Wednesday 29 December 2010

Week One of Sixteen.... so far.... not so good!!

Week One:- What a rubbish start to my training.... Day one I was suppose to run 3 miles.... did I manage it? Did I heck....... The shame of it..... struggled to breath during the first mile.... Then I needed to go to the toilet but thought I would carry on... after all it was only 3 miles that I had to run. Half a mile in and I was starting to die.... Only 2.5 miles left to go... Come on Gregory you can do this ...... you have run further... what is wrong with you apart from busting to go to the toilet...
I carry on trying to ignore the fact that I need to go to the loo.... but sooner or later the stomach ache is unbearable and I am now starting to panic thinking OMG I am going to end up doing a Paula Radcliffe in the middle of the High Street!! Not a pretty site.... on I plod but not for much further. I have to stop at 2.47 miles and do the walk of shame home as I couldn't even manage 3 miles... Better luck next time.

Today... was far worst than Monday.... Today I am suppose to run 4 miles..... I end up going to bed most of the afternoon as I feel rubbish as I have developed a pathetic cough and earache. So rather than running outside I head to the gym because I am now thinking 4 miles on the dreadmill is better than no miles at all. Gutted as the gym has decided to close early so looks as though the only running I will be doing tonight is running a bath......

Hopefully things will get back on track real soon... but hey the bonus is... I can walk pain- free now... whoop whoop so things are looking up and I have cut back on the painkillers.

Thursday 9 December 2010

Awesome Boot Camp

Wow.... what an awesome session at Boot Camp this morning.... Session focused mainly on the abs, chest and bum..... WHY???
Because it is the start of the partying season and your boobies are the first thing that enter the room and your bum is the last thing to leave and you defo do not want your stomach to be bigger than your boobies...
I was planning on going running tonight but my ribs are too sore... Plus I keep trying to do a four minute plank but so far not having much luck but it is great fun making others in the office get on the floor to see if they can do it...
Today's Advent Calendar Challenge was an easy one... so excited about what is in store tomorrow!!

Friday 3 December 2010

Snow Boot Camp completed

Way to go me.... I signed up for three weeks boot camp as a pre-marathon fitness kick-start...... What a brilliant week. It has been despite getting up most morning at 5:15am to be at camp for 6am.
When I signed up I wasn't expecting a white boot camp but it has been awesome fun with some pretty amazing ladies... ( I use that term loosely!!) Nothing was stopping us from getting fit... what hardcore athletes we are becoming... hill runs in the snow, press-ups in the snow. sit-ups in the snow..... everything in the snow!!! Plus of course a few snowballs being thrown here and there.
Today was a brilliant way to end an awesome week with body combat ....... Boot camp style. Oh boy was that fun.... and such an amazing workout.
I so cannot wait for next week.
Oh oh oh not only did I complete week one of boot camp...... I have also completed 3 days of the Advent Challenge Calendar by Stuart Amory of InKilterFitness.co.uk

Sunday 14 November 2010

Regent's Park 15K

Awesome fun and soooo nice to be running in the rain!!! Thank goodness it wasn't too wet and windy.

What lovely views there were around the park....... The first view was seeing the lovely Ben as I pulled up outside the park. I suddenly remember the reasons why I loved running... especially when he took of his top to put on his Stroke running vest. If he was my personal trainer I would be super fit and willing to train everyday come rain or shine!!

The race (run) started with a two minutes silence.... very emotional start and then we were off.....
I was well impressed with my performance today 15K in 1 hour 37. Not bad for me especially as there were loads of inclines. It was hard work but really enjoyed being out in the fresh air. It wasn't quite as fast as my 1 hour 24 on the treadmill but I am not that fussed as it was the best I have felt with outdoors running.. ever!! Way to go me!!

Sunday 7 November 2010

Mud Galore!!

Awesome weekend with Miss Zoe Hill...... Saturday morning started with bride's and bridesmaid's dress fitting..... I loved the lady in the shop... she thinks I will do well in the Marathon and lose loads of weight... and has every faith in me to lose two dress sizes..... There was me thinking it was suppose to be about the bride... Mind you I don't think the bride wanted it to be about her as she had gone up at least 2 dress sizes due to her hips!! mwah haha in an evil laughter... somehow I think the lady got her measurements wrong!!!

Fireworks, grinders and erm... totally Take That.. (load of pooh!!) but the fireworks were awesome. Not forgetting the wine!!

