... which my body obviously was in need of.
• I've caught up on my emails ... always a bonus to feel on top of the emails and caught up with my reading!
• I've eaten super healthy ... well, that is when I've felt well enough to eat!
• I've given some serious consideration to what my training routine will be like in February which will be sustainable, balanced and focused ... and get me in shape for some triathlons this summer. I will however be talking to a trainer for their expert opinion next week!!

OK, just needed to shift the focus!! Feel better for it!!

I could make something up

But I won't!

My exercise today consisted of a 10 meter radius shuffle ... from bedroom, to kitchen, to bathroom and to living room ... didn't leave the house at all! Body definitely was saying it didn't want to play today and I really did have to listen to it, rather than testing it out with a bit of a walk. Mind you, a bit of a walk in the fresh air might have done my lungs some good!

Between the exercise I've been doing this past month (and I have had some hard / long sessions!) and other 'major stuff' that is going on, I'm not surprised by body is saying it doesn't want to play. Need to think of a different strategy for February ... hmm!!

Tomorrow is another day! Let's leave it at that ... as am not amused!! Dr Midgie definitely doesn't make a good patient, nor is she patient!!

Body says ... not sure about this

Went to the gym for a gentle workout ... just to get my body moving a bit and it was tough. Not that I had a tough workout, it was my body saying that it was tough and didn't have the energy or strength to do what I normally do. So, had to lighten all my weights and reduce the reps!

The idea of going for a run or doing any cardio was out of the question ... had a tough enough time with a tight chest as it was, without putting strain on it from a run!!

I know it's the same psychology as with an injury ... you have to go with what your body is able to do, yet when I'm actually in the situation, it's tough.

The mind is willing, the body is not ... at the moment! Grrr!!!

So ... let's move swiftly on and know that I'll be better tomorrow!

Walking was all I could manage!

Today I'm definitely feeling better than yesterday ... however still not good enough for a run. I'm sure the morning working from home at a leisurely pace did me good before heading out mid-day and being 'out and about' most of the afternoon.

I did however manage to walk from one thing to the next and covered about 4 miles in all ... so am counting that as today's exercise!

As part of my running around today, I had a sports therapy / massage treatment with Lily at Studio 57. With the increase in exercise recently ... the Janathon might have something to do with it ... and remembering I'm just getting back into exercise after a very length time away ... I had a few niggles. Not surprising!! So spent an hour trying out different exercises using a foam roller to do at home, and Lily did a neck/shoulder massage ... bliss!!

They also do gait analysis through StrideUK which I might explore if I get back into some serious running again with some serious distances! Worth the investment if I then avoid the niggles at a later stage!!

Body didn't want to play today

With the best of intentions to get up early for a short run before work, I woke up instead feeling really poorly. I actually wanted to spend the day in bed ... this wasn't the duvet monster getting to me, I really did feel unwell. And, I rarely feel so unwell that I want to spend the day in bed!!

I wasn't feeling great yesterday evening and went to bed relatively early in an attempt to get a good night's rest and be ready to roll today. However, that was not to be the case. This was one time I decided that I needed to listen to my body ... and my body today was telling me rather loudly that it didn't want to play today!

The thought of just getting out for an easy run around the block is to much to contemplate. I managed to go into work (late) and getting through the day was a chore. Perhaps it's a mental thing about not wanting to get out and exercise however I think the low grade fever and the wheezy chest might be good indicators of something physical! I'll dose up on echinacea tonight, get an early night and hope that I'll be fighting fit tomorrow.

I'm disappointed that I'm breaking the daily exercise for the janathon ... however I need to listen to my body and rest! 

Will go to bed doing some positive visualizations of feeling good and healthy and energetic tomorrow!!

Pretty clean ride today ...

Met up with the Brighton Explorers again today for an off-road bike ride. Was out for just over 3 hours (so kinda makes up for my 30 second effort yesterday!) and it was actually quite pleasant. Not much mud (which was a relief!) however ground was soft so it was hard going. Or, maybe I was just tired from such a monumental effort yesterday!!

With three weeks of Sunday bike rides with the group, I'm actually feeling stronger and more 'bike fit' ... plus, added bonus, I actually felt part of the group today rather than trailing behind most of the time. I am having passing concerns about missing next week with the group and wondering whether I'll 'fall behind' or 'lose my fitness' ... might need to organize a ride for Friday so I can at least get out for a decent ride.

