running

I used to be a runner. I ran 10km fun runs regularly and once I even ran a 15km fun run. All without stopping for a walk or a breather. Then I registered for the 2011 Melbourne half-marathon. But I didn't work hard enough in the lead up to the event. Two weeks before the event I knew that I was not fit enough and was at risk of an injury... so I pulled out. And I have hardly been running since.

Since registering for the 12WBT program I had a sinking feeling that the program would include running. This was confirmed with an email yesterday morning challenging me to move 30km this week. I simply don't have the time to be walking for 30km this week... I need to run (and cycle) at least some of this distance.

Last night I went for a 5.6km run down my street and back. I had anticipated that I would have to stop for breaks constantly and be panting and wheezing. But it wasn't that bad. I ran further than I thought I would. Yes, I still stopped for a few breaks, and I did walk part of the distance. But I felt really good for having challenged myself and for not making excuses.

That this challenge has been assigned to us during week three of pre-season makes me worried for what is to come. The program has not even begun yet. This is going to be the hardest I have ever worked.

post gym pain

I am hurting today. My session at the gym may have been too much, too soon. Maybe it is as simple as not stretching enough before and after gym. Maybe I should just suck it up.

Today I will do some simple stretches and go for a walk so that I am at least moving.

gym

Last year I had a membership to the university gym, but let that lapse over the summer holidays. This year I made excuses that I was too busy with class and study and commuting, and that it wasn't worthwhile, so I didn't rejoin. Though it is the final four weeks of class for the year before exam period begins, I decided to return to the gym today as a casual visitor.

Gosh, it was hard work. I haven't sweated in such a long time. Though it was hard I feel good for having done my workout. Unfortunately since it has been such a long time since my last visit, the gym no longer has my exercise program. So, I tried my best to remember what to do, and what weights to use. For my cardio routine I used the exercise bike and cross-trainer. Strength exercises were done using various machines and small handweights. I also completed lunges and stretches. Total time spent working out: 50 minutes. I could have spent more time but I ran out of ideas on what I should do, and I didn't want to continue cardio exercises.

I have 3kg handweights at home that I think I will begin using more of. I will google, or look at Pinterest, for ideas on what exercises to do with handweights to ensure I tone my whole body and not just select muscles. And I will continue going back to the gym once or twice a week when I have a two hour (or more) break between classes.

swim

It is such a good feeling to be moving again. C and I went to the local pool for a Sunday afternoon swim. It is the start of the Victorian school holidays and there were screaming kids everywhere. Luckily the outdoor 50m pool had just opened for the summer season the day prior so we were able to swim laps in relative peace. I found swimming freestyle to be tough going. It started off well however I found myself later gasping for breath every two strokes. So I opted for the kick board. Still hard work, but in comparison to my poor freestyle stroke, much more enjoyable.

I would be lying if I didn't say the main reason for our trek to the swimming pool was to try out the new water slide. Seriously, so much fun. This thing goes on and on forever and I completely lost my bearings. Well worth while all the same.