I've reached a point in my life where I need to take control.....

Tuesday, 24 May 2011

BRIDGE TO 10K

SmileyHERE I GO AGAIN! I recently challenged my good friend Netty who ran  alongside me doing the C25k,  to do the 10K with me. She kindly accepted the challenge. I was pleased that she did, it gives me a running buddy who I can compare and compete against as we go along. I am pretty sure if we didn't encourage each other as the weeks progressed I for one might have given in to the torture. I know this is far more grueling but let's face it when I first started out on my 5k training I never really thought I would make it to the end as it was really only to get fit, but it quickly turned into training as we became friends and egged each other on to the finish. Lets get this show on the road!




 Bridge to 10k running programme. Repeat each week 3 times having a rest day in between.
Week 1...Brisk 5 minute warmup walk. Run 10 minutes / walk 1 minute / run 10 minutes / walk 1 minute / run 10 minutes. / walk 1 minute / run 10 minutes. Five minute cooldown walk. 53 minutes in total.
    My Walk/Jog Route
    I began my 6 week journey on this 10k training fit and raring to go. I actually found Week 1-Day 1 reasonably easy, after all I did run for 30 minutes with the C25k. I really hope I can make this programme to the very end. That would be a massive achievement for me.I will admit that towards the end of the last run I began to tire. I finally made through so I am happy. Day 1 done...Yay!!!

    Wild Flowers on route
    On my rest days I plan to go for a walk quite nearby in amongst the fields. It's actually the old train track. It's a lovely area that is quite peaceful. You get the odd person walking their dog or going for a bike ride, but that's about it. Your on your own with your thoughts of the day. The path that I take goes on for miles... you just need to know when to turn back and head for home. I love to take in the beauty of all the lovely wild flowers that are scattered around. I'm sure there must be other nice walks nearby, I just have to find them. I'm so glad that I've decided to take up my new exercise routine. Should have done this a long time ago!

    Ok...feeling revved up today so I did my Week 1-Day 2 early again as I need to go to the garden centre for plants so I thought lets get out of the way. I felt good again about this workout, I even got through without hanging on for my dear life during the last jogging interval. I forgot to log my distance at the end of day 1 so I guesstimated it at 4.5 according to my Treadmill I was way off so I changed it to something like toady's. It surprised me actually. Although I don't think in all honesty that its completely accurate.

    Tuesday 31st May I got home from work and had tea early. It was a lovely evening so I went out for a walk. There was plenty of bikers, dog walkers and runners all with the same idea. GET OUT THERE IN THE FRESH AIR!! I was going to walk the entire old railway line route but geez didn't realise it was so bloody far. I will do it one day though as I know it a favourite walk for many runners or walkers alike. I enjoyed my walk but I am going to download some new walking routes to try out. I rather fancy the Beverley Beck walk that is quite nearby so I may do that while I'm off work. Hope the sun comes out to play for my next scheduled walk!

    Had busy day at work so my legs were already tired. Started Week 1-Day 3 feeling tired but as the workout went on I seemed to find some energy to finish the intervals without too much effort. Of course I had the fan on full blast and drank plenty of water on my 1 minute relief walk. What I want to know is ... why does that last minute of the jog seem to take longer then the 1 minute walk interval!! I have decided not to push myself too hard. I need to get through this. I can always work on speed later. I'm hoping also doing the B210K will help ensure that I complete the *Race for Life* in July in 30 minutes. I would love to say I could but we will see.

    Thursday 2nd June went for a leisurely walk, nothing major. Just as it was a lovely night I wanted to get out in the fresh air after an 8 hour shift at work. Smiley

    Week 2...Brisk 5 minute warmup walk. Run 15 minutes / walk 1 minute / run 15 minutes / walk 1 minute / run 15 minutes. Five minute cooldown walk. 57 minutes in total.

    Week 2 Day 1 was fine. Got through this ok. It felt better as this time there was only 3 running intervals instead of 4. I think phycologicaly it is easier. I cant wait for week 5 where you run for 30 minutes twice. I had the fan on full blast and a ton of water to drink. It was hot and humid but I managed to get through. I would at one point to do a workout outside, just to get used to running on harder ground again. Maybe it would have to be early in the morning before people start to appear.





