Too...tired...to...run zzzzzzzzzzzzz

I'm tired today - Im not sure why. Maybe because the sun is out, or maybe I have to start writing my reports, or maybe because I had to do something at work I didnt really want to do. Anyway Im feeling a bit tired.

As I was walking up the stairs to go home, I knew if I didnt get my running gear on quickly then the sofa would be cradling me in his arms. Good old sofa. Been mooching on it all winter in hibernation mode with BF. I feel I should be laying on it now, but BF is at his house doing 'tidying up stuff' :((((( Rubbish

So went out today for a run and it was hard. Isnt it supposed to get easier? Yes I can run for longer and yes, I couldnt before, so why could I just sleep? Isnt exercise supposed to make you have more energy?

Anyhow, I have to carry on regardless because its 3 and a half weeks before I go paragliding and 5 and a half weeks before I do my race for life and I have also given BF permission to repremand any crappy eating habits I have. (but he wasnt here tonight...heheheheh...2 hobnobs...actually was 4.......heheheh)

Going camping at the weekend, so a run on Friday is out of the question. That means I will have to go running tomorrow!!!! I may have to take an overdraft on my energy levels. Following that I will have to walk up a huge hill to watch BF paragliding on Saturday and Sunday.

I may pack my sofa :)

Running + BF + Bike = Harder

You know...when your BF decides to ride his bike when you go for a run, you have to run a bit faster!!

Ok...ok...I am in my fourth week of running and have to run 8 minutes everytime I run punctuated by 2 minutes. It started today. Ordinarily I would have adhered to it properly and not gone to fast at the beginning. But BF was on his bike, and I didnt want to look like a silly, so I had to run a bit faster. Not very wise!! By two minutes of 'Look how cool I am...I can run quite quickly', I am slowly getting tired after a full day of work.

So, I run for a little bit longer and faster, and longer and faster and hope that he will notice how fabulous and wonderful and sexy I am (I flipping well notice as my new watchis telling me I am doing 95%....NINETY FIVE PERCENT!!!)

Does he say well done...no...he says run faster...CAN YOU BELIEVE IT!!!!

I put on my music to block him out.

hrrmpff

Sunday Cycling in the Sunshine

Today was brilliant.

It was a lovely hot sunny day from the moment I woke up to the moment the sun set. I feel rested and really happy. My bottom however, that’s another story. Saddle sore!

BF and I left this morning with two rucksacks. His as small enough to carry a crumb and an atom, mine to carry the world, his wife, the kitchen sink and a variety of different crap that I obviously would not even be needed if WW3 started, but there you go!!

Of course, BF, as always the eternal gentleman carried my rucksack which now contained an extra coat as it was starting to get even hotter.

1st stop - Tesco’s. I brought a brilliant watch yesterday that tells the time, your heart rate, your bank balance and probably how much food you have in your fridge, if I can just find the right button to press.! We had to stop, because BF was so impressed by it that he wanted one. It comes with a free heart monitor which you have to have ECG gel or saliva (ewww) Yes you guessed what we used...(ewwwwww).


2nd stop - So, leaving Tesco’s with new watch and a lovely bike saddle cushion (I’m never good at sticking to the list- I was going to buy some crudités and hummus, but BF was not having any of it - also there is now no room in the rucksack!!!). We then head off to the river. We come across a cool park where we dodge a few stinging nettles, various dogs and decide to sunbathe for a while on a park bench.

Back on the bike and head towards a road to nowhere, and decide to take a pit stop in a Sailing Marina which has boats for £139,000!! WHAT???

BF and I think we should 'pretend' to buy one, but knowing that we have absolutely NO knowledge in boats, we head off towards the pub.

Half a Guinness later, I’m now feeling a bit hungry and a little bit tipsy. Next half and a HUGE roast dinner later, we realise that we have to cycle back and it’s a lonnnnngggg way home. We (I mean me) think about locking the bikes up and catching the bus back, but get on the bike anyway.

A good 27 minutes later, we are back home and although my back is a little red, and BF is a delicious brown tanned colour, mooching o'clock on the sofa has arrived. We watch a film and although I try hard not to fall asleep, the comfort of BF arms, and his heart beating, lull me into a beautiful sleep ( I always do this in films, its notorious!) and awake with the usual "What’s going on?"..."Who’s that"..."I’m confused"...
So all in all – a lovely day out.

