New Goals and Killer Session

After I completed my target jeans goal 20 days early I was like wahoo…. That’s amazing, OMG I did it I did it…… but then I was like erm…… what shall I do now? I struggled for a little while as to what I was going to set my new goals to be…… as for me it has to be sporty rather than looks or about my figure…. As if I am going to train for an event my body would change as I know I would be busting a gut to achieve my goals.

So I have finally settled on going down another jean size and get a better set of abs for when I go to Thailand end of July…. This has turned into a bit of a competition as the other girlies that I am going with want the perfect beach body and I don’t want to be left out!! However, once my leg gets fixed this goal will go out of the window and then it will go back to some form of sports related challenge…. However, I shall probably have to start off with a 5K run then build myself up to a half marathon so that I don’t injury my leg again. Also I have decided I want to play squash at club level and then look at getting back into play squash for the county…. Probably not the best choices of sport with dodgy knees/legs but I love the sports and I’m not quite ready to play netball…. Sorry to all you netballers!

I had various gym free workouts over the weekend…. And then on Sunday. I decided if I am serious about achieving my new goals I need to be disciplined to achieve them… I thought right Gregory you were organised when you were training for the marathon… and this is the same stance I need to take now… SO I planned my workouts for the week…. Menus I even programmed in rest days as well…

So Sunday night I laid out my gym kit at the end of my bed…. Kettlebell in the dining room which I seem to have converted into my home gym… yoga mat at the ready and music all set up so I am ready to rock and roll… I prep my lunch and chop up the veg for my stir-fry as I will need to work before I can workout so that I have had my painkillers… sorted…. I go to better feeling 100% satisfied that I will defo achieve these goals!

Monday I had an awesome Gym free session….  I had 20 Kettlebell exercises where I worked hard for 30 secs then had 10 secs rest….. These included double handed swinging; left and right hand; snatches, cleans. ( I think they are called that!!) Grand Slam. Horn out and in…. horn up and down….. these are my ways of remembering what I am doing!! 

2 mins rest and I am now on the floor having a killer abs session… this time I am working for 30 secs with 10 secs for 24 exercises….. Oh boy my abs are working… Flutters, plank, flutters more plank, abdominal pendulums. Apple catchers and lots lots more

This was defo a workout I needed tonight as I am in for a really busy and stressful week and exercising is relieving the stress big time.

Tonight Tuesday…. I really went for it big time…. I can’t remember how hard I have worked like this on my own….. Tonight I had planned to work for 60 seconds with a 10 sec rest for 10 kettlebell exercises followed by a 2 mins rest and the I repeat the same set of exercises again…. Half way through the second set…. I am struggling not only physically but I am working so hard I am now worrying that the kettlebell is going to fly out of my hand and smash through the dinning room window…. Result I have managed to complete all of it… Well chuffed as I wanted to give up at exercise 6 but loads of positive thoughts came into my head… so onwards I went…. I was so pleased when I was allowed to rest for 2 mins but half of me was like OK I am all pumped now let’s get on with it but I knew I defo need the recovery period… The last set of 10 exercises were a mixture of kettlebell and the plank flutters but I had to change the flutters to abs cycling as I was all tight in my legs so had to change it as there was no way I was giving up on my workout….

Oh my god that was amazing….. oh and I downloaded some music thing that tells you when you should work rest and it also tell you you are 15 mins in half way through and so many seconds left to go etc..

You can download it here…Spartacus 60:15 interval workout music

WAHOOO I DID IT!!!!!!! Before my target date!!

OMG……… yeah I did it I did it!! I had a target jean size for 17.04.2011…. This was when I was suppose to be running the London Marathon in said target jean size….. so that it would be easier to run…..

Today Monday 28^th March I went shopping to buy my jeans so that I knew how much work I would have to put in over the next three weeks….. but WWWWAAAAHHHHHHHHOOOOOOOOOOO I did it!!! I still can’t believe it….. I did it I did it! How bloody chuffed am I? VERY….. what an awesome feeling that I managed to achieve my goal before my target date in just over 3 weeks to go….

I feel so sorry for the people in my office when I go in on Wednesday to show off!! If I am totally honest I didn’t think I would achieve this goal as it was set before I injured my leg… but I wasn’t going to let this prevent me from training….

I had the most amazing support and guidance from Stuart Amory to achieve this goal that we set on 15.02.11 and here we are on 28.03.11 and I have DONE IT!!! When I injured myself on 20.02.11 I thought all of my targets had gone out of the window.. most of them had to be changed as they were running related and the fact that I am on crutches at the moment has prevented me from running in the scheduled events. However…. The only goal left that was not running related was the target jean size for 17.04.2011…… and yes I am going to say it again… I DID IT!!!

I managed to achieve my goal by listening to Stu…. Paying attention to my body and learning to rest rather than just pushing it beyond it’s limits. There has been a lot of tears along the way as my other goals had slipped by but I am so over that now… I had one goal left to achieve that I was more than capable of achieving it. We used a mixture of kettlebell, TRX and bodyweight exercises and wahoooo mission accomplished.

If you also want to achieve great result you could always book onto Ultimate Gym Free Workshop where you will have the opportunity to learn how to use the exercises that I have used and also information regarding nutrition and clean eating.

Trip Down Memory Lane

Today I said ‘Goodbye’ to my childhood hero…. Ron Gawler…. What a true English Gent, Incredible Champ and Legend he was.  I had the utmost respect for Ron as he taught me so much in my younger days of playing squash both on and off the court. I remember two very valuable lessons from him about winning gracefully and also losing in a good sportsman spirit. Ron spent hours with me throughout my time at Canterbury Squash Club chatting and encouraging me to play… and also helping me with my homework so I could get in an extra game of squash! I also remember him telling me off and I was mortified… I had to play Ron in one of the club tournaments… here I was playing my hero and I was beating him but I didn’t want to win as I respected this guy way too much….. I started to drop the ball into the tin and serve out of court…. I lost a game to him…..  Ron followed me out of the court and gave me one of those ‘chats’ about winning gracefully without humiliating your opponent. I knew this meant that I had to beat him but I so didn’t want to…. Just cos I beat Ron didn’t stop him from being my hero but I was so worried that this would happen. Ron was an amazing all round person and sports champ…. He was a Professional Footballer, awesome runner… completed 50 marathons  20 years competing in the Snowdonia Mountain Race and only took up running at 51…  Squash player…. Was outstanding…. Club Champ and won 10 veteran’s national titles. I was well proud to know that he even managed to get half way up Snowdon on crutches at the age of 72.

Even in his death he will still continue to inspire me to achieve and win gracefully.

I maybe out of the marathon this year but next year I shall complete it and think of him as I cross that finishing line.

I was so glad I was on crutches though today as there were so many people saying their goodbyes to Ron…. Not everyone could fit in… but some kind man gave up his seat. It was so nice to see so many familiar faces too. It was great to remember Ron for his achievements and I was so proud that he was and always will be my childhood hero as he never got knocked off the pedestal that I placed him on. Not many people get placed on the pedestal but Ron was definitely a person that was worthy to be on it.  

Road to London 2011 goes on a slight detour

Road to London 2011 is going on a slight detour but it’s not the end of the world. I injured my ‘good’ leg on 20^th February and I did the sensible thing for once and stopped! So I haven’t done any running since then but I have continued to train with Stu, the good old faithful Kettlebell and TRX. I would have been a nightmare if I didn’t have these in my life. I remember when I was about 13 and I knackered my right wrist messing around with friends which forced me out of playing squash for a few weeks but there was no stopping me… I needed to play so I taught myself to play left handed!!

Anyway my goals for 2011 were as follows:-

Do a 4 min plank by 15.03.2011…. just so that I could open window 6 in my Advent Calendar… Mission completed on target date with 4 mins 5 secs!!

Reading Half Marathon in 2.05 yeah right I think it was 1:59…. 20.03.2011…. target aborted for THIS year… but there is always next year!

London Marathon 2011 (17.04.2011) in 4.30… not with Stu…. 4:25…. Very sneaky Stu gets you pushing yourself even harder than what you already would have been to reach the 4.30 goal…. Well today I have finally filled in the withdrawal form and hit the send button.