I did however come off my bike in a rather spectacular manner as I was doing a U-turn to say hi to someone I knew. I was on the ground at this person's feet ... very uncool!! Knocked my knee on the bike and I'm hobbling a bit now ... should be interesting in the morning for my planned early run!! Where's a pea-pack when you need one!!

Finished in 30 seconds!

OK, so now it's official ... I am certifiable mad! Today's exercise was the shortest ever ... about 30 seconds ... however I'm counting as my day's exercise!

So, today being Saturday ... where was I am 9am?!? No ... not at the usual parkrun ... I was at Tooting Bec Lido for the World Cold Water Championships. The water was ... wait for this one ... a balmy 3.5C ... so colder than the coldest sea I've been in with the wetsuit (whether that's the new winter wetsuit or not!!)

Before you say I'm mad ... I was in very good company with over 400 'competitors'. They obviously didn't take themselves that seriously as the biggest category in the competition was the fancy hat category. You had to make up some sort of head gear and swim with it ... very amusing. Also amusing was some of the swimwear attire ranging from clowns to a man wearing something like a 'man sock' over his manhood more suitable to the bedroom than the public pool! We were told ... 'women, avert your gaze' and of course all eyes were then focused on him!!

Was just up to support my swimming mates from the Brighton Swimming Club, however, brought my bathing suit ... just in case! Well, I didn't get convinced to race ... I did however get convinced to go for a dip! Ok, so I did a width of the pool, which was 33m, which took roughly 30s!

Here is the photo as proof ...



After that photo was taken, then found out that Holly (my official photographer) didn't get a photo of me in the water ... so ... I had to jump back in to prove that I was actually in the water rather than parading around in my bathing suit! Here I am ... back in the water again ... BRRRR!!!!

However ... Maggie ... this one's for you ... those pesky squirrels get everywhere ... even in the water! Well ... this was post-swim ... and it was a real squirrel (at one time!) ... so it's not just against runners, it's also against swimmers!

Into the rhythm

Had a fabulous hour long run today into the setting sun. It was one of those days that everything just clicked and I was perfectly into the rhythm of the music ... and it felt amazing! I probably could have gone on longer, had I not things to get back home for ... like picking up my bike that's just been repaired (or rather had some much needed and much serious overhaul done to it!)

Perhaps because I had a pretty relaxed day, puttered around and wanted to get out to enjoy more sunshine that I was already mentally 'in the zone' for a chilled run. So, with some great tunes on I felt like I was perfectly in sync to the beat every step of the way. It was easy, it was relaxed and it was perfection! Now that's what I call addictive ... that feel good feeling you get from those amazing runs!!

p.s. went swimming this morning to try out my new winter wetsuit ... and you know what ... it did make a difference! Now, if you consider getting into 4.7C water and being able to know whether something made a difference or not ... it did!! Actually, anything under 5C we can tell the difference for ever tenth of a degree drop!! Hands and feet were like heavy lumps of weights that I couldn't move after the 5+ minutes, even with gloves and boots on, however, body was warm!!

Being 'in the zone' ...

Went to the gym again today and did my 'moving meditation' ... am really loving getting back into the weights and getting focused on the exercises and on the muscles and on the form and on the technique.

It's a different 'zone' than from running. When I run, I do not think of much sometimes while other times I'm thinking of the 101-things swirling around my head. I can get into the zone when the body seems to just flow easily and effortlessly ... usually after about 20 minutes. I can almost feel the 'clunk' when I move into the zone which is like a physical release with a big sigh ... aaaahhhh!!

Yet, when I'm doing weights ... I do get into the zone, it's just a different zone. As I'm focusing on each exercise, each muscle group, which muscles I'm engaging and which muscles I'm engaging when I'm not supposed to be (I try and cheat sometimes to make the exercise easier!) ... it's as if nothing else exists in the world. It's a very chilled place ... and all the stresses and hassles outside are forgotten for a while. Aaaahhhh!!