Pathways

I love to find a new pathway...a secret pathway...a pathway that was there all of the time, but I never noticed or even knew about.

Linking onto someones blog today, lead me elsewhere...which led me somewhere else...which led me to another place, which led me there.

Words that are written that can inspire others fill me with such emotions.

I am lucky I can read Spanish, otherwise I would never had had my heart touched by words so beautiful, I cant even begin to say.

Sometimes we are gifted with words, sometimes we are gifted with the ability to express and to feel, and sometimes, you can just watch in awe and be in the presence of someone putting into words what is going on inside you heart and your soul...

Today my heart sang with joy...

Rain 0 Coco 1

Woke up this morning feeling the wonderful Saturday vibes upon me. I can stretch in bed, I don’t have to worry what time it is, I can let my thoughts wonder around my head.

Then I wondered if today it would rain. We have had such lovely weather that it was only a matter of time. I don’t particularly like the rain, but I don’t dislike it either. I know its important for the ground, and everything certainly looks greener over the last few weeks.

So, I open the curtains and see the wet ground and wonder what it will be like to run in the rain. I give it a go. An actually, here by my place it was raining, but not in the park 2 minutes away! How strange is that!

Then I realise that there are two important things for me when I run
1. Music and very importantly, 2. Lip balm.

I have forgotten option 2, and it’s not in my pocket...dammit...I’m not going back.

I get to the park and see other runners this time. I haven’t yet seen the same runner twice. It’s a bit like 'bird spotting' :)

2 dogs decide to take a liking to me and I wonder if I got a dog would it run with me. Bearing in mind I would like a little Dachshund, I would probably need a tiny rucksack so it could be carried in there. (Together with my miniature tea-cup pig: BF is not wavering yet!)

So, it’s the end of week 3 and starting next week I will be running for 8 minutes. As this social experiment goes, it’s not bad. The last time I was involved in a social experimented it turned out very profitable ;) (and a year later I am happier than ever).

I am noticing something change in my legs. I certainly can run faster and longer than I could 3 weeks ago. I think I am getting fitter. My clothes and scales however, tell me otherwise, and I am hungrier now than I ever was before. So I will continue this experiment a little longer to see what will happen.

Countdown:
4 weeks till paragliding
6 weeks till 5km race for life

Whats it all about?

I have been thinking this for most of the afternoon.

What are the priorities we have in life? Are they the ones that matter? Are they the ones which give us as much love as we give?

I used to be a coconut. Hard to crack...very difficult to control and almost impossible to convince to do things anyway but her own way in her own time! My sister will tell you that I can be a pain in the ass sometimes and sometimes quite obstinate...only I find myself these days being much less so. How has the things I have been through shaped the way I now think? More about how I became a coconut butterfly another day.

I am thankful for so much in my life. My sister has been through hell and back and still finds the energy and enthusiasm to kick negativity where it hurts. I have walked with her through hell and back, and I would do it again. It has made her stronger, and it has made me more tolerant. I would walk through hot coals for her.

I also used to be a fruitcake - running away in my mind at the slightest problem. Until I met someone, who from the very first time, grounded me. Which is ironic, as he spends most of his time in the sky. He is my sunshine and my laughter, my passion and my desire. Being with him, I have enough air to breath, my smile would power the whole of the city of London, my eyes sparkle. Its thanks to him that my cake has less fruit in these days! How truly blessed am I.

And so in answer to what it is all about. Its my love for the people in my life. That is what it is all about. Not work, or problems or crappy stuff that your past reminds you of now and again. I was once told 'Seeds of tomorrow are always planted in the darkest of times'....now my flowers are blossoming and I am so happy and thankful for what I have today...

There's a good reason I dont keep biscuits in the house...

...because two biscuits ALWAYS turn into three!

Back from the next run getting me fit for race for life/paragliding course/general getting fit stuff. I am stil running for 7 minutes and have another day Friday before I move up to eight minutes! Wow...get me...running for 8 minutes :)

However...