Today.... 4 mile Cross Country run with Zoe.... and boy didn't I know I was in the countryside... I was nearly sick with the smell when we entered the farm. Couldn't stop giggling when I saw the muddy path that we had to run up!! Slipping and sliding and dodging the stinging nettles and this was all within the first mile... When we got into a park area it was beautiful as it was a nice crisp sunny morning. I know Zoe said that we had a hill to run up but that was no hill.... It was defo a mountain.

Wednesday 3 November 2010

7K isn't quite 17K but not going to beat myself up over it!!

Well..... training is pretty lame this week but it is OK as this is only pre-marathon training after all!!

Yesterday's plan was to run 17K...... Had a lovely pasta lunch with Liz Terry after a busy day in court. Next time I won't go for a creamy dish as it disagreed with me slightly..... Oh the shame of having to stop mid-run because my spaghetti came out of my nose... Not the most attractive look I've created in the gym. I thought it was bad enough that I sound like Puff the Smoking Dragon when I run but now this... what a nightmare. Thank goodness the cute arse was infront of me and not beside me but the guy next to me was like ewwww as I pulled the spaghetti out.. How painful? Very.. It brought a few tears to my eyes. So I only managed 7K in 36 mins which isn't too bad for me!!

Today I thought I would give the 17K another go but made a fatal mistake and asked Craig what time he did his in which was 1 hour 23 mins... Haha I ran 15K in 1 hour 24 mins so there was no way I was going to keep up.... but..... the competitive side of me got the worst of me. In my head my plan was to run the first  7K at 12KPH and then drop down to 11KPH and not go below 10.4KPH..... I knew things were not going to plan when I started at 12.1 KPH for the first 2K... then increase it to 12.2... 12.4...... think I dropped back down to 12. I got bored and thought just run 7K... 7K is better than no K.. Not as good as the 17K but I knew that was not going to happen... The next min it was 13KPH and up to 14. OMG what on earth am I doing? I just hope my legs keep up with the treadmill otherwise I am going to be falling on the guy behind me who is doing sit-ups... I wasn't even sure if it was worth falling off the back as there was no way on earth was I going to turn around and try to check him out!!

So I left the gym in shame again as I only did 7K but result I did it in 34 mins and 2 seconds!! Whoop whoop way to go me!!! Not quite the game plan but hey hoe!!

Sunday 31 October 2010

Awesome Sportsman Run

OMG..... I was so glad that the clocks went back this morning as I didn't get home until 4am. I had a fantastic night at TheatreMAD Les Mis Gives concert at the Prince of Wales Theatre.  Such amazing performances from the cast of Les Mis and also front and back house plus the theatre fireman. If you haven't been to a TheatreMAD event you really should go. West End Christmas is the next one at St Paul's (The Actors') Church in Covent Garden on 5th December 2010.

Despite my late night show I managed to run 8.5 miles. It was great fun running with Dawn, Sue, Peter and Steve. Ran to the Sportsman Pub but woe is me they wouldn't stop for a quick beer before we turned back. This run was great as it was outside in the fresh air and rain!!! It makes such a difference running outside, especially when you run out of path and end up running on pebbles on the beach and jumping over the breakwaters.... those cobbles in the London Marathon will be easy peasy after this run!! Shame it was only 8.5 miles though and not 26.2 but hey it's a great start. It's also great to know that Peter is also running in the London marathon so looks as though I will have a running buddy for those long runs.. like 8.5 miles isn't long!! However, I shall be keeping a more careful eye on Peter as he got a lift after he stopped off for a pee!!

Mind you this is only pre-marathon training... roll on the serious training end of December.... I can't believe I had to run up a massive hill right at the end.... mind you I cheated as I walked up it... next time I will be running up it!!!  Dawn has offered to ride her bike when we get to the 20 mile stage in our training... I am so going to make sure she does that... haha I would much rather run it than suffer with a sore arse!!!

Next challenge this week is 17K.... cheers for that one Craig.

Awesome Sportsman Run

OMG..... I was so glad that the clocks went back this morning as I didn't get home until 4am. I had a fantastic night at TheatreMAD Les Mis Gives concert at the Prince of Wales Theatre.  Such amazing performances from the cast of Les Mis and also front and back house plus the theatre fireman. If you haven't been to a TheatreMAD event you really should go. West End Christmas is the next one at St Paul's (The Actors') Church in Covent Garden on 5th December 2010.