    Week 2 Day 2 Todays workout was amazing. I felt I had so much energy. So much so that I even ran through the last five minute cooldown. I was really pleased that I did. Not saying I would do this everytime but today I just knew that I could do it. 

    Monday 6th June I did my usual route over the bypass and into the open fields. I must say that I do enjoy this route. You feel totally relaxed and free from the worlds worries.


    Had to get today's run Week 2 Day 3 done early as we are going out to the garden centre for yet more plants. So I hit the treadmill around 7:00am. I must say doing less intervals is so much easier. I was a bit tentative with this workout as on my last workout I felt a strange rippling down my left calf, wasn't sure what it was until I looked and saw that my veins were stood out quite prominently. I had surgery on them quite a few years ago but they have returned. However, this did not happen today so I felt happy about that. I was afraid I would have to rest up.

    I'M A THIRD OF THE WAY THROUGH THIS...YAY!!!

    Bramble Pie in the making!
    Wednesday 8th June We had been out and about buying yet more plants for the garden, we drove up to Shiptonthorpe but didn't find what we were looking for so came back to Beverley and popped into our local for a drink we were going to have lunch but decided against it. So off we went yet again to another garden centre in  Tickton. Here we did find plants, my plan was to get a walk in after we got home. We no sooner got home and the heavens opened up. Blast!! Luckily later on the sun shone it's face again and I managed to get my walk in. I enjoyed it, just round and about where  I live. As usual stopped to take pictures along the way.
      Week 3...Brisk 5 minute warmup walk. Run 17 minutes / walk 1 minute / run 17 minutes / walk 1 minute / run 17 minutes. Five minute cooldown walk. 63 minutes in total.
        I don't know why but I keep waking up early even though I'm on annual leave from work...boo! So again I could get my run in early, which I like to do. Week 3 Day 1 here we go! I decided the the way to get through this one was to immerse myself in my music and forget that I will be running an extra 2 minutes on each run interval. Believe me it worked. I lost all sense of time and when the guy on my app told me I was half way done, I couldn't believe it. I felt good, hot and sweaty but not tired. Woohoo!!

        Today Friday 10th June was a totally bleak day. I was tied up all day with shopping, appointments etc so didn't get time to get my walk in early. As a result of this when I finally found the time, yes you guessed it. IT RAINED!! So I had no choice but to do my walk on my treadmill. Not that there is any thing wrong with that, I just like to get out in the fresh air. I used my Endomondo app and tried to set it to record a treadmill walk but it doesn't have that option which is annoying, so I just used the Walk option. Need to figure out how to switch off the GPS.

        Week 3  Day 2 I decided to read on my workout today hoping it would help the time pass by. I put the fan on, had my water at the ready. Switched everything on to go and immersed myself in a book I am reading on Kindle. It is called *The Bringer* quite an interesting book. It's all about I guess you'd call her an angel. As people are about to die she goes to them and leads them to heaven. Only she falls in love with a guy who is at the bedside of one of the people she is attending....And the story goes on......needless to say, I forgot time and the workout was over before I knew it.  Totally enjoyed the workout and the book


        Week 3 Day 3 I wasn't looking forward to this as I had been at work for 8 hours and I was tired. But it had to be done. The sun was hot and the air was very warm. I put on my fan and off I went. At one point I had to take off my top and just ran in my training bra and pants. Overall considering how warm it was and the fact that I was tired I did pretty well. I'm pleased this week is over and next week is an extra 1 minute each run. I'm so looking forward to week 5. I want fewer running intervals. So week 5 will hopefully seem a doddle.

        I'M HALFWAY THERE....CAN'T BLOODY BELIEVE IT!!!!
            • Week 4...Brisk 5 minute warmup walk Run 18 minutes / walk 1 minute / run 18 minutes / walk 1 minute / run 18 minutes. Five minute cooldown walk. 66 minutes in total.
            Week 4 Day 1 I was tired before I'd even started. Busy, busy day at work. It was a hot and humid night, it actually poured it down whilst I was running. Thank god for having a treadmill. Once again doing an extra minute is hardly noticeable. I am totally happy with this workout as I'm getting fitter it becomes less of an ordeal. I was feeling a little more tired on the last run interval but I think that is mainly die to the fact I'd been at work all day on my feet. One of the main reasons I like to do my workouts in the morning. 