Today something happened that made me feel really, really cross. But...instead of wanting a cigarette as usual for the past two years, I couldnt wait to get home to run. It was a good feeling.

I tried really hard to let it go, but negativity seems to spring up just when you think you have things sorted. Usually I would be thinking about this all day, and although I have, I have tried really hard not to let it really affect me. I cant change it, so I just have to learn from it.

Maybe this is going to be my new addiction ;)

Week 3 - 7 minutes of running...

I thought those first two minutes were going to finish me off!!

I have done a full days work - the first after two weeks of generally mooching about, chsing after kids, laying floorboards with BF and consuming vast amount of chocolate bunnies.

Back to work and back to reality.

After a good weekend..surprising really as I only packed light and thought I would be home sooner. A weekend of bending and stretching...surely that is some kind of exercise. (Maybe the 2 beers were a mistake).

So I start work today, with 5 weeks left to learn as much as I can about Paragliding and a bit of tidying to do after arriving back here with a suitcase which seems to have 'exploded' over the floor. I have some work to do, and after going to the postoffice to get my new mp3 and ear phones (for running) and Paragliding Book I run to the park.

Why is it that the first couple of minutes try to persuade you to go home and just continur mooch o'clock. Anyhow, I persevere, found some good tunes and just keep running. Its funny, but the running bit I enjoy more than the 2 minutes of walking in between. I still find it a bit difficult to run more than a minute at a time, but Im getting there.

As I run my third minute a beautiful butterfly crosses my path and weaves between my legs. It was fantastic...a very peaceful and gentle.

After the fifth minute of running, I spy a skateboarder coming towards me. I wonder if I could learn that too? Then he stops behind me and I keep on running. Not paranoid, just sensible.

I cant see anybody else running this evening, only dog walkers. This makes me a bit sad, until I see someone coming towards me with their running partner on a bike. That makes me feel a bit better and also cant wait to get BF on the bike too.

So I arrive home, witness my exploded suitcase and decide to leave it till later so I can concentrate on my work. The joys of teaching!

:)

Flipping Rain

Ok...ok...problem 1 (rain+no straightners) x1 night away from home = no running...RUBBISH

And I was going so well too.

Spent the day 'power-walking' around London. Came back to help BF lay laminate floor and the weather conspired against me..that means I have to run tomorrow and its Saturday...not happy :(

Keep the chocolate bunnies and eggs away from me!

It is Tuesday already??? Where did the weekend go? Now…when was the last time I did exercise?

Well, actually I have been exercising all weekend with the family and children and it was a lovely weekend. From biking to running after my niece and nephew to walking up a huge hill, I think all in all, even if I have veered off the spreadsheet a little, I still have been quite active and really enjoyed it all.

Yesterday, Easter Monday, BF took me to Wales to Paraglide. It was really great. He has a new wing and harness and went to try it up a very big hill. I have walked up this particular hill before, but oh my goodness, it was hard! After a good 45 minutes walking uphill at 50% incline, we go to the top. All I was carrying was the water bottle, fruit and a book to read. BF was carrying a huge paraglider weighing 20kg. (I’m sure he will contest to that!)

After a while of waiting for the right wind conditions, BF launched and flew brilliantly. My job is chief photographer but I was to busy looking at the way he was flying before I got the camera out. He mooched about the air for a while and then disappeared higher and higher. I got my book out and fell asleep. 2 hours later, when I looked into the sky, I realised he wouldn’t be landing here and checked my phone. NO RECEPTION!!! Moved a little then had a phone call immediately! Typical phone networks!

He had landed 60km away and it was my job to go and find him…how cool was that…extreme treasure hunting! I put in the longitude and latitude coordinates into the SAT NAV and I was off… an hour and a half later…I hit the jackpot! After a lovely cup of tea and cake in a random cheese shop by the side of the road, we drove home. All in all, a great day out.