Get into a target size pair of jean by 17.04.2011….. I am sure I will be able to do this as my body shape is changing big time through my workouts with the kettlebell… plus I had a sneaky peek last week and managed to get my thighs and backside into them… I was really shocked my this! Haha

The London Marathon was still a goal yesterday although deep down I knew I was fooling myself….. it is so difficult to give up on something that you want and know that you can achieve…. This year is the fittest I have ever been…. Was discharged from the hospital regarding my dodgy leg… shame I now have a new dodgy leg… something tells me maybe I should just give up on running and do something else… but there is no chance of that happening…. I shall just put the London Marathon Goal to 2012… At least this way I will be ready for it… and I shall be back stronger!! How many sleeps to go?? Roughly 395.

Motivated and training isn’t going to stop just because I have been forced to withdraw from the marathon… I have set myself a new goal…. To run the Royal Parks Half Marathon in October 2011 and get a Personal Best… I haven’t quite worked out a realistic time for this yet but there is still plenty of time to go.

Another goal is to STOP AND LISTEN TO MY BODY….. which I have already started to do… I gave myself until 5pm to withdraw from the marathon and I have already sent the form off by 9am! Well proud of myself… I should have done it ages ago but wasn’t quite ready to give up the dream of running the marathon becoming a reality in 2011…. Just looks like this will take place a year later… so it’s no big deal in the grand scheme of things. Now I can concentrate on getting my leg fixed and start with a few 5K’s and 10K’s at least this way I will increase my speed.

Yesterday……. I had the most amazing and awesome session with Stu…. This was definitely what I needed this week….. been a little bit stressed as I knew the Marathon goal was slipping away and it didn’t matter how hard I trained without using my leg or whether I rested my leg I knew I shouldn’t be getting to that start line. Is was silly to try and kid myself if I can just score a few hours or days without hitting a 6 or a 10 in pain… I have ever chance… oh well… so over that now…

My session was my best one by far……. 100% in the zone for the session…. Mixture of kettlebell and TRX and boy was it tiring. I really went for it today as I knew the technique to swing correctly and I didn’t have to think about it too much… just that I need to snap the string tense the core and put in 100% and some into it! I think I defo did this.

My dodgy leg started to play up but nothing major….. too much standing was playing on it but Stu is ‘the man’ and off we go… for a walk… haha a walk what a nightmare…. I am having to walk….. I bloody well want to be running but it’s just what I need… then we are back on programme…. Swinging and effort is amazing…. Getting tired and tired and really going for it. Onto the TRX for exercises and back to Kettlebells…. Got some ‘new moves’ on both the TRX and Kettlebell….. Then what a mere.. I do something to my old bad leg….. what a wally…. I didn’t even do anything wrong and here I am in bloody agony…. Stu doesn’t even have to say anything…. Like and you still want to run the marathon as I now know I am defo out!

‘Louise where are you going?’ says Stu…. As I am walking away… OMG… how embarrassing…. I have just been sick!!

Oh great….. there is me thinking I am going to have to stop but nope wahoo…. Stu’s magic hands and other exercises do the trick and my leg is OKish. I am so glad we carried on with adapted exercises as I left my session feeling really good but also with a reality check that I needed to withdraw from the marathon.

Then we have the “Let’s Talk’ chat……. I am starting to get better at this…. Still need to learn not to say ‘it’s fine’ but I am getting there. We discuss the marathon and next years marathon… new goals……. I am defo looking forward to working towards them…. Just because my goal of the London Marathon 2011 is over doesn’t mean I have to give up… I have just moved the goal post… and it’s going to be fun and hard work training towards them.

Awesome Tuesday!!

Today Tuesday I woke up really crap as I had such a shit day yesterday. This will tell you why I had such a crap time……

I took last week off work as I was in loads of pain with my leg and yesterday I thought right enough is enough get yourself back to work.. take yourself off the painkillers as you need to be off these if you have any chance of running The Marathon! BAD MOVE!! But hey at least I have learnt from it…

I saw my boss on my return to work… unfortunately he asked the dreaded question.. how are you? Well I thought to myself I am feeling really f’ing crap I probably shouldn’t even be at work.. oh no.. That’s right I am not suppose to be in work as officially I am on annual leave but thought why waste a day… I don’t need it off.. I will ask for Wednesday off instead. So I put on a big smiley face and tell him I am really well thanks and it’s good to be back… I had to lose eye contact quickly, hoping that he wouldn’t see right through me…. But he said Are you really? Unfortunately I can’t lie to save my life so I had to say yeah I am fine but not really… then whoosh the floodgates opened…. This is so not what I needed this morning…. However, he was really really supportive and looked at ways as to how I could manage to remain at work and make things easier for me. Plus we discussed the fact that I still want to run the marathon and was supporting my decision as to whatever it was going to be… the more I talk about it the more I know I won’t be running it this year but I cannot quite get myself to fill in the form…. The worrying thing is I am actually thinking I can’t even cope being on my leg all day walking up and down the corridor and stairs and just by some small miracle if my leg is better… I WILL BE RUNNING THE MARATHON on 17.04.2011.

The day gets worst and worst….. friends are really supportive.. I am trying to put on this massive smiley face but I am not fooling anyone other than myself…. Anyone would think I was sponsored by Kleenex with the amount of crying I have been doing. I end up going back on my painkillers and keep thinking to myself by me taking these this is giving me false hope that there is that slim chance I will be running… hence why I took myself off them in the first place. However, by coming off them has made me realised that I really do need to go back to my doctors.

So today Tuesday the day I woke up…. I was feeling crap with a score of minus 5! Not a great start to the day I am thinking to myself. It’s one month since a met Stuart Amory…. And today was one of my first targets which was to complete a 4 minute plank… Mentally… I was thinking shit I don’t think I will be able to do this as Stu told me last week not to do plank training… but training and target day in my eyes are different.. so here I go!! 1 minute and I am solid…. 2 mins semi solid and thinking I am a little bored of this but it’s OK as I am watching a really awesome youtube video that is keeping me going… 2:30 mins and I am well and truly struggling but there is no way I am collapsing in a heap just yet… 3 mins 15 seconds… get in and I am defo in Mark’s hurtbox zone now…. 3:45 come on Gregory dig deep.. man-up you have 15 seconds left that’s all… 4 mins 5 seconds… get in I HAVE DONE IT!! This was a bit of a joke target that I set myself as I wanted to open Day 6 advent calendar from Stuart’s advent calendar challenge!! I don’t even eat the poxy chocolate as I am not eating any chocolate until at least 21 April! It was only suppose to be for 2 weeks but then I decided I would reward myself with Kirsty’s chocolates for completing my 20 mile run that I was due to take part in last weekend.. but obviously that didn’t happen!

So already my crappy day from -5 is going up!! I manage to get a doctor’s appointment with my own GP and OMG… someone is listening to me about my leg. Rather than just supplying me with more painkillers he is actually listening to what I have to say.. the history as to how it all started, about the various people I have seen and the advice that I have been given. I leave the surgery feeling 100% better although my leg isn’t and I am having another x-ray on my leg and have been referred for a MRI Scan… Once I actually know what is wrong with my leg I will be able to deal with it and move on etc. Oh and I have been signed off work for a week…. Active rest again as when I was at work I was doing too much.. oooppss.

Reality is sinking in more about not running the London Marathon this year but because I sometimes score between a 2-10.. I keep trying to kid myself…. Well it is only a 2 and if I have more 2’s then I will be able to run. I also think back to last year when I ran 32.75 miles…. I completed marathon miles and I was feeling great although I was very emotional thinking OMG did I really just run a marathon.. but it didn’t count as a major achievement to me as I have always wanted the London Marathon to be my first marathon as everyone rates this as the best marathon in the world. However, I stopped way to long to celebrate this achievement and my other dodgy leg started to cease up but there was no way I was giving up… one more lap and I would have run more than 30 miles which meant I would at least get a medal and a certificate for my efforts…. I put on a big brave face and ran?? Maybe that’s not quite the right word for my movement along the road… but I was plodding along… as soon as I turned the corner I was throwing up my guts and balling my eyes out.. but I had set myself a goal of achieving at least 30 miles and then I could give up and give myself a target for next year to complete the 50 miles.. Well the next 6 miles or so were awful… I could barley walk let alone run.. I had to physically lift my leg with the help of my shorts to be able to put one foot in front of the other… I kept telling myself that is all I have to do is put one foot in front of the other and I will get to the end. My sister comes out on the route looking for me with a friend as I had been ages… and I am like is Mum there? OK so now I panic thinking ooopppss she is not going to be impressed seeing me like this…. A couple more friends and my nephew joined me for the last mile of the run…. 2 and a half hours later I have finally ran those 6 and a bit miles and I am back at the start…. And I have no idea where the inner strength came from but I managed to turn the corner and run to the end! So I think well if I can do that I can do the marathon… however, a friend pointing out to me I was on a different starting level before I did that run whereas at the moment I am already going into with a pain score of 2-10.

