I've made it! Obviously not to 'graduation' (god I resent all this educational nonsense - I just want to run) but to at least one week longer than my fads normally last. As several family members have been kind enough to point out.
I'm mainly looking forward to tomorrow because a) the weather report suggests I'll be running in sunshine for the first time ever, and b) I'll be running for 3 minutes straight, which I'll do for just a couple of reps. It sounds completely pathetic, but if I do it, I'll know I'm significantly better than I was when I started three weeks ago.
And if I do it, I'll reward myself by buying either a) an armband for my iPod or b) a water bottle. The fancy kind where it has a grip for it.
Sunday 28 February 2010
Monday 22 February 2010
W2 D1: So I skipped a bit...
I didn't do my third run of the week, mainly because I like the orderly-ness of a week starting on a Monday. And shockingly, I managed the increase in running time.
There was snow, sleet, freezing rain and a couple of slight hills, and I still made it. The main delight was getting home and watching Don't Tell the Bride with a hot crumpet, followed by a hotter bath.
I tried Suz's hip hop podcast, which really helped - it turns out there's nothing like Will Smith explaining the fact that he's not after a threesome, he just likes to watch girls enjoying themselves on the dance floor to get the miles (metres?) ticking along. I think maybe I won't be able to use my own playlists until I can do that running whilst meditating thing, where you don't mind the music just washing over you. I also tried a new route, which made things more interesting. I'm slightly concerned I've used up all the non-hilly roads already though...
My stomach muscles really hurt today, and I'm not sure doing two days in a row was the most sensible decision, but at least it means I'm working...
PS - this is clearly a diary for me to keep track of how I'm doing. Riveting reading this don't make.
There was snow, sleet, freezing rain and a couple of slight hills, and I still made it. The main delight was getting home and watching Don't Tell the Bride with a hot crumpet, followed by a hotter bath.
I tried Suz's hip hop podcast, which really helped - it turns out there's nothing like Will Smith explaining the fact that he's not after a threesome, he just likes to watch girls enjoying themselves on the dance floor to get the miles (metres?) ticking along. I think maybe I won't be able to use my own playlists until I can do that running whilst meditating thing, where you don't mind the music just washing over you. I also tried a new route, which made things more interesting. I'm slightly concerned I've used up all the non-hilly roads already though...
My stomach muscles really hurt today, and I'm not sure doing two days in a row was the most sensible decision, but at least it means I'm working...
PS - this is clearly a diary for me to keep track of how I'm doing. Riveting reading this don't make.
Sunday 21 February 2010
W1 D3 - Still not dead
Weird, I am still not dead. And in fact, I went out today in the rain. And then it rained some more. And still I did not stop. I'm like Forrest Fucking Gump.
I'm clearly feeling a bit cocky, because I have half a mind to go out tomorrow, and skip the third run of week one, and skip ahead to run one of week two. That way leads not being able to do it, and throwing up my hands and chucking it all in, potentially. Or, getting to the eventual goal (running, in case you've forgotten) sooner.
Tomorrow: maybe the beginning of week two. Also, researching some other running routes round here that don't involve hills.
I'm clearly feeling a bit cocky, because I have half a mind to go out tomorrow, and skip the third run of week one, and skip ahead to run one of week two. That way leads not being able to do it, and throwing up my hands and chucking it all in, potentially. Or, getting to the eventual goal (running, in case you've forgotten) sooner.
Tomorrow: maybe the beginning of week two. Also, researching some other running routes round here that don't involve hills.
Friday 19 February 2010
W1 D1 - It did not kill me
It's clearly easier for me starting something new - this is the fun bit. The test will obviously be when I'm bored but have to keep going. Still, despite feeling like I was going to die halfway round, and actually almost dying when I ran full pelt into some angry Canadian Geese (no loyalty!), I made it round.
And then spent the next two hours being hella annoying, thanks to those crazy endorphins.
