I knew it was going to hurt...

So it's over!  January, the most depressing, difficult month in the year, and now the month where I have completely changed my outlook on exercise and in particular running, is finally over, and some kind of normality can be restored!  I knew it was going to hurt, and my achilles tendon is testament to that, but it was fun and undoubtedly, I'll be back!!!

Brass monkeys!

The penultimate day, and I was determined to go out and prove to myself just how much I have achieved over the course of this challenge.  Before Janathon, exercise was restricted usually to gym sessions and the occasional run.  My first few runs were arduous and my times were rubbish, now I have learnt to relax when I run, that it takes a couple of miles to get into a rhythm where I am warmed up and then I enjoy it. I feel fitter, I've been told I look fitter too. Today I took a leisurely 10 mile run, and I beat last week's time by 5 minutes.  When I say leisurely, it wasn't really, it was hard work, but I kept reminding myself to relax, straighten up my posture when I could feel my steps getting heavy, and then the run became easier.  My i-pod shuffle has kept me going too, I tried some of the audiofuel routines, and they were really great at helping me get into a sustainable pace.  It's been a great experience butI shall be glad to get my life back to normal!

Day 29....

It was the turn of the gym today.  I was in work today, marking entrance exam papers and interviewing anxious 11 year-olds for a place at school from September, when all I really wanted to be doing was taking advantage of the clear bright day and be out there running, instead a late afternoon hour in the gym on the cross-trainer and treadmill.  It just isn't the same!  Here's hoping for a run tomorrow...

counting down the days...

After all this time, of exercising every day, I have now missed a couple of days of blogging!  Work has been hectic, starting early and finishing late, and whilst I've still been able to get out there, for a brisk walk at lunch, and the usual commuting walk, I just have not been able to get online.  I even have to go to work tomorrow, which means I'll not get to run, but I may get to the gym.  I shall be aiming for another run on Sunday though perhaps not the same distance as last week, my sore achilles has still not completely healed.

6 more days...

In the gym today, cross trainer and some weight resistance work.  Funny thinking about exercise every day.  I mean, I do some form of exercise generally every day, at the very least I walk everywhere, one of the benefits(?) of not driving! What Janathon has made me consider is the value of what I do. Why do I exercise?  Because it is good for me, because it is a social activity sometimes, and a selfish escape at others and because I have learnt to like it and miss it when life gets in the way and I can't get out.  6 more days of Janathon... but I will try and keep to the routine into February and beyond.

another day another dollar...

Back into another working week and I have decided to take things easy on the exercise front, and enjoy it rather than stress about the amount completed or not.  I will do something everyday, I can use my Swiss Ball to so some core strength exercises, I can fit in a couple of gym visits a week, and I will continue to run at the weekends.  When it gets lighter in the morning and evening, maybe then I can change my routine and run during the week to.  One of the reasons my run yesterday was so enjoyable was because I was so relaxed doing it.  This must be my mantra from here onwards: relax and enjoy it! Another set of crunches here we come....

advice well heeded...

Have been feeling pretty mixed about exercise, when it goes well it is the best thing ever, when you pick up an injury it sucks.  Last weekend I strained my achilles tendon, which meant any kind of running was off limits, I physically couldn't do it.  I was forced to rest, something that more knowledgeable people had told me I should be doing anyway. I didn't exactly follow their advice, I just did different exercise, used the swiss ball for some core exercise, used some light weights for some strength training, and evening did a bit of yoga to stretch and relax my muscles.  I tentatively went out for a run this afternoon, a later time than normal, after making sure I properly warmed up and went for it.  I can honestly say it was the best run I have ever done!  I ran 10 miles (further that I have ever even tried) at a steady pace, and just felt that I could run forever, this must be why people love it so much.  So, to those who told me to rest, and that I'll have a better run if I did, I'll allow you one "I told you so!"