So I phone Virgin Marathon and ask when is the last date that I can pull out of this year’s marathon….. the day before… Cool…. So nothing is finalised yet still haven’t filled in the withdrawal form but I know I will make the sensible decision now rather than thinking I am doing it 100%!

My day continues to get better as Make A Difference Trust who I am running the London Marathon for emailed me last week when I told them that I was injured and may not be able to run and they called me today to check that I was OK and not to worry etc but to look after my health. They have also offered me a place to run for them in the Royal Parks Half Marathon in October… This is just what I needed to hear as I now have a new goal to work towards.. although I am not 100% giving up on my marathon goal at the moment… This weekend I am suppose to be running Reading Half Marathon as another target goal that I set with Stu but again… I won’t be able to achieve this goal so now I am re-thinking my goals and have decided I am going to beat said target goal for The Royal Parks Half Marathon in October!! This is making me feel sooo much better already and making me edge more to pulling out of this year’s marathon… nearly there but not quite….

Oh and I have booked a holiday end of July! Something else to look forward to as well…

It’s amazing how you can turn around such a crap day into a really amazing one… score of -5 and now I am unable to score it as I just can’t seem to cap it at the moment as it is just getting better and better.

Ultimate Gym Free Workshop

Wow that was an awesome day I had on Saturday…. Just in case you have no idea what I am referring to…. I attended Stuart Amory’s and Mark Raynsford’s Ultimate Gym Free Workshop

After spending the whole day on Friday worrying about what to pack in my lunchbox… I finally settled down to sleep but I was so excited and worried that I would miss my train I woke up at 1:30am… Great only a few more hours then I will be getting up…….4:40 arrives and I am up and ready to rumbbbbbbbllllllleeeeeee…. I have my breakfast then I have to call my mum to wake her up to give me a lift to the train station as I can’t drive at the moment cos my leg is still a bit dodgy… OMG… the reality has just sank in… I can’t drive a mile down the road in my car but I still want to run 26.2 miles…. OOOPPSS but I still have 28 days to make that final decision… not quite ready to make it even though I know what I should be doing.

5:32 and I am on the train to London…. Wahoo…. I am finally on my way… How on earth can I be soooo excited at stupid 0’clock in the morning…. I could have taken a later train but I wasn’t going to risk being late as it would have meant I would have arrived just on time… if I was lucky.

Some of my mate’s are like why on earth are you getting up so early to travel ALL the way into London for a workshop… whereas others are really supportive and know that this is what I really want to do. Well the reasons for me doing it is obvious in my eyes… sometimes you have to travel the distance to make the difference… especially if you want to train with the best… can’t comment on Mark until I have met him but going on my PT sessions with Stu….this was more than enough motivation for me to get up at 4:40 with a dodgy leg. Just putting my trainers on; I am already in pain and that is without negotiating any steps that I have to make on my journey …. But I know once I get to London everything will be OK.

Kim (leccybird) arrives…. Wahoo… the nervous giggling starts….. Loving Kim’s workout kit… with her killer heels… I so hope she has remember to pack her trainers in her bag.. Others arrive too….. such an awesome buzz of meeting fellow gym free attendees… Keep getting told off for laughing…. As it’s too early and the neighbours are probably in bed!! 

Kim's Killer Heels and new hair do and nails!!

A few others arrive…. And I recognise Ruth who messaged me on Twitter and was also sharing the nerves of attending the group.

Introductions are given by Stu and Mark as to where they have come from and their motivation and reasons for wanting to motivate all those attending the workshops to get fit and healthy. I already knew Stu’s background as I had checked him out big style before I made one of the best decisions in my life to take him on aboard my little road trip to completing the London Marathon in 2011… but that’s a different story altogether! It was good to see not only was Stu human so was Mark with his previous lifestyle.. but he can tell you all about that when you attend the workshops.

Then it is time for some action… wahoooo… everyone is on their feet but not for long loads of different exercises to warm us up… and I am thinking this is just the warm-up you have to be kidding me… surely it’s part of the workout itself!! Pulse is going ten to the dozen and I am loving it… It was such a buzz not to have a care in the world and leaving all work related stuff behind for 8 hours.

I can’t remember the order of ‘play’ for the workshop I am afraid but we were shown some amazing bodyweight exercises. Now if you are having doubts that you cannot do something… you really need to get those negative thoughts out of your head. Due to my injury I was not able to do some of the ‘planned’ exercises but both Stu and Mark came up with alternative exercises for me to complete so that I was still able to work just as hard as the others but within my limitations. I was aware that Stuart was keeping a watchful eye on me to make sure that I didn’t do exercises that would cause me more pain to my leg but I was sensible anyway not to attempt them but use some of the exercises I was shown and to ‘mix them up'.

Goal Setting and chunking was awesome given by Stu.. This was a major key part for myself as my goal is to run the London Marathon 2011.. not 2012 but this year. So goal number 1 was the London Marathon 2011… Unfortunately when it came down to the daily tasks as to what I had to do to achieve this goal.. I knew there was a 90% chance of it not happening as using that good old thing SMART… it wasn’t!! Realistic?? Potentially it is if…. And yes I know it is a very big IF… my leg is fixed in time. I have had this injury now for 3 weeks and there appears to be no let up in it… but if I get to that start line… I was cross that finishing line no matter what.. (wrong attitude to have.. I know)… but like I said I am 90% there to saying ‘pull out’ rather than ‘you are quitting!’.. which is better than Wednesday as I was doing it 100% no matter what. This week I am looking at giving myself some new goals to achieve but at the moment if I am totally honest I have no idea what these are going to be but I am sure I will get there… I know I should really get off this emotional rollercoaster ride and pull out by the weekend… I have gone online so many times to fill in the withdrawal form but I can’t quite bring myself to doing it as that means it is final… I am definitely out of the game for 2011. Deep down I know I HAVE to but I am hoping there is just some slim chance that I might be able to make this goal this year.

Mark gives a talk about nutrition and sleep… Now this guy certainly knows what he is talking about! I have already introduced Spelt pasta rather than normal pasta into my diet and I have certainly noticed the difference, as it is so much lighter. I need to make a few other changes but I am getting there. Good-bye Rosemary Conely (not though I follow it 100%) and hello Mark Raynsford!! There was soooo much information to take in and I am sure Mark could have run a workshop just on it’s own about nutrition and supplements. I am not 100% sure if I buy into the supplement thing yet but that’s my choice and opinion at the moment but I will probably try bits of it gradually over a period of time… I mean after all I tried that disgusting Green Tea (s^!$)… It was nice at 6am when I was half asleep but come 3pm… yuck gross thanks but no thanks! However, I may try something else.. who knows.. mind you I hardly drink tea or coffee anyway. I know that I will be using the information I received during this part of the day to look at my food intake (not diet!!) in more detail and make some changes to it. I am going to get myself organised and follow the food plan and recipes and stick to it as it seems so much easier to do than counting points and thinking is that less than 5% fat!! Haha You will know what I am referring to you know… when you attend!!!

Wahoo then it was my good old friend the KETTLEBELL!! Since I have started training with Stu, the kettlebell has become one of my best friends….. Pressure was on… cos I am thinking OMG… if I don’t do this 100% I am soooo in trouble!! I have already had 2 kettlebell sessions with Stu and I was rubbish the first time…. But I am getting better at it and more importantly I love working out with them. Stu is brilliant at explaining and demonstrating the correct technique and kept a watchful eye on us all to make sure we were snapping the string with our thumbs to our bums and thumbs to the sky… all we become clear! There are so many things that you can do with a kettlebell… I learnt new swings and snatches and jerks,,, figure of 8 and loads loads more!! Please make sure you use the correct technique to pick up and put down the kettlebell… I learnt the hard way to do this as I failed to do it once.. and I have had to run to trees and carry the heavier kettlebell back to the car. On the more serious side.. think of the long-term damage you are doing to your back.

There was plenty of time for Q & A throughout the day and lunch… but there was also a time slot for this to happen….