            Week 4 Day 2 I decided to get my run in a day earlier than planned. Only because I have a hair appointment and other stuff to do. I knew if I don't get it in I will get behind my planned schedule. I need to get my next run in on Sunday as I'm at college again Monday. It went well even though I did my lat run yesterday, I was a little tired but I managed to get through it ok. Bring on next week when there is only two run intervals, longer yes!! but I'm sure it will be easier knowing there is only the two runs. 

            Week 4 Day 3 Thank heavens I'm here, I so want to get this week out of the way. I'm looking forward to having to do only two run intervals. Anyway, I was up early as my daughter was coming over to visit us. I thought I would get the workout done and out of the way before she arrived. I wasn't feeling it today, got a lot on my mind lately, but hey-ho we have to deal with it. It went ok, I managed to get through without getting too puffed out, I must admit it does get easier over time. It must be as I'm now considering doing *The Half Marathon Training* with Jeff Galloway. It does take me back to short run/walk intervals though.

            WOOHOO!!....I'M 2/3rd's DONE...YIPPEE!!
              • Week 5 Day 1...Brisk 5 minute warmup walk. Run 22 minutes / walk 1 minute / run 22 minutes. Five minute cooldown walk. 55 minutes in total.
              • Week 5 Day 2...Brisk 5 minute warmup walk. Run 25 minutes / walk 1 minute / run 25 minutes. Five minute cooldown walk. 61 minutes in total.
              • Week 5 Day 3...Brisk 5 minute warmup walk. Run 30 minutes / walk 1 minute / run 30 minutes. Five minute cooldown walk. 71 minutes in total.
              Week 5 Day 1 It was so hot and humid, I barely had the energy to do this workout but I have to keep on target. I find it hard to motivate myself sometimes after work but because it was hot and humid it made it worse. I did however enjoy the fact that there was only two run intervals. It makes so much difference to your mentality. I don't mind when it's short intervals but long intervals no-way. My next scheduled run  is Thursday but I think I might wait until Friday. I have a short day at work and I might feel more energetic. LoL x


              Week 5 Day 2 I found this workout so much easier as I hadn't had a full day at work. I always find I have more energy when I have a short day or at a weekend. The long days at work just tire me out. Anyway after the 5 minute warmup walk I noticed my app was saying that I had a 25 minute run *NO WAY* I thought. So I actually stopped to check my app and yes I had a 25 minute run. Bloody Hell! I got that wrong. Day 3 is actually 2 x 30 minute runs so I have amended the schedule accordingly. I did enjoy this workout regardless of the extra 3 minutes each run interval.

              Was so looking forward to this walk Saturday 25th June. Had a lot of rain lately so this was well over due. My lovely friend Netty visited today, it meant so much as it was the first time we had actually met. We had only ever chatted via the internet so this was extra special for me. She brought me my wings for *The Race for Life* Now it seems all real. Love you already Netty. Well the rain held off so I ventured out into the great outdoors. Loved it, there was lots of families out biking so I wasn't totally alone today. Non the less I thoroughly enjoyed just being out there.



              Week 5 Day 3 Was so not looking forward to this workout. After all I have to run 2 x 30 minutes. I was quite surprised at myself, it is only another 5 minutes so I just get myself in the mood and went for it. I was happy when the 71 minutes came to an end I must admit but I'm so chuffed at being able to get through this. I plan to do Week 6 on days when I haven't done 8 hours work. I don't think I could do a 60 minute run otherwise. I'm planning for Friday and Sunday and then maybe the following Friday.
                • Week 6...Brisk 5 minute warmup walk. Run 60 minutes. Five minute cooldown walk. 70 minutes in total.
                I decided to go ahead and get a workout in. So here goes. Week 6 Day 1 I  thought it best that I take it nice and steady. After all slow wins the race. I kept at a pace that was comfortable and I made it through my first 60 minute run. YAY!! I know that the previous week was almost the same with a 1 minute walk in between but 60 minutes......OMG! I did it!!

