Last year I dabbled in a bit of jogging in preparation for Race for Life, but soon gave up once the race was over. I didn't put as much effort into the training as I could have done, and when it came to the race I had to take a few breaks. I won't even mention the incredibly steep hill 2 minutes in. In all honesty, I was disappointed in myself.
My trainers have had a dusting off as part of my new years resolution to take part in Race for Life again, and I'm out and about once more! Don't get me wrong, I'm no pro. I find it hard and I can't run for very long, but once I'm out there I really enjoy it.
I get the odd tweet asking for advice on how to get started and I thought I'd put together a little blog post of the things (and people) that inspire me, and what my beginners routine is.
I've mentioned my love for this blog before - it's brilliant. Very funny, regular posts so there's always something new to read, and just very inspiring!
I'm fairly new to this blog but this lady (and her tweets) inspire me constantly to get off my butt and move around! I particularly like this blog post as it shows what dedication, and a worthy cause, can achieve!
My iPhone app
If you've got an iPhone you don't need me to tell you about the array of running/diet apps out there, but this is the one I use. It was free so you can't say fairer than that! It times you and tracks your route; perfect if you don't know your new neighbourhood too well and you get lost easily (e.g. me). It saves each session so you can track your progress and see if your distance and average pace are improving.
Google
Type in 'Couch to 5k' and you'll find a zillion links to all things beginner. I used a 'Couch to 5k' program last year and it was a great starting block to get going. I'm loosely following a beginner to 10k program at the moment but I find I can push myself a little bit harder so I've gone off course slightly!
Slow progress
Each time I go out for a jog I increase by a minute each time. It doesn't sound much, but if I continue at that rate in a few months time I'll be running.... erm, a long way!
Slow progress
Each time I go out for a jog I increase by a minute each time. It doesn't sound much, but if I continue at that rate in a few months time I'll be running.... erm, a long way!
Celebs
I know, I know.. they have all the time in the world to exercise and they have access to the best personal trainers, but it does the trick for me. A quick look at a killer gym body makes me want to put down the 8th biscuit in a row. I'll leave you with some Victoria Secret models - why not!
good for you, im rubbish at running so i pop to the gym, less often than i should. Ah that pictures just depressing,i think im about as tall as their legs!
ReplyDeleteXXX
great post - pictures of celebs with gorgeous bodies is great motivation for me too haha :) xxZ
ReplyDelete*Looks at Victoria's Secret models* *puts down chocolate orange*. I need to dust off my running shoes too, I have signed up for the gym again and am determined to carry on beyond February this year. When I was running last year I used Endomondo as my iPhone app of choice, it's also very good. Good luck with your running :) xx
ReplyDeleteI always feel like my run makes me look like Phoebe from Friends...rmbr that episode?ha ha. So I stick to the cross trainer, bike and rowing machine at the gym. By the way, you look absolutely stunning in your new profile pic...really pretty :) xx
ReplyDeletethats such a wonderful runnign site. and good job by increasing by a minute each time, thats a really nice way to work up
ReplyDeleteReally useful post hun, especially as so many people will be making running a new year goal.
ReplyDeleteI also find the following really inspiring:
www.chicrunner.com
www.healthytippingpoint.com
www.carrotsncake.com
Love Sofia xx
Great post, think i'm look into the couch to 5k, as i'm doing Race for Life again this year and i really wanna do a lot better than last year!
ReplyDeletexx
oh god that photo makes me want to eat nothing but lettuce for the rest of my life haha, this is very random but the picture of you on your about me section is so gorgeous!xx
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing those links. I love Bang's blog and Twitter - makes me feel motivated! I'm definitely going to get that iPhone app too. x
ReplyDeleteBookmarking this post, I'm desperate to get back to some healthy exercise x
ReplyDeletei'm quite tempted by couch to 5k as well, i've heard it's an easy enough one to get into..
ReplyDeletebut i have just downloaded the app you suggest, and will see how self-motivating myself goes...
i'm quite tempted by couch to 5k as well, i've heard it's an easy enough one to get into..
ReplyDeletebut i have just downloaded the app you suggest, and will see how self-motivating myself goes...
I am loving running too! Are you going to do the race for life again this year then? I am finding it hard trying to fit my runs in during daylight hours so i am excited for the summer because I think I will run a lot more then. I use the nike+ gps app on my phone, it's really good because it's linked with the nike+ website where you can look at other runs people have done nearby and join in 'challenges' and coach plans.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for this post! Couch to 5k sounds absolutely perfect for me!
ReplyDelete