Finally we finish with the good old DIRTY THIRTY!!! OMG… it was awesome… I am afraid we have all signed the Stuart Amory and Mark Raynsford Official Dirty Thirty Secrets Act 2011… so there is only one way of finding out what this is all about! However….. I would like to say I ran 32.75 miles (in one go) last year and the Dirty Thirty was more knackering than that! The added bonus was it was a lot less HOURS, less physical pain on my knee and 100% enjoyable without any tears..

I know I am bias as I train with Stu but I wouldn’t try to sell something to my friends if I didn’t believe it in 100%. If you have any doubts about whether you should attend this workshop or not.. YOU SHOULD!! Forget things that maybe going through your head… am I too old? Am I too fat? I’m not fit enough to attend! I won’t be able to do the exercises because of x y or z…. I had my doubts as to whether I should attend the workshop due to my dodgy leg.. I had a good old chat with Stu and exercises were adapted so that I could fully participate. If you have any concerns… email either Stuart or Mark as they are both really approachable guys that would be willing to genuinely spend the time with you that you deserve to alleviate your fears.

Then it was down the pub to celebrate our awesome day together... see I told you they were both human!!

ONE MORE SLEEP TO GO!!!

How EXCITED am I??? VERY… Today I have spent most of my day getting organised for Stuart Amory’s and Mark Raynsford’s Ultimate GYM FREE Training Workshop!! What do I pack in my lunch box…. Will they be checking them to see if we pass a test? Messages from others on Twitter what are you taking for lunch… what are you wearing?? Looks like will are all in the same boat and worrying.. haha this so reminds me of the first time that I met Stu… But I have decided not to worry.. We are all there to learn and make the necessary changes.

I don’t think my mum was impressed with me when we went shopping today… Louise shall we get this, shall we get that… I hate shopping at the best of times but today I was like.. no….. shall we go shopping on Sunday after I have been to the workshop!!

I got a new CAKE notebook and coloured pens… If only I was this organised and motivated to complete my PQ but that is on hold until after the Marathon which is in 37 sleeps time… Can’t believe it is now Day 19 without any running. I am not worried that I haven’t been able to run… as training hasn’t stopped and I still have 30 sleeps to improve my leg… I think it is getting better since I have been on the stronger anti-inflammatory tablets.

This afternoon I had a TRX workout in the garden… It was awesome fun. Loved it.

I am so glad I am going on the workshop tomorrow as it is making me even more motivated and determined to rest my leg so that fingers crossed it will be fit enough to run the marathon. Also can’t wait to meet the others that are on the course…..

See you bright and early in the morning!

ALL goals achieved!!

Today I set myself some goals these were to have an awesome day and to make a few people smile and giggle along the way.

I was up early as I needed to call the Doctors at 8am to try and get myself an appointment today. I was trying on one line whilst my mum was trying on the other…. Result managed to get one ay 9:50. Just a slight problem I can’t drive at the moment so I had to call my big sister to come and collect me!

They have changed my anti-inflammatory drugs to stronger ones….. so fingers crossed this will do the trick…. But yet again I have been told see how it goes and come back in a weeks time! A week?? You have to be kidding me…. I want to be running Reading Half Marathon on 20.03.11 so I need to be ready NOW!! I know I am going to have to pull out of my 20 mile run this Sunday but next Sunday… I was hoping to be back…

Anyway things are looking up as I have a session booked with Stuart which I am also dreading at the same time; as he is now going to see how bad I am limping… BUT…. like he said…. just because I can’t run doesn’t mean training has to stop.

Oh pooh…. It’s let’s talk……… What is going on?? OK someone is still in denial… which is me! One minute I think I am out of the game and the next I am back in it… What a rollercoaster this has been for the last 18 days. I keep telling myself I have 39 sleeps to go til the Marathon so if I am OK on the day… I make that starting line I am defo crossing the finishing line…. Deep down I know this is totally the wrong attitude to have but when I have set myself a goal which I know I can do…. I am not giving up on achieving it. Yes Stuart you are right… there is always next year etc but that wasn’t in my game plan and I have already accepted that I am not going to make my target goal but shall just go for finishing…. Then the battle starts all over again…. Is it worth screwing up your leg completely? I am thinking well it will only be temporary as it will get better or fixed!! Decisions decisions….. and it’s not one that I am ready to make just yet as it’s 39 sleeps time and anything can happen between now and then. I agree (well influenced) I now have 32 sleeps time before I make up mind and have agreed that if it is still bad I will pull out… OMG there it is in writing… looks more real… maybe I shall just delete this post from my blog.. pretend it never happened and live in denial until 17.04.11. So tomorrow I have to look at the withdrawal process etc etc

Moving on…. Tears are wiped and the fun begins…. TRX… OMG…. It was amazing and I certainly made someone smile with my lack of upper body strength and huh what did you ask me to do again look! There was sooooooooo much that you can do with the TRX it’s unreal…. Yes Stu I will probably have to call you and ask you what I am suppose to be doing!! Squats, something else…. Pull up thingy and squeeze Louise… Combine the squats and pull up thingy together…..press-ups. Narrow press-ups, wide ones one arm higher than the other one!! OK don’t scratch your nose whilst trying this move as you nearly go splat on the floor! OMG there was loads and loads and loads. Keep your elbows up…. What are you doing? Tense your core… squeeze your butt….. smile stop giggling… what on earth is that? I don’t know… not right I am guessing!! Yeah she did it!! Whoop whoop….. How he puts up with me I do not know! But hey… give the girl a break it’s my first go and I will get better I promise. This is what it’s all about having a great workout and really enjoying it and learning so much. Wahooo…. You can do the plank on it!! More than one plank…. Pffff 4 mins… that’s going to be an easy target sooner or later!! Leg exercises too…. But ooopss that hurt so we don’t do that but fear not back to the squats and yeah everything is fine…. Think I shall have to find a different word for fine…. Maybe it hurts but it’s not that bad…. There was loads and loads of other things too Triceps were used too… haha this is where my lack of upper body strength is defo noticeable. Haha but hey at least it can only get better otherwise I will be splat on my face on the floor.

Cheers Stu awesome day and thanks… I completed ALL of my goals that I set out to achieve. I had an awesome day made a few people smile and giggle along the way…

I met up with my mate Jude at Victoria Train Station and caught the train home together and I told her ALL about my session, which made her, laugh and smile too.

Rollercoaster week…..

Wednesday I was back at the hospital seeing the Emergency Practitioner Nurse. She was a different one from the last time….. but yet again….. she failed to examine my leg apart from looking at it! Not sure what she was expecting to achieve in that… I gave her the history of my leg and asked about second x-ray to rule out stress fracture and told her all about the other bits and pieces of pain that I am now experiencing but alas she did not seem to be interested. She left me and went and spoke to a doctor ( or at least that was what she told me she was doing)…. Came back and said that I didn’t need a second x-ray… So I asked her what was wrong then if you are telling me it’s not a stress fracture and why I am now hurting in all the various different places…. It’s soft tissue injury and can take another 2 weeks before the pain eases…. And gives me lesser pain killers…. Blinking great when the strong ones aren’t really helping.

So off I hobble back to work….

Feeling crap and wished I had booked a session with Stu but never mind…. I settle for a kettlebell workout at home.  1min with 45 secs rest. Double; Single R & L; Alt Arms; Double, Clean Snatches R & L; Double, Single R & L; Double.

Awesome fun and great workout…. So happy as Larry. Then I complete the Plank training workout… Sorry can’t tell you what it is… signed the Stuart Amory Official Secrets Act 2011. So looks as though you will have to wait later on in the year to find out what it is!!

Thursday

I go to ViPR training down the beach which was awesome fun and has so much potential. I couldn’t do all of the exercises as my stupid leg won’t allow me to do it. So I am given different exercises to complete. Could have done with a longer session but at least I am out and about training… so get in!!

Friday….

OUCH!!!!!  Today was a nightmare….. I can barley walk and limping really badly and so glad I had physio booked. George and his magic hands helped but nonetheless the pain is unbearable.

Saturday I spent most of the day in bed or on the sofa with my leg up which really helped. I also complete my kettlebell workout:-

1 min with 45 secs rest:-

double; right; left; double; alt arms; double; clean snatches R & L; double; right; left; double; alt; double; clean snatches R & L; double, right; left; double….. Awesome workout… was planning on setting up TRX but am knackered and thought I didn’t want to over do it as Tonight is my monthly planned night out drinking so that I remain on Level 1.5.  I complete my plank training and then I do another 3 min plank get in!!

