Feeling the benefits

Basically I just wanted to update you on the benefits I have felt from running. I am feeling much more awake and energetic and I no longer feel bloated and fat, although I'd imagine there is very little actual difference in my weight. I generally just feel better. My feet have taken a bit of a battering and there were a few aches and pains after the first couple of runs, but now-thanks to a pair of running socks- I no longer suffer from blisters and now my body is used to it the aches and pains are gone too! So if your thinking of taking up running, I say go for it, you wont regret it!!

Day 8: Lazy day

So today I haven't done very much. It is a rest day, so I'll forgive myself but I do usually find something to do on a rest day. In my defence it has been pouring with rain all day- the joys of Scottish weather! Tomorrow I will be back on the beaten track and enjoying my run once more.

Day 8: Another late post

So I did go out for a run yesterday, the usual route and the usual story really. Tried pushing myself a bit more and tried to run a little more of the final section. Found it quite hard to get through the barrier though, perhaps because I hadn't eaten such a large meal a couple of hours before, but once I got into it it was an enjoyable run. I fell into the peril of taking too big strides and running too quickly so did end up with a stitch at one point but I just slowed down and it soon settled down. One thing that I have noticed is the friendlyness of other sports men and women. I met two cyclists at the beginning of the week both of which were cheerful and friendly and last night I met a man out running who also smiled and spoke. It seems trivial but it really makes you feel like part of a community.

Days 7: Late post

Day 7: This was Saturday and a day which I should have been out running, but actually went cycling with my mum and dad instead. Was good fun to spend some time with my parents and get some exercise at the same time. Went about 6 miles is total over some quite hill ground so really got the heart going. It probably isn't helping my running but you never know I may be a future triathlon competitor!

Day 6: Waiting for socks

So today is another rest day. I thought my running socks would arrive today, but no sign. Hopefully they'll come tomorrow and I can return from my run blister free!

Day 5: A day late

As I didn't get round to posting yesterday, I thought I'd update you today. Went out at 8pm last night as was waiting for a parcel all day and didn't want to leave the house. This worked out pretty well really as I had my supper at 6pm so was full of energy. Went on my usual route which is 3 miles long. I always walk the first mile as it is a rough road and rather sore on my feet. I then run the next km or so and the final section is a mix of walking and running. Hopefully I'll soon be able to run all of the final bit.

Day 4: Shopping

So today is another rest day. I really wanted to go out today, but its an official rest day so I have decided just to stick to it. Besides, I have slightly sore hips today, so if I had went out today I certainly wouldn't have managed tomorrow. I went shopping for new clothes for uni today instead. Had the usual struggle to find clothes which fit. Ended up with 8 shirts, a pair of shoes and some underwear, despite trousers being the one thing I really needed. It wasn't for lack of trying. The problem I have is that my thighs and calves are large in proportion to my waist, so if I get something to fit my legs it is much to big for my waist and if it fits my waist its too tight on the legs. It makes me feel a bit down when clothes don't fit, but it has also motivated me further to carry on running. Perhaps when I lose a bit of weight I'll be more in proportion and enjoy shopping a bit more. Roll on tomorrow!

Day 3: Happy day!

You may have noticed that I've missed a day. This is because I didn't have a chance to do any training yesterday as I was away visiting my uni and accomodation all day, however I did have a walk through seaton park in Aberdeen, lovely although not particularly strenuous! On to today, I changed the time of my run today. Last time I went out at around 5pm, about 5 hours after my last meal. This meant I was a bit low on the energy front and perhaps found it more difficult than I should have. I did a bit of internet research and discovered that you should go out 1.5 to 2 hours after a meal so today I went out at 3pm, having had lunch at 1. I must say it did make a huge difference. I have also scrapped the run for 60s walk for 90s idea as I feel I spend too much time looking at my watch and not enough enjoying the run. Today I set points in the distance (a house, road sign, junction etc) and said I would walk when I reached there then set a new point where I would start running again. I feel it worked a lot better and I really enjoyed it, though I must say that meeting to hunky men on bikes was a highlight!

Day 2: Rest day

So today is a rest day, which is just as well as it is pouring with rain here and I have a few slight aches after yesterday. Despite it being a rest day I felt it was important to get myself moving, simply for motivational purposes, so have spent some time on the Wii. Some say it's not proper exercise, but its better than sitting on the couch. So I spent 30 mins on Wii Fit doing a mix of aerobic exercises and muscle workouts followed by 30 mins on Just Dance, more than enough to get the heart pumping. Looking forward to getting out jogging/walking again tomorrow.

Day 1: And so we begin

So today I have decided to turn over a new leaf, drag myself off the sofa and get active! As the blogs title suggests, I have started running. I am relatively unfit- 5'4", around 165lb and size 14- and it's time to do something about it. I am also doing it for health reasons as my grandmother and her twin sister both suffer from osteoporosis, a condition which affects those who take regular weight bearing exercise less than the couch potatoes. I am following the coolrunning.com couch to 5K programme. Today was basically 20mins of jogging for 60s then walking for 90s and so on. To begin with a minute of running seemed so difficult but by the end it was much easier and I was actually enjoying it. I now feel great and can't wait until Monday to get out again.