Rest days are boring!

This week has been really hard! The soreness in the top of my right leg from last Sunday has really held me back; I've only run half the amount I have wanted to and when I have run it has hurt.... a lot :( Luckily one of my friends is a sports physio (www.vickisportsmassage.co.uk) and has given me some tips to keep me going until I see her at the weekend. I have had a number of people tell me I need to slow down anyway and the injury has forced me to take rest days, so this week has looked as follows:

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday: Rest/Cry
Friday: 6.01 km  http://www.mapmyrun.com/workout/141981233
Saturday: 9.12 km http://www.mapmyrun.com/workout/142352969
Sunday and Monday: Rest/Sulk
Tuesday: 7.38 km http://www.mapmyrun.com/workout/143656933

It is safe to say now that I have definitely got the running bug. I've been itching to get out after my rest days and genuinly look forward to each run.

I've also been giving some thought to my goals. I need to have some shorter term goals to keep me focussed and feeling as if I'm achieving something. So, I have decided that as well as the Exeter 5k series (one week to go!) I will be doing a half marathon on the 21st of October. The best thing about this is that I have found a 16 week training plan to get me ready for the race. This will give me some real focus and keep me going when the weather starts getting colder! The first 5 weeks look like this (distances in miles):

Mon                Tue                 Wed               Thu                 Fri        Sat                 Sun

Wk 1   off                     3                     off                  3                     off         4                    3

Wk 2   off                     3                     off                  3                     off         5                    3

Wk 3   off                     4                     off                  4                     off         6                    3

Wk 4   off                     4                     off                  4                     off         6                    3

Wk 5   off                     5                     off                  5                     off         7                    3

Well, one week of Juneathon left so it's time to kick on and then start training for the big one

Finally, totals for this week:
Distance: 22.5km
Calories Burned: 2,134
Weight: 195 lbs

Running, Running, Running

Wow, am I sore!!! After four days without a run I was itching to make the most of my time this weekend. I ran Friday (7.94km), Saturday (5km) and Sunday (7.46km). I had planned to really push myself on Sunday and break the 10km mark but I started getting a pain in my right leg at about 3.5km. This pain very quickly spread up my leg and into my right buttock. Before long I was at a point where every time my right leg hit the ground I had a shoting pain that went from my calf and travelled up into my arse. I was not a happy runner at all and called it in early. The competitive side of me was annoyed but when I look at where I was 3 weeks ago I guess I should be happy with three consecutive runs and a cumulative distance of over 20km. I was especially pleased with the time for my 5km on Saturday - 26:43 - which was 5 mins 37 quicker than my first run three weeks ago!

Friday: http://www.mapmyrun.com/workout/139038561

Saturday: http://www.mapmyrun.com/workout/139286103

Sunday: http://www.mapmyrun.com/workout/139700425

I'm definitely starting to see the difference that the running and healthy eating is making to my body. I look thinner in the face and the belly has visibly shrunk. I've been doing a few sit ups every night too. The six pack is still a long way away though!

I'm going to rest up for a couple of days now but go for a big one on Wednesday. One of my running friends is taking me out for a 10km Wednesday night; it will be the longest I have run before and the first time that I have run with a partner. I know I've come a long way already though as I'm actually looking forward to it!

So, totals for this week:
Distance: 34.6km
Calories Burned: 2,488
Weight: Not sure!! My scales are playing up and can't make their mind up; I've either lost six pounds or gained two! Grrrrr

Thanks for reading, please follow me on Twitter - @phoenixdoyley

Juneathon - half way in...

On the recommendation of my friend Martyn (http://www.marts2smooth.co.uk/) I registered with Juneathon at the start of the month through http://www.runningfreeonline.com/ . The plan is to run (or do some other exercise) for everyday of June. So, half way in and the totals look like this:

Total Workouts: 15 (7 runs, 5 weights, 2 walks, 1 bike)
Distance covered: 60 km
Calories burned: 4, 764

I'm pretty happy with this to be honest and I'm definitely feeling the difference. The diet is really helping too. I worked night shifts this week; traditionally I stuff my face with cakes and chocolate to keep me awake and then feel sluggish during the day. This week though I have grazed on fruit and nuts and feel much better for it.