My night out is slightly ruined by the pain. Painkillers and alcohol can’t even take it away. Just getting out of the car and I am in agony and thinking how on earth am I going to cope with a night out. What a mere first pub we are in and we bump into a local magistrate…. Best behaviour by all but that doesn’t last!! Chum Chums here we come…. Food was great and the alcohol was flowing….. not sure how we managed it but we ended up with free wine!! What a result… No sambuca for me… as I can’t walk 26.2 miles let alone run it for one shot… Stu’s rules and we all know his rules should not be broken!! I was thinking maybe there could be a loophole in this one seeing as technically I am unable to run therefore this couldn’t be used as a punishment! However, I wasn’t going to risk it!!

Had an awesome night…. Ashmore is a legend, so is Liz and Fiona….. I still can’t stop giggling at Fiona’s comedy walk to the front door….. she avoids the pond laughing that she has fallen in it before then stacks it big time in the middle of the lawn!! Thanks goes to Pearson for the lift home.
A few tears were had today as today I have thought I may not be running in the marathon after all, however, I am not giving in to the idea of not making the starting line. As I know if I make the starting line I will defo be crossing that finishing line even if it takes me days to complete it.

Today Sunday… I have spent most of the day in bed with Ice on my leg

Swimming and WWWAAAAHHHHOOOOO I did it!!!!

Sunday 27^th Feb

Found it difficult to walk this morning….. Not sure why……. I ditched my girlie shoes after 5 mins of arriving at Mr and Mrs Wallis’ wedding reception for flip-flops…. OK so it didn’t really match my outfit but I was not going to risk making my leg any worst than what it already was… I managed to survive the night without an alcoholic drink passing my lips!

Spent most of Sunday sleeping but then went swimming for 45 mins…….. was well pleased…. Did the plank throughout the day but only managed to get to 2 mins 45 mins….. Damn I am short by 15 secs as I set myself the target of a 3 min plank. Although this is not my goal as my goal is a 4 min plank by 15.03.2011.

Today 28^th Feb

I woke up hoping to achieve my 3 min plank challenge but I could only manage 2 mins 30 secs. Gutted but I was not going to be beaten!!

I wore my new skinner jeans to work today and I was like wow look at me!!! So many people commented as to how good I was looking and it felt amazing. Although I need to get smaller tops but don’t think I could cope with such a big transition all in one go…. So next month smaller tops rather than hiding behind baggy ones…

As soon as I got home from work….. I got ready to do the 3 min plank……. OMG I did it…. I struggled towards the end but there was no way I was going to fail it this time…… Quick text to Stu and every Tom, Dick and Harry to say get in I did it!!

Then I did my kettlebell workout with the biggest smile on my face thinking yeah I did it….. I know its not 4 mins but that goal looks more achievable now.

Haha just listen to voice message from Mad Stu…..3 min plank…… and he cannot get excited as he knew I could do it….. but when I do at least 4 mins he will be a little bit happy but not over the moon! God that man wants more!!! I bloody well will give him more…. 4 mins 30 secs here I come… maybe not by the 15.03.11 but I shall get there!!!

Kettlebell Workout at home

Well I had hospital yesterday regarding my dodgy leg…. Good news I have been discharged and they are pleased with the muscles in my leg now…. Got to keep a log though over the next 6 months as to whether it locks and pain etc.

With regards to the new injury it may only be soft tissue/muscle injury but they cannot rule out the stress fracture due to the pain that I am still experiencing.. So shall have to wait for 2^nd x-ray… Fingers crossed it’s not then I shall start to look at physio again and running…. I am well excited…….

Today I went shopping and was well chuffed as I came home with a smaller pair of jeans…. Whoop whoop…. I can now see that the target Stuart gave me being possible whereas I originally thought you have got to be kidding me…. There is no way on earth will I ever get into them….

I had an awesome kettlebell workout….. warm-up then double handed swinging for 1 min with 45 secs rest then right arm, left arm, double, alternative swinging, double, clean snatch either side and back to double swinging. My heart was well and truly pounding during it…… Ave Heart rate was 140 and max 161…. It was more tiring than running 13.1 miles the other week and for less time! BONUS!!!

Watching the rugby now but really I should be getting ready for a wedding reception…. So best I get a wiggle on.

UPDATE

Tuesday morning… I was up at the crack of dawn busy working…. But OUUUUCCCCCHHHH went to walk to the bathroom and I was in agony big time and that was just standing on my leg. I decided I wasn’t going to take the painkillers, as I was worried that if I did I would end up walking too much on it and causing more damage. I phoned the hospital for some advice but I was told that I had to go over…..

What a waste of journey that was… I explained all the symptoms and how much pain I was…. I ended up being sick twice whilst I was there and was worried maybe I shouldn’t be weight-bearing all the time but the emergency practitioner nurse didn’t seem to care… It was only cos I kicked up a bit of fuss that she told me to take my trainer and sock off whilst she got my notes from yesterday’s trip.

She went to compare my leg to my other one… so I told her depending what you are looking at you need to know that this one is my ‘bad’ leg….…. I have ACL deficient….the ACL is hanging on a thread if it hasn’t already snapped completely by now, snapped the cartilage several times, chipped the bone and got a recent diagnosis of osteoarthritis and an ulcer. I couldn’t believe what she said……. As if I wasn’t already upset as it was…. She said to me surely you shouldn’t even be running…… How I refrained myself from saying to her… maybe she shouldn’t eat all the cream cakes in the staff room I do not know… however, I did tell her my orthopaedic consultant said that I could still run, play squash and rugby.

The end result was carry on taking the painkillers and we will see you next Wednesday to x-ray your leg again.

Wednesday 23^rd

Hardly any sleep as I worked from 05:00 hrs to 05:00 and what does the O stand for Oh my god that’s crazy!…. Not good but at least I finished work at 1:30pm and then I jumped on the train to London for another session with Stu.

Yet again I had the most amazing session. I still hurt from Friday’s session…. And yeah more squats!!! Get your arse down and in…… I am thinking it is in…. it’s just big so it sticks out more than the average person! But nope…. got to remember to stick it in and push straight up rather than out and up! Certainly notice the difference when I do it correctly.

Go over the swings from the last session….. haha I managed to save myself with the new swing…. Thank goodness!! Clean Snatch…. Wahoo way to Gregory… You managed to do it….. I think I just need to go with the flow rather than think too much about what I have to do. The time just flies by and it was so nice to be out in the fresh air exercising.

I came away from the session feeling really positive and thought….. it’s OK that I can’t run at the moment. If I carry on doing everything that I have been told to do my Stu and George I am highly likely to make that starting line… I know for one thing… If I am on that starting line I will defo be crossing the finishing line no matter what! It just might not be in the time goal that I have set myself.

I leave Stu and call Staffy to meet up with her but she is too lazy to walk to meet me so she sends me on a little tube ride. I get to the tube station and I pause at the top of the stairs and get ready to embrace myself to the pain of walking down the steps… I think I may have even closed my eyes in anticipation of it… but result…. I managed to walk down them without any aches and pains!! BOOONNNNUUUUUUUUUSSSS

Catch up with Staffy for a good old gossip and dinner….. no alcohol…… Still on Level 1.5 for this month!

Thursday 24^th

Feeling really light-headed most of the day…. I am guessing it is due to the painkillers as I haven’t changed anything with my food apart from I am not easting as much pasta.

Completed Day 2 of the Plank Challenge.

Things are looking up!!

Yeah...... Now I have got over the initial shock of my leg...... I am thinking positive and that it is just a blip in the game plan and at the end of the day..... game plans get adjusted all the time.... So that is what we have done!! No running for the time being but that doesn't mean that I have to sit on my backside... active rest is the way forward.
Chat with Stu cheered me up.... Just completed my kettlebell workout..... not sure if I did it 100% right as I got confused when I got tired... and don't tell him I nearly broke the rules... but I remembered just in the nick of time (phew!!) I even felt the look of panic in my face!
Enjoyed the workout and was really focused so I progressed onto Day 1 of Week 2 Plank Challenge and wahoooooo I did it!!! Well impressed..... things are good and looking better already.
It's also great to see so many old and new friends are supportive...... to keep me going.... so hopefully there will be no more tears.... just tears of joy as I cross that finishing line in 55 sleeps time!!!

Lots of tears!!