                Week 6 Day 2 This was an amazing workout. I don't know why but I seemed to have a lot more energy and felt as though I could go on for ever. I do like it though when my app tells me that I'm half way done. That means 30 minutes left to run...20 minutes...10 minutes...5..4..3..2..1 I love it when I know I'm on the downward slope. Enjoyed this workout and now looking forward to finishing week 6 hopefully on Sunday. Strange but I cannot put my average HR in my  Stats, won't click in box. Anyway it was 144.

                Week 6 Day 3 I was up early so I had a coffee and got on the treadmill. I was so looking forward to this workout as it meant I'm done apart from my graduation run. It's good to get the early run in before the heat starts to build. It was nice and cool and I had the fan on full blast so todays workout was good. I turned on the app and I was off. While I was doing the workout I was already planning my next goal, which is going to be "The Half Marathon" I'm just going to do it at my own pace. It's a 6 day week workout but I'm planning to do it every other day so it will go over the week. That's fine so long as I get through it I'll be happy.

                I'M DONE!!!
                  • Graduation Run...Congratulations you've made it! Get out there and run for 60 minutes







                      C25K WEEK 9 DAY 3 by katybun at Garmin Connect - Details

                      C25K WEEK 9 DAY 3 by katybun at Garmin Connect - Details

                      Wednesday, 6 April 2011

                      ZUMBA

                      What is Zumba Fitness?
                      Zumba® Fitness is the Latin-inspired dance-fitness program that blends red-hot international music, created by Grammy Award-winning producers, and contagious steps to form a "fitness-party" that is downright addictive.
                      Since its inception in 2001, the Zumba program has grown to become the world's largest – and most successful – dance-fitness program with more than 10 million people of all shapes, sizes and ages taking weekly Zumba classes in over 90,000 locations across more than 110 countries.

                      I started Zumba classes recently and I love it. I googled Zumba to find a class near me and couldn't believe my luck when I discovered I had a class within walking distance to my house. In fact if the classes were outside you'd be able to here all the women huffing and puffing. No men participate but I'm sure they would be welcome. Classes are on a Wednesday night from 7:30 - 8:30. Calories burned during class varies between people and classes, depending on how intense that class is. My instructor varies the workouts each week so you don't get bored. I bought myself a Garmin F60 HRM from Amazon which I find invaluable now. I wasn't too sure if the calories burned according to MFP was correct. I've found that MFP records calories burned on the conservative side. Personally I average 350 cals burned but I'm sure when I get all the moves right (As my legs do their own thing) I'll burn more. Ages range between I'd say 18 - 60 which I think is brilliant. It's such a good atmosphere. Each class costs £4:00 but each time you go you get a card stamped, and every time you get four stamps you get your fifth class free. Don't go out and buy all the expensive Zumba gear (unless you want to)there's no need. All you need is a top/leggings and trainers. I would recommend Zumba to get fit as you can make it has hard or easy to burn cals. Nobody judges you if you don't keep up. TRY IT!!

                      Garmin F60

                      Wednesday's are my Zumba nights........................ Went to Zumba Class. Was pleased when I got there to see one of the girls I work with decided to give it a go. We both went to the back of the class as I still can't seem to get my legs to co-ordinate properly. Plus my friend was wanting to hide as it was her first class. It was a good class, plenty of variety. I'm always happy when the instructor throws in Waka-waka to dance to. There seems to be more and more people coming each week so I am guessing word is getting round that it is a fun class. I had a good burn of 309 calories for an hours Zumba.

                      My Zumba Workouts Stats

                      DATE AV HR AV % MAX HR MAX % TIME CALS
                      16/3/11 114 62 143 77 01:23:22 374
                      17/3/11 121 65 133 72 00:26:19 147
                      30/3/11107 58 136 74 01:25:17 341
                      02/4/11 121 65 133 72 01:05:40 369
                      13/4/11 111 60 134 72 01:10:21 309
                      20/4/11 111 60 127 69 01:16:25 329
                      11/5/11 109 59 129 70 01:02:51 308
                      18/5/11 118 64 138 75 01:02:51 330
                      25/5/11 109 59 125 68 01:00:56 248












































































































































                      Monday, 4 April 2011

                      A New Beginning

                      The Couch to 5k in 9 weeks running program

                      C25K, is a fantastic program that's been designed to get just about anyone from the couch to running 5 kilometers or 30 minutes in just 9 weeks.