This weeks training has been diffcult. When I'm working nights I look after my son during the day. This means I havent been able to get out for a run since Sunday. But, as I said in my last post, I had to be creative and so the four days looked like this:

Monday: 5.75 km walk - pushing Rory around one of my run routes in his buggy http://www.mapmyrun.com/workout/136983613

Tuesday: 7.84 km bike - with Rory on the back of the bike
http://www.mapmyrun.com/workout/137614339

Wednesday: 6.36 km walk - pushing Rory and his cousin Charlie around the lanes in a double buggy
http://www.mapmyrun.com/workout/138098799

Thursday: Cardio Dumbell Workout

I know that none of this is going to turn me into a Tri king but I think at this stage it is all about getting back my base level of fitness. I'm going to get out for at least two decent length runs over the next three days and I'm confident that this is giving me something decent enough to build on.

Finally, I decided this week that to celebrate the end of Juneathon and my first month of training I am going to run my first ever competitive race. On Tuesday the 3rd of July I will be running the "Exe 5k Series" in Exeter http://www.ironbridgerunnerevents.co.uk/summer_5k/index.html - wish me luck!!

Two weeks in...

Well I'm now two weeks in to my training and so far so good. I spent some time thinking about what I needed to do and buy to be tri-ready and it was a bit overwhelming to be honest, so I've decided to take things a step at a time and not think to far ahead. Two weeks ago I was completely out of shap and hadn't done ANY exercise for ages. Since I have started this blog I have completed 8 runs in 14 days and I am really feeling the benefit.

On Friday we had a pretty hectic day so I squeezed in the dumbell cardio workout. To my surprise I actually missed running so was looking forward to having a bit of time to run on Saturday. We spent the weekend staying at my parents house in another part of Devon. I've never been running around their area before and wasn't too sure where to go but I found what looked like a reasonable route on the map and set off. It came in at 4km which was a bit less than I had planed but it did include a bit of surprise cross country (I ran out of road so had to use a bridlepath for a while) and then the MOTHER of hill climbs. When I run near home I know how the hills go so can talk myself up them; this however just kept going!!

http://www.mapmyrun.com/workout/136189453

Saturday also brought my first mention on Twitter; so thanks to Run Rabbit Apparel http://runrabbitappare1.bigcartel.com/ for that!!

When we got home on Sunday I decided to go for a big run (well big for me anyway!) and took the route that I cycled on day two. This came in at 8.8km and I was really happy with my 51:37. I definitely hit a wall at about 7km but pushed through it and was absolutely buzzing for the rest of the day

http://www.mapmyrun.com/workout/136593765

I felt a bit sore this morning so pushed my son around in his buggy for a brisk 6k walk. Still got a sweat on so felt like I did something useful. I working nights all week and daddy daycare during the days so will have to be a bit creative for the next few days - maybe some more bike rides with the worlds heaviest toddler!

Anyway, time to go; this week I have covered 33.67km, burned 2,464 calories and dropped to 198.6lbs (another 3.5 lost this week)

Where's the sunshine gone??

Wow, three days have passed since I last blogged - the joys of being back at work!

So week two of my training has been going pretty well so far but I am finding it a challenge fitting in training on a work day, I have managed it but it means getting up early!

On Tuesday I had an evening run as it rained solidly all day. I was a bit miffed initially as the battery on my ipod had died so I had to run without music for the first time. I friend of mine told me the other night that he always runs without music as he likes to listen to his body, so I gave it a go. I started breathing in time with my steps and quickly settled into a rhythm. I actually felt really good and the rhythm helped me get up and keep a good pace. It paid off as I ran my fastest time so far; 5.04k in 27:54. I guess I need to get used to being without the ipod anyway as I won't be able to wear one when I am eventually competing.

http://www.mapmyrun.com/workout/134643461

I started work at 7am on Wednesday so got up at 0515 and did the cardio dumbell workout that I had tried for the first time on Monday. Definitely pleased with that little routine and will be doing that every other day for this month at least. After a really busy day in the office I played a game of twenty20 cricket. Sadly it didn't go very well at all and I'm getting really fed up with losing!!