Also, must remember to stretch after before I get in the shower. A potentially lethal moment occurred, when I decided I could stand on one leg stretching in the shower. What an embarrassing way to go.
Tomorrow: I rest.
Sunday: I run. Please let it be sunny.
And then spent the next two hours being hella annoying, thanks to those crazy endorphins.
Also, must remember to stretch after before I get in the shower. A potentially lethal moment occurred, when I decided I could stand on one leg stretching in the shower. What an embarrassing way to go.
Tomorrow: I rest.
Sunday: I run. Please let it be sunny.
Thursday 18 February 2010
Running like a robot
...by which I mean, things gadgety that I hope will make this easier.
- Podcasts that tell you when to walk and run, pre-recorded, along the hip hop lines (actually, some of it's quite good...)
- A list of other podcasts, stories and forums. I've never really liked forums. I don't think that's going to change.
- An app that allows you to use your own music, but gives you vocal prompts when you're due to change pace.
- A BPM analyser for my iTunes library, so I can create my own super fast and speedy inspirational playlists.
Now the only thing that's stopping me is that whole running thing.
- Podcasts that tell you when to walk and run, pre-recorded, along the hip hop lines (actually, some of it's quite good...)
- A list of other podcasts, stories and forums. I've never really liked forums. I don't think that's going to change.
- An app that allows you to use your own music, but gives you vocal prompts when you're due to change pace.
- A BPM analyser for my iTunes library, so I can create my own super fast and speedy inspirational playlists.
Now the only thing that's stopping me is that whole running thing.
Day -1
It's not Day One, as I haven't actually got any further than trying on my new sporty gear in front of the mirror (seriously. It was REALLY raining). But today, I bought some trainers. And not just in your normal 'go into JJB Sports, wrinkle your nose in horror, lunge at the first pair of cheapo trainers and get the fuck out of there' way.
Oh no. I went to Run and Become where I ran up and down outside the shop in three different pairs of trainers, whilst a lady who looked a bit like Marilla in Anne of Green Gables, the TV series, analysed my gait. I assume it was her day off from making sasperella.
Tomorrow, though. Tomorrow is day one. Tomorrow, I begin this plan.
Which means tonight, I google 'indie classics suitable to excercise to'. I may be a runner, but I will not let it dictate that I must develop a love of high octane dance anthems.
Tomorrow: leave the house in running stuff. Run a bit but mostly walk. Pat self on back.
Oh no. I went to Run and Become where I ran up and down outside the shop in three different pairs of trainers, whilst a lady who looked a bit like Marilla in Anne of Green Gables, the TV series, analysed my gait. I assume it was her day off from making sasperella.
Tomorrow, though. Tomorrow is day one. Tomorrow, I begin this plan.
Which means tonight, I google 'indie classics suitable to excercise to'. I may be a runner, but I will not let it dictate that I must develop a love of high octane dance anthems.
Tomorrow: leave the house in running stuff. Run a bit but mostly walk. Pat self on back.
But why the name?
Google run.
The answer is, of course, both. Which is apt, because I'm about to become a runner, for real, but the only way that's going to happen is in some kind of weird half-running half-walking thing. I've even got a book that tells you how to go about doing so.
This blog is here to make me do it. And also for me to have a blog, because having over eight languishing in various corners of the internet turns out not to be enough.
(Also I should point out, if you followed this chain of logic like a reasonable person, you'd conclude I had branded myself an elephant. Which I haven't. I just like the idea of elephants rushing about the place trying to get things done and become serious runners)
The answer is, of course, both. Which is apt, because I'm about to become a runner, for real, but the only way that's going to happen is in some kind of weird half-running half-walking thing. I've even got a book that tells you how to go about doing so.
This blog is here to make me do it. And also for me to have a blog, because having over eight languishing in various corners of the internet turns out not to be enough.
(Also I should point out, if you followed this chain of logic like a reasonable person, you'd conclude I had branded myself an elephant. Which I haven't. I just like the idea of elephants rushing about the place trying to get things done and become serious runners)
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