So maybe no ‘running’ today, but I was active! I even ended the night with ‘Guitar Hero’ on PS3. Followed by: ‘please can we have one……please…please…’

Sunday was great too. I got up early after staying over at my sister’s house Saturday night, had breakfast and after generally mooching about with the kids, went to parents house to eat the traditional roast dinner…and it was very nice. I then went into the front garden to fix my 12 year old bike that hasn’t been ridden for ages. Good old BF and the variety of tools/spray/cloths in his van. It is lovely and shiny and ready to ride. I have a new bike helmet too (which BF says it’s a bit excessive) what’s wrong with a full-face helmet? My ears get cold when I cycle! Then off to ride it to the sea front before back to eating more Easter eggs at home. Dammit!

So after a lovely weekend with the people whom I love, I need to get back to thinking about getting back on schedule. This evening, as long as I’m not too tired before babysitting, my sis and I are going to run. She may not stick to the spreadsheet, but after all the food that’s been consumed after this long weekend, I think I’m just going to run my socks off!

I’m not sure I’m going to be able to rest this week!

Running by the seaside

Today was great. Woke up in my childhood bed in my parent’s house after sleeping like a baby! I was so snug, I wanted to stay in a little longer, but I’m not going to get fit staying in bed…can you imagine if that worked???

I looked out of the window and it was wet. Was it raining or had it rained? I get dressed quick before the weather decides to change and give me a little shower.

This is the last day of me running for one minute and walking for three. Starting Monday, I will be running for 6 minutes punctuated by two minutes of walking. How cool is that. I made it one week! Well actually I still have my Sunday training to do, but I’m going out dancing on Saturday night with my sister, so I may use that as my training time (heheheh.) Plus we are having a dinner on Sunday, which probably means eating too much – you have to at my parent’s house – it’s a Spanish tradition. ‘What you weigh less than 60kg? Eat!’ You get the picture!

So I get ready and go outside, and it was different. Running around the seaside roads was wonderful. As I went towards the sea front however, I find the wind almost too cold and head back to run around the roads where I started. Bluebells, daffodils, little birds chirping here and there; I think I may have travelled to Oz! The only thing annoying me is my earphones keep popping out!

The running seems to be over too quickly, I’m looking forward to kicking things up a notch next week. In 10 weeks time I will be running my first 5km race with my sis, and in 6 weeks time I will be in France getting my elementary pilots licence with my BF. I’m quite excited, although it doesn’t quite seem real at the moment. I suppose it will when I’m out there.

Then I spent the rest of the day tidying my room…I knew I was home then.

Maybe I will be able to go out to play tomorrow!

There's a reason you rest on the second day!

Back from 2nd run...there is a reason you rest on the second day and that's because you are knackered!!

Lying in bed this morning after a night full of scary nightmares and had to sleep with the light on (am I 5 years old?) I was contemplating whether I could run this morning or leave it till later. (Alarm clock went off at a suitable time this morning) Knowing full well that if I left it till later I would just not go. I decided to get my running gear on whilst performing 'housework' duties.



Ok, so now Im starting to think about doing other things so I get my stuff ready before I change my min, its only 4 minutes of running after all!

I get my music and earphones, and the rest of the stuff I need so I dont die/have a runny nose/know how far to run/get back into the flat.

Leaving my flat I decide to run and do you know, a minute isnt a very long time at all. By the time I started, its time to finish and now its my 3 minutes of walking. I get to the park and AGAIN there are lots of runners! This is like a magical 'Harry Potter' world that I didn't know existed. Dont these people work?

I realise that music playing whilst Im running is a fabulous idea and need to invest in some proper earphones, not ones I bought from a £1 shop! Also realise why runners wear tight clothes, it not so you see how fit they are, but so all the stuff you have to bring doesnt clang around your pockets when you run. Must go to the shops with BF.

So before I know it, I am back at the flat after my 1 minute running followed by 3 minutes of walking (as per spreadsheet x 4 for 16 mins). And I feel refreshed...I can do anything...

I get back inside and decide to do more exercise..hell yeah!

Although, after lying on the floor to do some tummy crunches I suddenly feel all tired. Maybe another time, it is only day 2 isnt it!

Anyway good news, tomorrow is 'rest' day. Thank goodness for that!

Why am I running?

Well...here I go...my first blog...eeekk!!

I went on my first run today. I say run, I mean walk with a few bits of run dotted about in it!!