Despite my late night show I managed to run 8.5 miles. It was great fun running with Dawn, Sue, Pete and Steve. Ran to the Sportsman Pub but woe is me they wouldn't stop for a quick beer before we turned back. This run was great as it was outside in the fresh air and rain!!! It makes such a difference running outside, especially when you run out of path and end up running on pebbles on the beach and jumping over the breakwaters.... those cobbles in the London Marathon will be easy peasy after this run!! Shame it was only 8.5 miles though and not 26.2 but hey it's a great start. It's also great to know that Pete is also running in the London marathon so looks as though I will have a running buddy for those long runs.. like 8.5 miles isn't long!! Mind you this is only pre-marathon training... roll on the serious training end of December.... I can't believe I had to run up a massive hill right at the end.... mind you I cheated as I walked up it... next time I will be running up it!!!  Dawn has offered to ride her bike when we get to the 20 mile stage in our training... I am so going to make sure she does that... haha I would much rather run it than suffer with a sore arse!!!

Next challenge this week is 17K.... cheers for that one Craig.

Thursday 28 October 2010

Wahoo for Combat

What a great day..... Started off by going to see Toy Story 3... Awesome film... Shall defo go and see it again. Then did a bit of shopping... It was great as well buying clothes that are 1 or 2 sizes smaller!!! Bit of lunch... nice relaxing bath and a quick power nap... All nice and fresh and then it was a quick 3K in under 15 mins and then I walked 3K. Followed by an awesome combat session... I got the right old giggles in it cos we got told off (again) for doing it wrong... There was no letting up from Kelly though... Think we would have had to stay there all night long until we got it just perfect!!!
Great fun though as per norm. Followed by more shopping and a quick couple of drinks in the Wine Bar... non-alcoholic though.. Roll on tomorrow night as I am allowed wine and chocolate again.. whoop whoop!

Wednesday 27 October 2010

Well impressed with myself!!!

Wahoo....... Someone set me the challenge of running 15K today so the run was on..... Please note I said run and not race as he is fit... and I'm trying to get fit!! I managed to complete it in 1 hour 24 mins 58 seconds.. Not bad really and I ran 10K in 55.34. This is the quickest I have ever run so I am really really chuffed with myself. Not sure if I would be able to manage it again but it's a start.
Just waiting for Craig to get back with his time.... no doubt it will be really quick as he ran a half marathon in 1hour 44 mins!! Looks as though I am going to have to try and get fitter quicker!!!

Update.... He did it in 1hour 14 mins.... So to be far I did really well.... so now I am double impressed with myself and have treated myself to some ice-cream..... that's how it is suppose to work isn't it??

Tuesday 26 October 2010

It's way too windy and chilly out there!!! I was going to go for a run in the gym but instead I chose to run a bath... a far more relaxing option... Shall get back on track tomorrow. If I can't get into spin I shall go for a run in the gym... Think I am turning into a fair weather runner at the moment.. Even thinking about getting my passport sorted and booking a 'running' holiday abroad..... any excuse.

Sunday 24 October 2010

OMG I forgot what it's like to run outside!!

First time in along time since I have been running outdoors..... and oh my God I remember why as the outdoors has hills!!! Had a good run with Dawn and Sue round Boughton this morning. Apparently wherever you go in that area you come across them!! Good session though and it was so much better than running in the gym.
Nice steady 4 mile run..... and running in the countryside was great... Staffy would love it... but there again I like her city running when tramps are sick on her as it's more entertaining for me!!

Saturday 23 October 2010

Lazy Day

Had a lazy run today.... Only did 2 miles.... bbrrrr it was so windy along the seafront. Took Petra with me today and what a nightmare she was..... she stopped off and sniffed every tree and lamp-post that was going!!!
But hey at least we got out there and ran 2 miles......
Tomorrow running with Dawn and Sue...old pro's so should be interesting to see if I can keep up as I couldn't the last time I ran with them!!

Thursday 21 October 2010

Day Four

Stressful day so wasn't in the mood for running tonight but my new forerunner 405 CX arrived so I just had to go out for a little run to play with it!! I love it!! Not though I know how it works as such but I shall read the manual!!