Sunday morning, I was all up and ready for my long run that was 15-17 miles. Was feeling good and thighs had eased from my kettlebell session so I was looking forward to my run.

Once Yvette arrived I headed to Whitstable to meet the rest of the Whitstable And North Kent Easy (I like to call it Elite but we can all dream) Running Society!! God knows who came up with that name but hey I am a WANKER!! What an honour!! We wait for the rest of the group and off we head….. All was well until we bumped into Pete (our nominated Team Coach)… I got a bit emotional to see him standing on the sidelines as he should have been running with us but unfortunately he was jumped on the way back from the squash club last weekend and was still suffering with bruised ribs. As per norm he offered us all his encouragement and support and told us to get on our way…….

As I am running along I am chatting away to Dawn telling her all about my kettlebell session and the fun that I had. She mentions that I am limping… I think cheeky cow no I am not…. As I feel fine…. Enjoying this easy pace that we were running at rather than pushing myself… I had to keep telling myself don’t push hard this is suppose to be a long slow run and it’s about covering miles rather than speed. Mind you 9 min/miles are going through my head… and I am like wow 9 min/miles for 26.2 miles….. how on earth am I going to keep that up but still 8 weeks to go so it’s achievable if I stick to the game plan!

Here I am running into the wind… the rain has stopped… wahoo mind you it stopped as soon as we got out of the car so it’s not really as though I ran in the rain!!

It was good to be having my usual plod of running…. Listening to chill out tunes rather than let’s push myself ones… I’m too embarrassed to even tell you what I was listening to but I loved it… made me smile and giggle… Mind you I was also reliving my kettlebell session with Stu.. thumb to you bum and snap the string whilst I was telling Dawn all about it…. Dawn, Sue and Steve dropped out at the Coastguard House and were heading back home…. OMG Dawn said she was off home for a Bacon Sarnie….. I can’t remember the last time I had one of those… defo haven’t had one in 2011.  Now there are only 4 of us left to carry on to Reculver Towers.

As we approach Hampton….. I am like are we going up the hill or taking the flat along the seafront…. The others look at me and say haha Lou you are running with us… it’s the flat… (secretly I am thinking GRRRRREEEEEAAAAATTTT).

Everything is going well still….. not tired; nothing hurts; thighs don’t ache; nothing is stopping me…….. shame this didn’t last….. Had a slight twitch in my good leg just before 6 miles but didn’t think anything off it… carry on running as I think… it will be OK, I will see if I can run it off…. Then come the stairs…. Got to climb them to get on top of the cliff…. Half way up I was like OUCH that hurt but nothing major… I put it down to the steep steps and think… well it can’t be that bad as it’s my good leg and not my dodgy knee. We walk a little while to recover from the steps and don’t have to run up the hill…. I am thinking I so like this after the hilly run last weekend. All is well and we are back running but this niggle thing has come back…. I am thinking Shit I am in no-mans land at the moment I have only run 7 miles and I have got at least 8 to go… I tell Yvette I am really sorry but you are going to have to go ahead without me. Stupidly… I think… if I stop and stretch I maybe able to run back to Whitstable…. But nope…… that’s not going to happen… I so wanted to run as I thought… well it’s not my bad leg so it can’t be that bad… I know Stuart said that I needed to stop and listen to my body etc… but in my head that only related to my bad knee… However….. I was too scared to risking breaking HIS rules again!! So I make the call home and ask to be picked up… I wave the others off as I hobble towards the car park…. I changed my attitude today thinking…. I haven’t quit my run but I am taking an early rest! This was the only way I was going to cope with not completing all the miles that I had planned to run today.

By the time I got home…. I was in agony… I could hardly weight bear… I have a long soak in the bath…. And try to get my head together as to what I am going to do next…. I call George (Physio)….. when can you fit me in? I need to see you as soon as possible. Result I can see you tomorrow at 10am.

I dose up on loads of painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs and head of to London for the What’s On Stage Theatre Choice Awards… I have a lovely eve despite the pain and no wine!! Get in still at Level 1.5

Today (Monday)….. I go and see George and his magic hands….. I tell him what has happened and where the pain sites are and that I hope he is going to tell me it’s not shin splints… not though I know what they are…. Good news Louise…. It’s not that!! Wahoo GET IN is what I think… however, this was short-lived! Lots of different tests, ultrasound, heat massage and something else… He rules out compartment syndrome so we are left with the worst one… a stress fracture…. This is defo not what I want to hear….. OMG… I am crying more than what I was this morning but the pain has just vanished from where it was and it’s now in my ankle and below my knee…. Maybe it’s not a stress fracture after all……. OK think someone is in denial. Way to go Gregory out of the three possible things it maybe… I have to go for the worst one… well if you are going to injure yourself you may as well do it in style. Then some more tears!! What a nightmare… Can I swim? Can I do kettlebells? OMG… I am grabbing at straws here… Anything?? Will I be able to run?? Louise…. You need to go to A&E and get an X-Ray… It probably won’t show anything but if it’s still bad go back in 2-3 weeks time and that way we will know if it’s definitely a stress fracture… more tears…. THE MARATHON is in 55 sleeps time…. This so wasn’t in my game plan! Oh and you maybe in plaster… NOOOOOOO but that will be a good thing as you will be able to do more as the leg will be stabilised etc. Mind you I am now thinking well at least if I am in plaster I will have no option but rest and not attempt to run.

Off to A&E I go…. Like George said nothing on the x-ray… Painkillers are kicking in big time, although I am walking with a limp…. It’s not hurting as much… Shame they started to wear off during the afternoon.

Quick call to Stuart and I give him the bad news….. but wahoo…… active rest means that I don’t have to give up……. I can still carry on with my training but NO RUNNING!! So just a slight blip….. re-grouped….. re-assessed the situation and back on track….. I shall swing my kettlebell later….. thumb to the bum… snap the string… which I have now changed to bend and snap ( from Legally Blonde!!!) but no squats….. Rest tomorrow night and then session with Stu on Wednesday. Think I shall hide my running shoes or something so I don’t attempt to go out for a run.

The Day After for the Non Kettlebell Virgin!!

Today.... I was planning on having a nice lie-in but my plans were ruined by these three taking over bed....  But hey at least I got to watch Toy Story 3 again whilst others were out getting wet doing the Park Run!!

This afternoon, the plan was to go Roller Skating but I had to watch from the gallery as my thighs were still burning from yesterday's Kettlebell session. I'm not sure which is worst Jelly Legs or what I am experiencing today. But hey at least I know that something is working as I now know that I have muscles that I didn't even know I had!!!

I seem to be making a lot of mistakes recently as I put a post on Twitter asking how long my legs are likely to be feeling like this for  as I am suppose to be doing a long run tomorrow.... Mark Raynsford tweets back.......ha ha!! anything new....3? 4? !! I reckon after our workshop...4 !! and as for Stu's tweet.......Ha hahahahahahaha...good luck! X Karen says first time I used mine, I was walking like I s..t myself for 4 days!!!! Lol

After Roller Skating... I pop to the shops.... bump into a mate and tell her all about my workout with Stu yesterday... well that was a giggle and a half in itself... as I get out of my car and give her a demo without a kettlebell.... Not only to her but everyone else entering and leaving the store...  I so hope I am not on the CCTV... demonstrating thrusting your hips and snapping the string with your thumb to your bum.... is probably not the best of sights with a kettlebell.... but when you haven't got one, I am sure it looks far worst!!

Boy oh boy tomorrow's run is going to be entertaining!! Well it is suppose to be a long and slow run.... so slow it definitely will be.... long.... I am not so sure on that one... The plan is to do between 15-17 miles... I will be lucky if I even manage to put my trainers on in the morning... Don't worry Stu I will lunge down to do my shoes up and not bend over from my waist..... see quick learner... I am remembering YOUR RULES ALREADY!!! Thinking tall buildings and trees. I have grown half an inch already! (well maybe not... but I can still dream!)

Well if you are thinking about signing up for the kettlebell workout and have never done it before.... it's probably not a good idea to do it if you have a long run the following day!!
In-Kilter Fitness Kettlebell Workshop and Mark Raynsford page

No Longer A Kettlebell Virgin! Thumb to the Bum and snap the string!