It starts today; or rather it should have started yesterday. I have a brilliant plan that helps you run one day and rest the next day and so on, but seeing as I rested on my first day, I kinda messed things up a little, which means I have to do something tomorrow - dammit!

So why have I started running? So many reasons, but one in particular...my sister.

My sister is awesome, so awesome I cant even begin to describe her. She is younger than me, but acts like yoda (not in the green-voice like, but in the wisdom) BTW she is small :)

She inspires me to pretty much do anything. You have the worst of days and she manages to turn them around. You can be lost in the worst situation ever (and I’ve been there) and she comes and helps you get yourself out. She's my hero and I would love to be more like her. She's been through her fair share of crap and manages to take it and get on with it. I love her...She’s great!

Anyway, back to this running lark.

My sister has started running. She is a busy lady with 2 kids and a full time job...she has more energy than a 100 watt bulb and now she has started running and talking about it all the time. If she wants to do something, she will, wants to run, then she does, wants to give up smoking, she’s done it. Wants to scooter to pick up her kids from the grandparents...they hey presto she will. She's very 'do it now'. Me ...well that’s a different story...

Of course, I decide to run, I have to make a spreadsheet with different coloured coded sections and the full 10 week programme in one go...mmmm...sad...

Ok, so now, plan ready I decide to rest till the next day...well the plan did take me a while and by this time I was hungry! I was working from home yesterday and managed to visit my kitchen to eat at least once an hour! I have NOTHING left!

DAY 1...
* Wake up to alarm clock. BF left it at 6am! Not impressed..go back to sleep.
* Wake up at 'reasonable' time for someone who is on two weeks holiday - 8.20am.
* Get up and dressed in running gear before I change my mind and repeat day of 'rest' again.
* Take mobile, keys, inhaler and tissue (a-la-Paula Radcliffe-advice), sunglasses so I look like some famous Hollywood film star running daily! * Walk to the park at the end of my road. Hey this isn’t bad, brisk walk...lovely. *Get to the park and set my mobile countdown to one minute (note to self buy a stopwatch) and start running...hey this is easy... .....10 seconds.....this is ok...20 seconds...ow....30 secs...owwwwww...OH FOR THE LOVE OF ***** ...how long have I been running for....an hour????....I won’t look at the time...I wont look at the time...ok, what time is it... IMPORTANT FACT 1-Turn on timer before you stuff it into pocket. Dammit!

Ok. Great start! I am far away from home so have to keep going.
I decide to ‘do’ my 3 minutes of walking now. I see people who obviously come here to run daily as they have their music on (why didn’t I think of that!) and regulation water bottle with a sporty ‘hold it in the middle design’ and their designer running gear. Whereas little C-B over here has all her running gear from Tesco and a decent pair of LA trainers (present). No extra running paraphernalia. Do they know I am a running virgin? I say good morning to everyone I mean, even those walking their dogs. See Mum and Dad, haven’t forgotten my manners!
So 3 minutes over and I have to do my next minute of running. Here we go...
My 2nd minute of running starts ok, I wonder what my heart is doing. Maybe not too good after 2 years of smoking like an industrial chimney (aftermath of past relationship). My heart must look like a picture! Not smoked for nearly 5 months now and very proud!

Whilst I am busy complaining in my head, the minute is up...Oh...that was quick...back to another 3 minutes of walking. I am half way around the park and now passed the few people running at the beginning of the park. Dammit!
I am starting to think how people start these fitness things and are all excited at the beginning and start planning marathons in 10 weeks and somewhere along the way, people lose heart. I wonder where and when it will hit me, or will I? Ok, the next minute of running coming up and I’m quite excited about it. Slight chest pain but I’m sure if I croak here, they will get all they need from my mobile.

I overtake a man walking to work and before I know it, the minute is over. I’m quite sad now.

As I continue to walk around the park, the man I overtook running is now threatening to over take me walking...not going to happen...brisk walk pace now engaged.
Last minute to run...and the last 3 minutes walk and I have just completed my 1st ‘training session’ makes me sound like an Olympic athlete!

INTERESTING FACT 2: I am now at the place I started running – very spooky!

Now, back to working from home before I go and visit my family for the Easter break. I would rest tomorrow, but did that already...tomorrow here I come.

CB