This morning I was due at work for 7am again so literally dragged myself out of bed at 5am, pulled on my trainers (which have never had so much wear!) and set off on my route. Much slower than Tuesday night but still under 30 mins. Morning running is hard, my limbs feel half asleep but I kept pushing today and was pleased to stay under half hour. That is definitely the short term goal, to continue to run below the 30 minute mark

http://www.mapmyrun.com/workout/135357883

Well, we were meant to be camping this weekend but the weather has cancelled that for us. Maybe I'll do a longer run to cheer myself up....

A thoroughly British Jubilee

Wow, what a fantastic Jubilee weekend! We have done everything that a decent British family should do; we have had BBQ's, garden parties, village races and family get togethers - and I have continued to train and (pretty much) stick to the diet!!!

So, I kicked Sunday off with my usual 5k route (must start finding some new routes soon!!) and smashed the time from Friday morning. Really enjoying my running at the moment, I hope this sticks.

http://www.mapmyrun.com/workout/133506701

After my run it was family BBQ time; I only had a tiny helping of the potato salad, didn't have baps with my meat and only had the one beer.

Woke up this morning feeling really stiff for some reason. Not sure what was so different about yesterdays run or even it was a culmination of the week, but my legs were like lead! That said, I didn't stretch much before my run and didn't warm down at all so I've only myself to blame. All the same http://www.juneathon.com/ is keeping me focussed so did a weights workout instead of running. As I'm going for lean muscle rather than bulk (which is what I've always focussed my weights on in the past) I had a look for a decent workout. I found the below 12 minute cardio dumbell workout on men's fitness and it was great. I felt pretty much every muscle get used and I will definitely be adding this to my regular training routine.

http://www.mensfitness.co.uk/exercise/home_workouts/6079/12minute_total_body_workout_3.html

Finally, I wanted to say thanks to those of you that have read my blog or sent me messages of support so far. Week one has been completed and I have burned 2170 calories, lost 3.5 lbs and covered 28.8k by foot and bike. I've got a hell of a long way to go but it's been an enjoyable start....

Saints and Sinners

Well the last two days have been a real mix of good and bad. I have signed up to http://www.juneathon.com/ which looks like a great way to get me started - the plan is that you run (or do some other exercise) every day of June. I then blog about it and link in with their twitter. Two days in and I'm doing ok.....

Friday morning (June 1st) I got up at 0545 and went out for a run before work. I did a hilly 4.96k around the village and it was bloody hard work! I felt really sluggish for the first half of the run but I started the run within minutes of pulling myself out of bed. I certainly feel better running later in the day and my time reflected that :(

http://www.mapmyrun.com/workout/132758015

Friday night was not a good moment for my diet. I had arranged for a night out with some friends (all of whom run and tri so I got some great tips!). All week I've been telling myself I'd drink Gin and Slim or Vodka and Diet Lemonade but when it came to the crunch my will power buckled and I was on the Cider. Bad Ryan. I did however refuse the crisps at the bar and waited outside the kebab shop when the boys went in - huge calories succesfully avoided!!

Felt dreadful this morning but have got back on the diet - stayed away from the usual junk food hangover cure and instead filled up on water, fruit juice and fruit. No run today as I was playing cricket for the mighty Newton St Cyres. As per usual our batting performance let us down and we were skittled for 72. I was given out on an appalling LBW decision for a big fat 0. However, an awesome team performance in the field (including a catch for me) meant that we very nearly defended the score. Cullompton got there in the end but lost 8 wickets. Gutted as always to lose but felt good about an active couple of hours in the field and a really good team attitude.

BBQ tomorrow for my sister in law's birthday, I've volunteered for driving duties so can be alcohol free and will fit in a run at some point