                      Exercise is labor without weariness.
                      Samuel Johnson
                       
                      I tried taking up running a couple of years ago but being naive I just went straight into running, no warm up or walking first. This I found was a big mistake. Within weeks I'd hurt my knees from running on concrete. So I gave it up, I was so disapointd as I do like running and keeping fit. I had joined a site recently and heard a lot of talk about the C25K programme. I hadn't a clue what this was so I googled it and discovered an amazing programme. I downloaded several C25K apps onto my iPhone but I preferred the app featured in the link I have put on my wall for you to look at. Of course it's your choice which you go for but for me personally I like this one. I then chose the music to run too. I downloaded some Trance music from itunes. It has a good beat to it and certainly gets those feet running and the heart pounding. Of course there are lots of pod casts also for running you can download. It's up to you what you choose to run too.



                      I started my C25k programme 06/03/11. I thought this is amazing, here is me a 57 year old woman who hasn't run really since I was at school in the 1960's. I bought myself some running gear and I was off. 


                      One thing that is a must for us ladies is a good training bra. Believe me we need one. No matter how small or large it will be a good investment. I have two training bra's both the same in different colours. They are Nike and with a little padding. They are a good bra, I've had others but none that hold me as good as these.



                      • Week 1 Day 1 which was a brisk five minute warm up walk. Then alternate 60 seconds of jogging and 90 seconds of walking for a total of 20 minutes. Then a 5 minute cool down walk. The following day was a rest day.
                        • Week 1 Day 2 came next which was the same intervals as day 1. The following day was a rest day.
                        • Week 1 Day 3 again was the same as Day 1. Followed by a rest day.


                        A vigorous five-mile walk will do more good for an unhappy but otherwise healthy adult than all the medicine and psychology in the world.
                        Paul Dudley White



                        I felt great, I was really pleased with myself that I could actually do this. I always do a warm up before I start any exercise even stretching. You need to get the blood flowing freely so it can reach it's maximum level. An increase in the blood supply makes your muscles warm more pliable therefore reducing the risk of injur

                        Regular stretching before exercise makes you more flexible. Studies have shown that flexibility is a key factor in fitness, even more so than weight and waistlines. Regular stretching improves the overall tone of your body but it does not in any way work towards reducing weight or burning fat.


                        Regular stretching before exercise makes you more flexible. Studies have shown that flexibility is a key factor in fitness, even more so than weight and waistlines. Regular stretching improves the overall tone of your body but it does not in any way work towards reducing weight or burning fat.
                        • Regular stretching before exercise makes you more flexible. Studies have shown that flexibility is a key factor in fitness, even more so than weight and waistlines. Regular stretching improves the overall tone of your body but it does not in any way work towards reducing weight or b

                        Things are going great, loving it. The fact that I am able to do this programme is a great boost to the mentality. I have started to drink tons more water since I started and that's got to be good as usually I don't drink any water. Trainers say you should talk to a nutritionist to calculate your water needs depending on the characteristics of your body. In principle, it seems that if you sleep 8 hours a night - so you spend 16 hours awake – it would be ideal to drink a glass of water every hour. The simplest method would be to keep a flask of 1 gallon of water which you drink, and you write down to the end of the day how much water you need. You need to drum mark. Then, if you manage to drink all the water that means you've satisfied your "hydration needs" for that day. DRINK WATER!!




                        By now you can see there is a pattern.

                        Exercise is done against one's wishes and maintained only because the alternative is worse.
                        George A. Sheehan




                        All was going well until I hit the end of week three. I began feeling pain in my knees. I thought at first I hadn't stretched enough or drank enough water so I made sure I did plenty of stretching both before and after my run. This was not the case. I guess it's because running on concrete being high impact running was doing my joints no favours.