Mind you, I did finish off with 'foam rollering' to help release the myofascial tissue in the legs (the tissue surrounding the muscles) and it hurt! It's like getting a sports massage, but your doing it to yourself as you roll your legs over a giant foam noodle! I was definitely NOT in the zone for that .... brought tears to my eyes. Me thinks some body work might be in order to get those knots out and rebalance things!! It will be interesting to run tomorrow and see how it feels!!

p.s. got my new winter wetsuit today so am excited to go try it out. Woo hoo!!

Short run, short blog ...

Today I literally squeezed a short run in between things. Definitely like the out and back runs along the seafront rather than around the park. No variety, little of interest to see ... basically boring! As I didn't set a time for how long I was going to run for, and I wanted to stay close to home, I just went around, and around, and around the park. In the end, stayed out for just under 30 minutes.

As I was going to a mind/body workshop for marathon runners, kinda felt I had to get my run in beforehand! Running was more important that eating a proper meal ... so I just chomped on a bar and slugged back some juice while driving to the workshop. Not a great example of balanced and healthy nutrition for an athlete!!

You know you're an addict when ...

Today was the first bright blue sky day in what seems like ages ... and it was calling me out to play! Was able to organize my work to leave just after lunchtime and out to play I went! I am so grateful that I have flexibility with work that I can do that. Even though I knew I had lots of things I could be doing for work ... getting out for a bike ride seemed like the thing I really, really needed to do! Or, perhaps it was like an addict needing a fix ... putting exercise over work?!?

Exercise is such a great stress reliever ... so it was like medicine to me! Called up a biking buddy to see if he was free and he was ... so off we went on a leisurely, and flat, ride ... for 2 hours! What a great way to spend a sunny afternoon. Definitely felt better after!

Then, as it is Tuesday today, and Tuesday is gym day for me ... I decided to stop by the gym on my way home for a quick workout. Funny how I'm trying to get into a routine of exercise, and getting back to the gym is part of that ... so felt I had to go. The guys at the gym thought I was slightly mad for having done a two-hour bike ride before coming to the gym ... moi, mad ... non!

At least I only focused on upper body weights and did lots of stretching ... all beneficial after a bike ride!! Also, doing the bike ride and the gym might count for two lots of exercise and it's 'in the bank' for tomorrow as not sure when I'll squeeze a run in! Is that allowed?!? ;)

Getting others running ...

Went out on a gentle jog after work and hooked up with a friend, Neil, who is just getting back into running. We ran together for 30 minutes, then adding the 6 minutes to get to his place, I ran a total of 42 minutes ... so not bad for an easy day's run!

It was really great for me to share the run with him as I'm known as a bit of a fitness freak within our circle of friends and even though everyone does their own thing exercise-wise, I'm still viewed as the 'freak'!

Right now, Neil is really motivated to get out at least three times in the week as he already has his sights on the London Marathon in 2012. He is starting to get into the habit of running so when his training starts, he'll already be into the swing of things! Running together is helping him get out and get motivated.

Me being me ... I chatted with him for the whole run extolling the virtues of running (or exercising) and how great it makes you feel. Mind you ... I'm preaching to the converted here as many Janathoners are becoming Janaholics of running/exercising and blogging! How many of us might be viewed as 'fitness freaks' just by the mere fact that we've committed ourselves to run/exercise every day in January simply to take part in a competition?!? We're normal, just look around us!!!

Now ... coming back to where I started ... I do love positively influencing others to get into exercise, into running or  even try their hand at triathlon! It's cool to share the excitement, the feel good factor and all the great benefits it gives us. Even if running is not their thing, it's still great to get others into some form of exercise ... or at least a bit more than what they were previously doing! Definitely a great end to the day!

Avoiding going 'over the edge'

Went out biking today with the Brighton Explorers for a much gentler ride than last week ... and what a relief! Today's ride was a three-hour ride, compared to last week's four, and the route Sarah took us on  wasn't so muddy or hard. It was also at a somewhat easier pace and I even got to chat with everyone! Talking last week was a limited possibility!

The ride was not without it's exciting bits. Imagine this ... you're riding up a good steep hill, at your lowest gear, and the wind is pushing you sideways. We were at times literally an angle rather than upright ... and I'm not talking about the angle facing upwards! There was one tricky bit where we were fighting against the wind and if you let yourself get pushed, you'll go over the edge and down a severe drop. It make me light-headed just thinking of the drop!! Definitely didn't want to go 'over the edge' so just kept my focus on where I did want to go, rather than where I did not! Just a 'little' scary!