After my one-mile run I went to Combat as part of my get fit campaign. I was only half-heartily punching to start off with but Kelly said Am I the only one pissed off here?? Which reminded me I was too!! WOW what a work-out and anger management all rolled into one! I wasn't just punching empty air and space.... there was someone there right in from of me ( I won't mention anyone's name but...) I went for a knock out in round 1! Result... what a winner I was!!

Great fun and what a stress buster so cheers Kelly for an excellent session and thanks to KT and Debbie for yet another girlie visit to the Wine Bar.... How good am I? Day four and still no chocolate or wine.. Mind you I was tempted for a glass of wine tonight to unwind and relax but I didn't need to as Miss Gooch made me laugh and smile and so did Team Coach Staffy as some tramp was sick all over her trainers when she was out running!! EEEWWW gross

Wednesday 20 October 2010

Day Three:- No longer a spin virgin!

OK... so much for giving my legs a rest tonight.... The lovely Debbie made me go to my first spin session. Wahoo I am no longer a spin virgin..... not surprised after having to sit on that saddle..... Mind you after a few minutes, I wasn't allowed to sit on it. OMFG my thighs were burning within seconds.

I wasn't sure what was in store when the lights went out and the disco lights came on... had a little giggle to myself.... thinking spin could get interesting if there were some nice male totty in the room, but alas there were non!! So into my little fantasy world I went and changed a few people in the room... Mind you that was short-lived... a bit like me standing up and cycling.  I thought Kelly was bad with her 4 more. 4.... 3....2..... 2.... 2.......2.....1..... I shall never be suckered into Sean's 30 seconds ever again... I watched the clock 1.5 mins pass and omg will are still at it....

Awesome fun though.... but you know you obviously look like shit when the instructor comes along and gives you his water to drink..... Oh the shame of it!!

Great night out in the Wine Bar to finish the night off with Debbie, KT, Jude and Neil... Thanks guys for being fab!

Day Two

OMG.... it was soooo early.... I got up at 6am so that I get used to it when the real serious marathon training starts. With my eyes semi-closed... I managed to wake up the rest of the house... hee hee if I am up then they can get up too.... Only kidding.... I thought I was quiet!!
I was in the gym.... ran 3.5K interval training then I did 1.5K on the cross trainer... hated every minute of that one as my thighs were burning. So instead of leaving I decide I shall cycle for 20 mins.... 20 minutes later I manage to clock a respectful 11.6K.. I am well impressed as I wanted to give up at 5K but nope I set myself a target of 20 mins so I was going to do it no matter what.

Cheers KT for coming to the gym with me.... you were a star as per norm.

Still no chocolate or wine despite my sister buying me a bar of chocolate...  I think she did it so that she could have two!!

Monday 18 October 2010

Day One!!!

WAHOO!! I am well impressed with my little kick start to getting fit.... Day one and I have decided to give up chocolate, wine, crisps and junk food until Friday 29th October. Managed the first day without any problems and no cravings!! Probably cos I ate so much crap over the weekend.

I went to the gym after work tonight and I ran 9K and cycled 15K which was my plan of action for the night. I am well impressed considering I wanted to just step off the back of the treadmill after 3K but was worried Team Coach (Staffy) was going to moan at me (again!!) She told me off as I didn't logged enough miles.... I did 29 miles..... I didn't think that was too bad considering!! Plus I had a game of squash.. Well if you can call it a game... it was more like OK I shall walk to the corner pick up the ball and throw it back to you.

Hope Day two goes well.... Not sure what target I am going to set myself yet though..

Sunday 17 October 2010

Saturday 16 October 2010

Well training is back on track.... Friday night I went and had a look around a new gym..... Not bad apart from I did 10 lengths and spent the next two hours in the spa and steam room.. Not sure if this is the right gym for me....
Today, I went to the gym and cycled 10K and ran 3K. Not bad. Could have managed running further but had a sharp stabbing pain in my knee so thought it was probably best to stop! I am thinking maybe the other gym would be a good idea after all as I could do the gym session and then finish with a nice relaxing swim and session in the steam room.
I so need to find a Marathon Training Programme.

Thursday 14 October 2010

Taking It Easy This Week

Taking this week nice and easy before my serious training starts for the London Marathon. Exploring a few different training programmes..... If anyone knows a good one to follow please send me the link as I have no idea what I am doing!!!
Starting to run with Canterbury Harriers next week..... so hopefully that will make training a lot easier..