I was early to bed last night as today was my first kettlebell session with Stu. I woke up at the crack of dawn.... got myself organised... packed my bag with all my work stuff, change of clothes, spare warm clothes.... you name it.. I packed it... Note to self take a smaller bag next time... typical girl had to load it up! BIG MISTAKE!!! As I had to bring home my new 8KG Kettlebell... Had enough food to keep me going all day as I was sure I needed it and boy... did I need it after my session... Yes.

I arrived in London way too early..... Got to Hyde Park just before 12 noon... My session was due to start until 13:30.... Was so nervous and excited all rolled into one.... was dreading the measurements and Fat test. Once that was over and done with I started to relax a bit but was still nervous as I was giggling and smiling loads.

Session was AAAAWWWWWWWEEEEEESSSSSSOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMEEEEE!!!! OMG.... anyone would have thought I ran a marathon with my jelly legs after the session. I felt so sorry for Stuart as I am so cack handed and seem to have a brain the size of a pea! Good job he had his sayings... thumb to the bum and thumb to the sky as I probably wouldn't have managed it.

I was semi-knackered during the warm up with all the squats... Thighs were burning and I am thinking oh shit this is only the warm-up... there is no way I am going to survive the session at this rate. I learnt sooooooo much it's unreal. Well I managed the two hand swinging eventually....  thrust from the hips, chest up, back straight, squeeze ya arse... sooooo many things to remember oh and to keep swinging! Don't stop swinging... I giggle some more and stop swinging... nightmare... was I told to stop no.... but couldn't manage swinging giggling and advice all at once. Poor poor Stu.... I am sorry I will get better!!

I even did one handed swinging........ well that was a sight for sore eyes... I so knew I was cack-handed and it would probably take time to figure out what I was suppose to be doing.... which way do I turn it again to start off with? Which way does my wrist turn.... there was only one way... as I would have broken my wrist knowing me if I tried it the other way.....thumb to bum... thumb to the sky swap... and thumb to bum, thumb to sky and oppps I forgot to swap oh and had to get a thrust and snap the string, chest up and forward and squeeze my arse again....

It was amazing.... I am still glowing now..... OMG... I even did it with a 12KG... whoop whoop I managed it... Well impressed...

BUT..... do NOT break Stu's rules......  I am soooo gonna learn that one quickly... Remember the correct technique about picking up and putting down the kettlebell... I had to carry the heavier kettlebell back to the car and oh pooh... I did it again.... run to the tree and back... haha run.... OMG that so wasn't running... Big time Jelly Legs!!! I think I ran even worst than what Phoebe did in Friends!! Seriously legs had had it and it felt as though I had already run the marathon but can't complain.. It was a brilliant session and so looking forward to next week.... Shall practice before next session. So much to remember... But thank goodness there is a video on YouTube to remind me.

My legs defo know that they had a workout... the walk back to the tube station was good but blinking Nora... walking down the steps was defo not a pretty sight... mind you going up them was even worst. I so couldn't wait to get on the train and relax.

If anyone hasn't tried Kettlebells you should defo sign up for Stuart Amory and Mark Raynsford Kettlebell Workshop.... see http://www.inkilterfitness.co.uk/training-workshop or http://markspt.co.uk/

Bad Choice!!

OMG..... what a crap run this evening..... I should have gone home after work tonight but nope I left my last client (which was a real draining session!) then headed over to my squash club to refuel and get change. I still had over a hour to kill and I was getting tired so thought sod running with the club... I will go to the gym and run instead.... BIG BIG MISTAKE!!!
What a nightmare.... I start way to quickly and tonight is suppose to be an Easy 10 mile run... yeah right... So why on earth do I set the treadmill at 12KMP??? I have no sodding idea apart from I have it in my head that I need to run 9 min miles.... I think if I can do this for 3 miles I can then slow it down... Then I have the battle in my head.... it is suppose to be EASY.... and there is no way this is easy.. so here we go up/down/up/down goes the speed. Absolutely knackered. Only manage about 4 miles.... and think why oh why do I have to be like a kid and fiddle with the buttons..... I have even tried covering the screen with a towel before but that doesn't work... I just remove it and do the same.... I so should have just gone for a run outside on my own rather than waiting a hour to go running... But never mind 4 miles was better than no miles.
Early to bed tonight as I have my first Kettlebell with Stuart tomorrow lunchtime. I just hope I can sleep tonight and not be too over-excited like the fat kid that loves chocolate!

Plank Challenge and Mens Squash Match

Set the alarm nice and early and got up for my plank challenge... Wahoo done it
OMG... how disorganised was I tonight.... I got myself organised for tomorrow's run after work and packed my brace in the wrong bag... by the time I realised I had driven 25 miles so thought it was too late to go back for it now...
Quite pleased with the way I played even though I lost 3-1. Shots were loads better just wasn't that keen on changing direction. Slight problem with a game of squash but hey hoe.
Had a great day at work and booked my first session with Stuart on Friday.. working from home.... with a lunchtime workout in Hyde Park... Got to love modern technology so that I can work on the train on my way to the session... Not sure if I will be working on the way home but will probably be fast asleep..
Dreading the first part of the session... measurements and the dreaded FAT test! Then  a lot of swinging... not from the trees but Kettlebell swinging. So I am gonna learn the tricks of the trade before Stuart and Mark's Kettlebell tour.. check out http://www.inkilterfitness.co.uk/training-workshop for more details..
Well I have already been told off that I have to go to bed and get my 8 hours.. so night all

Wow what a great weekend and awesome day today

Sunday 13th February... I ran the Deal Half Marathon. My goal for this run was to complete it in 2hour 22 mins. This would have been a Personal Best by 5 mins as I completed the Royal Parks Half Marathon in Oct 2010 in 2hours 27 mins which was my quickest SO FAR!! (please note the so far there!) I spent most of Saturday sorting out tunes to keep me plodding along... however, there was no plodding for me on this run. I remember what Pete said start slow.... yeah right I was on a flat so I was going to make the most of it. So off I went on my way aiming to complete the 13.1 miles in 2:22. I kept thinking I should slow down as there is no way I would keep this up for 13 miles.... but there was no stopping me... not even the hills were going to get in the way. Well they sort of did as they slowed me down a little but I made up for it on the downhill and the flat. Several times I had to check my watch to make sure I hadn't stopped it by accident as I kept thinking OMG.... am I really here already.. now that wasn't in the plan but I shall just go with the flow. I kept thinking I should be tired by now as I normally am but nothing seemed to get in my way. I just thought you know what Gregory you are so much fitter than what you were in Oct so I can do this. I was also better prepared. I had a good night's sleep and a decent breakfast to keep me fuelled. As the lovely Stuart Amory says... You wouldn't drive a car on empty so why should you run your body on empty. I refuelled on route with jelly bellies... I just can't seem to stomach the gels.. mind you I have only tried one... but the jelly bellies seemed to do the trick and I crossed the finishing line in 2:12 mins... WAAAHHHHHOOOOO a Personal Best not by the 5 mins that I set myself but by 15 mins. Get in!!! I had to check several times to make sure that I hadn't stopped my watch but there it was on the big official clock!! OMG I still can't get over it two days later!! I have never been so proud of myself in all my life. Plus there was a snickers bar in the goodie mug.... and I even turned it down giving it to my mum as I have had no chocolates or crisps since 1st Jan.
Today Tuesday 15th February I had my consultation with Stuart Amory from In-Kilter Fitness. Boy was I nervous about meeting him as he wanted to get inside my head... He already was in there from his amazing motivational saying and video messages from his Advent Challenge and Health and Fitness Challenge 2011. I giggled throughout most of the consultation as I was sssssoooo nervous and was like OMG I am really doing this... I am going to make changes to improve and get fitter. The 20 million dollar question came why? Why what? says I.... Why am I wanting Stuart to be my Personal Trainer..... hhhmmm I pondered a little while... probably cos I was thinking does he mean why do I want a Personal Trainer or why him...... Anyway the reason I chose him was because he had already made big changes for me... probably without him even realising what he had done.... there was a bottle of Red Wine in the background of his Advent Challenge on Day 15..... excellent the guy is human.... his girlfriend makes the most amazing chocolates.... (not though I have tried any yet...) therefore if she makes them I am sure he eats them!! His video challenges made me laugh which is really important and he is really passionate about his job... Before the consultation was over I had already signed up for 10 sessions.. Not at any point did Stuart try to sell me anything... I think I had already made up my mind before meeting him but here I was committing myself to ten awesome sessions. We set goals and targets...... I had an great abs workout during it..... as I couldn't stop laughing... Poor Stu probably thinks he has a right loon on his hands... Had to discuss the dodgy knee and that I MUST LISTEN AND REST.... OK Stu you win... even on RACE DAYS.... apart from one day... The Marathon.... ow way am I quitting on that day... sorry..... the other races I will play by your rules.... but sometimes rules are there to be broken and it's one day only.... Oh right now Zoe has popped up saying 'Yes Louise... It's one day of your life and not the rest of your life!'
Next session is next week with Stu.... and wahoo.... we get to have fun and play time!!
Loved his style as well as it's not really about 2:05 but 1:59... GET IN!!