Although I was tired by the end of the ride, I still felt good and am not hobbling around! Bonus!!

I do have to mention something about last week's ride though ...  I have now found out even more tidbits of details about last week's riders ... some of them are serious competitive mountain bikers! So, quel surpris ... I was at the back and struggling! Forget about the fact that it was my first time out with the group and that the route and mud was horrendous, they were simply out of my league. Saying that, there is a general rule on the sunday rides that they are for everyone so I never felt that they resented my being there ... which is cool!

Looking forward to next week's ride! Definitely believe it's improving my running!

Aaaand ... duck!

Well, made it into the sea today for the first time since Christmas Day and guess what ... the sea's warmed up to a balmy 5C!! After struggling into my wetsuit (ok, so I'm a wuss compared to the other swimmers who are only in their speedos!) I was seriously wondering whether I'd put on that much weight over the holiday season. But I couldn't have ... particularly with all this exercise I'm getting with the Janathon! Another swimmer very kindly suggested it was simply the suit that had shrunk due to not being worn regularly! Thanks Holly!!

Once in the suit, I then had no excuse to not go into the water! Looking rather hesitantly at the sea, which wasn't as rough as last weekend (everyone is still talking about the guy that went into the water after his dog last weekend and didn't make it out) however we decided we'd venture out! The waves were rolling in rather fiercely and we had to duck under the waves not to get tumbled in what we call 'the washing machine'.  Imagine yourself in a washing machine while it's washing and spinning around, and you'll get the picture! We sometimes only just had time to catch our breath before another wave was about to hit. Stayed in for about 10 minutes more just playing than actual serious swimming!

Oh ... and I did the parkrun this morning. It's Saturday of course, so where else would I be at 9am?!? Now wait for this one ... I lopped off 30s from last week's time ... my watch was 24m58s! Not sure how that happened other than I was listening to a new AudioFuel CD which was just a shade slower in beats/minute so I decided to see if I could stretch my legs / have a longer stride length. Also, a friend happened to be out and at one point running beside me. Now, he's a fast runner so I wanted to try and keep up. To my surprise, he dropped off and I called to him to keep up and stick together as I wanted to see how long I could stick with him.  Well, to my surprise I didn't see him until the end. Sorry Ant ... I can't resist boasting a bit ... me beating you at running!!! Maybe it's because he's used to being behind the camera at running events these days!

Also, to add to today's exercise total is the 6 miles there and back to swimming.

So, all in all, a very active day for me. Now it's time to catch up with some work and rest before tomorrow's big bike ride with the Brighton Explorers.

Moving meditation ...

This will be a very short blog as I've had a busy non-stop day. Sometimes I think ... and, what else is new or different?!? I always seem to keep myself busy and do not stop that often. I do enjoy it to some extent however there are times when I just want to jump off that hamster wheel for a while! Mind you, seeing a friend for a long overdue catchup was great and thoroughly enjoyed!

So, what did I do today? I cycled about 2.5 miles to the gym and did a very good weights session, before cycling home again. It's been a while since I've done weights in the gym and I remember how much I love it. It's like a moving meditation for me when I focus on the movement, focus on the muscles being worked, focus on the posture, the form and the technique. I can get very 'zoned out' and definitely get that feel good feeling! Definitely a happy camper after a workout like today!

Social, not serious!

After a busy day, actually a busy week, I really didn't feel like putting on those running shoes and heading out the door ... yet head out the door I did. I actually convinced two friends to come run with me and they kept me company. A bit of social catch up and a bit of running is definitely good for the soul!

Out for 30 minutes at an easy pace. With the wind on our backs and the crashing waves in our ears, we sailed along the seafront. However, when we turned around to come back ... that was a different story ... wind in our faces and rain on our faces! We had been so busy nattering away on the way out that we didn't realize how much harder it would be on the way back. Doable, but just surprising!!

The run was followed by a nice warn hearty soup ... hmmm!

So what will tomorrow bring ... might do a bit of biking, a bit of gym or maybe dancing in heels. Does dancing in heels count as exercise?!?