What A Great Weekend For Personal Bests

Wow what a weekend. I am so pleased with this weekend's running especially after Thursday night. It has really given me back my confidence again. Two personal bests in 5K and 10K.

I completed the Whitstable Parkrun on Saturday morning after a celebrating a mate's 30th with cocktails, wine and vodka but hey at least I didn't blame the 10 second sambuca game. Think this maybe because Stuart said I would have to run a marathon for every shot of sambuca... seemed to do the trick.. However, I had to wake my mum up early Saturday morning to take me to Whitstable so that I could run as I was probably still over the limit to drive. Way to go Gregory... I got a PB by 56 seconds.

Today I ran in the Ashford 10K. I was well impressed as this was to be my second PB of the weekend.. Get in! A PB by 5 mins ( I think... shall check the official result... as I am wondering did I actually remember to press start at the beginning!!)
It was a slow start as it was really bunched together and was difficult to over-take but that may have done me a favour as I probably would have knackered myself out for later on in the run but felt I could have gone a bit faster and taken advantage of the down hill and the hills later were going to slow me down... The hill at 7K (or at least I think it was there) just seemed to go on forever and ever!! Just when you think you were at the top you weren't... you turned the corner and you were still climbing. 
I loved this run and was strong at the finished and battled with some old guy that was miles ahead of me but I was determined to beat him.... felt really bad afterwards but only for a bit as I was well chuffed with the way I had ran today..

Negative into a positive

Oh dear.... this is the first time where I haven't enjoyed a run.... Lack of sleep the night before defo does not help. Was a bit gutted as I didn't feel out of breath but my legs were soooo heavy. In hindsight it was a good test though to see if I had the mental capacity to carry on... There is nothing like turning a negative run into a positive one. I so wanted to give up at 3miles as I knew my squash club was just around the corner but I carried on for another 3. Found out why I am finding training hard as well... as the programme I am following is a sub 4.... hahaha what a wally.... it is one from my running club but no-one told me that until last night!! So back to feeling positive about running and I had a look at where I have come from to where I am now and feel amazing again... Wahoo..... looking forward to Ashford 10K on Sunday... bring on the hills!!

8 Miles Easy

Today was 8 miles Easy.... OMG.... It was sooooo boring as I decided to do it on the treadmill... I made the fatal mistake of watching the K's go up and the time go by. Up and down went the speed... I thought if I ran quicker I could just get it over and done with.. So I had a constant battle as to whether to run easy or push myself hard to get it over and done with... The whole session more or less turn into a 8 mile Fartlek training session but hey at least I did the 8 miles so way to go me!

Not only did I do my 8 miles I have booked a personal training session with Stuart Amory from In-Kilter Fitness as he has been motivating me to get fit since the 1st of December 2010. I took my measurements on 1st Jan 2011 for my bust, waist and widest part of my ass... and I have lost 12.5cms... Well chuffed with the result so thought now I need to push myself a little bit further... First session booked in 13 sleeps time... OMG I am so nervous showing my wobbly bits for the measurements and bodyfat... think my body has shut down with shock!! But still no choc or crisps since 1st Jan!!

I am so loving the results... Thanks Stu

Week 5:- 7 miles easy

Well it wasn't quite easy and also it was under 7 miles.... We should have gone further up a road but wasn't sure but never mind... it was a great run all the same. 
(1) 9.41 (2) 9.38 (3) 10.23 (4) 9.57 (5) 10.36 (6) 10.17

Canterbury 10

Yesterday, I ran the Canterbury 10 (miles).... and wow I was well impressed... I think this must be the best run I have ever done... The race information said that there were 2 hills during the run and the first one at 4 miles...... During the first 4 miles... I was thinking what on earth are these hills that I have been running up and down... if the hill is at 4 miles..... Well.. I had to turn the corner and was in for a nasty shock as the hill at 4 miles..... was not a hill..... in my eyes it was a mountain compared to the previous hills that I was running up and down. Not only was it a mountain it was one that just seemed to go on forever and ever and ever...

I was so pleased with myself as I ran all the way up to the top... OK I use the word run in the loosest sense of the word as it was more like a slow plod up the hill but at least I wasn't walking and I managed to overtake people.... This great me a great sense of achievement and once I got my breathing under control again.. I was back in the zone for taking on the world until I started to think OMG I hope the other hill isn't like that!

Pete over took me somewhere on the course but then PUMP IT came on my playlist just as I was running up another hill.... not the mountain and I was now into another gear and was blasting up the hill. Unfortunately it was shortly lived and he over took me... but the competitive side of me kick in and I thought I can't let him take such a big lead.... so I decided to take the advantage of the downside to the hill... OMG I surprised myself as I overtook him again.... to him shouting you 'cheeky bitch' as I smiled to say haha get a wiggle on!! I had to make the most of it as I gain at least 2 mins onto a mile if it involves a hill and I needed to make up some time.

At 8 miles... my dodgy knee started to hurt and I was like.... oooppsss I forgot to take painkillers this morning.... I shall remember to take them the next time. Pete caught up with at the 9 mile mark and he was steaming ahead but I was not going to give up....

I crossed the finish like roughly at 1 hour 43 mins.... and was able to finish strong... although I did feel a little sick as I pushed myself this time to run rather than my normal stroll. I so wanted to walk just after 8 miles and during the mountains but I kept reminding myself that this was going to be my fittest year ever and Stuart Amory from In-Kilter Fitness popped into my head and wouldn't allow me to give in.

Well chuffed I ran the whole course and shall hopefully improve on my time etc.

4 Mile Interval Training

Well chuffed as I managed to squeeze in my 4 mile interval run before a great night out on the town. Even better that it was under 36 mins.... which meant under 9 min miles.... but there is no way on earth could I run 26.2 miles at that pace but at least it is giving me the confidence again in my running.

Today I have tried porridge for breakfast as I am having the day off..... yuck... not sure if I would be able to eat that before I do a run as I am trying to fight it to keep it down at the moment... maybe if I keep trying it on non-running days I will get used to it.

Also shopping today for new trainers so that I can break them in..

6 miles (last mile brisk)

I just can't seem to stop giggling when they say 5 miles easy and last mile brisk..... No miles ever seem to be easy to me... Mind you tonight's run wasn't too bad as it didn't seem to be that hilly and the advantage was the long hill that we usually run up we ran down tonight. What a great delight and treat that was.

Time for name and shame.... Debbie and Pete were going to cry off tonight's run as it was cold... it was only a tiny bit of snow this morning and besides which it never settled... wimps!! But hey at least they got out there and did it. Dawn was well up for running.. she puts us to shame such a natural runner but she is the one that is sensible enough not to run the marathon... Mind you I can't wait for Sunday 17th April... Only 82 more sleeps to go then the big day will be here and the training will be well worth it.

Tomorrow night is suppose to be Fartlek 4 miles... need to try and squeeze that one in before I go out on a big birthday celebration!!

Back on Track

Sorry for the delay and I haven't kept this up to-date but I had a few set backs.... Got struck down with my dodgy knee and had to have thousand of pain killers and anti-inflammatory tablets... Just when I got over that I was struck down with the flu... but hey hoe... It's better to get it all out of the way now.

So I am finally back on track..... Last week I managed to clock 25 miles and this week I have done 11 so far and all is well..

Plus I managed to get in a trip to the cinema to see Black Swan... amazing film if you have not had the opportunity to go and see it... you must!

Tomorrow night I am running 6 miles easy... so they say... we shall see about that!

I am having great support and motivation from Stuart Amory from In-kilter Fitness.... If anyone is in Richmond or Wimbledon area then you should really look up this guy and join him on some of his training sessions. Top block... Lost 5lbs with his support and motivation since the beginning of Jan and for 2 weeks I wasn't able to exercise... It's amazing that small changes can make such a big difference... Cheers Stu x