                        I decided to give it a rest, which I did. I continued walking until I felt perhaps it's time to give it another shot. So this morning 04/04/11 I got up nice and early, put on my HRM and off I went. I started right back on Week 1 Day 1. It was a good run and I felt elated that there was no pain in my knees at all. Whats more I found that it was easier the second time around.

                        I decided to look at joining a gym so that I could use a treadmill to do my C25K therefore not injuring my joints. I emailed two of my local gyms for prices and found that it would cost at least £400 for a years subscription. My husband said rather than do that if I wanted to he would buy a treadmill for the home. So this what we decided to do. I went on Amazon and choose a treadmill which should arrive Friday 8th April. Looking forward to giving it a go. It's got to be easier on the joints. I downloaded the C25K for the treadmill and will begin this programme when my treadmill arrives. I don't want to give up running outside as I love being out in the fresh air, so I may do the odd run outside.

                        Attention to health is life greatest hindrance.
                        Branx Fitness Treadmill

                        Todays the big day! MY TREADMILL ARRIVES!!! I'm so looking forward to giving this a go.


                        • Week 3 Day 1 Hmm not too bad! The 90 second jog was a doddle. Then walked for 90 seconds, Next came the 3 minute run,when I was jogging on concrete on my first Week 3, I found this really hard but I was fine. Then I repeated the intervals.When it came to the last run I thought oh my will I be able to do it, I was amazed how easy I found it. I finished off with the usual 5 minute cool down walk. I felt amazing, I'd done it and burned 304 calories. tomorrow is a rest day but intend to do a walk. Oh and by the way, this was my first time on a treadmill and I've got to confess there were a couple of times I nearly flew off the end. I DID  wear the safety key but luckily I managed to get my legs running a little faster and didn't quite go off the treadmill. Lol x
                          Today (9th April) is a rest day from C25K but still decided to get a walk in. I did 30 minutes on the treadmill at a very fast pace. Sweat was pouring down my face and was so glad when my hubby brought me a bottle of water. MUST remember to have one handy next time! I burned 299 calories so I guess that's good.I did a good 10 minutes of stretches afterwards to lesson any damage.


                        Hmmm.....feeling a bit energetic so going to do some Pilates with my resistance bands. Will give it half an hour concentrating on my abs and legs. Doesn't particularly burn many calories but I need to do some abdominal exercises to pull that belly in. What I like about using the resistance band is. I do suffer with my back quite a lot and using the resistance bands somehow helps when I need to pull myself up or lower myself backwards. 

                        • Week 3 Day 2 Treadmill on (yes)...Water bottle full (yes)...C25K app on (yes)..music on...(yes) here we go!! Managed to to all the intervals but the last 3 minute run almost got to me, but I forced myself on to do it. I wasn't going to give up that easily. Still can't believe the difference from running outside. I did enjoy it so much better than the first time I did week 3 outside. I burned 296 Calories .. Average HR 121...Max HR 165.
                        Monday 11th April was a rest day from C25k so I did my walk.  I set the treadmill for 30 minutes and run at a very fast pace. I drank a full bottle of water which is unusual for me as I hate water, but boy did I need it. I burned 157 calories...Average HR 131..Max HR 157


                        • Week 3 Day 3 I manged to get through the intervals but only just. Running for 3 mins is hard. I think I push myself too hard though. When I get onto week 4 I think I may have to run at a slower pace. I burned 219 calories.Average HR 133..Max HR 150


                        Believe you can and you're halfway there.
                        Theodore Roosevelt

                        Next on the agenda is Week 4....heaven help me!!!! It means I've got to run for intervals of 3 minutes and 5 minutes ...aaaargh!!!


                        • Week 4 Day 1 I was so dreading this workout but to be honest with you, I found this the easiest by far. Don't know if this is because I'm getting fitter or what. I never ever thought when I started this programme that I would get this far, only ever hoped I would. Here is me running for 3 minutes plus 5 minutes. I even amaze myself. BIG pat on the back Katybun!! BRING ON WEEK 4 DAY 2!! Calories burned 245..Average HR 75....Max HR...85
                        Today is my walk day on the treadmill. Got up early and decided to get it over and done with. I set off at  a good steady pace 3.72 miles per hour and increased it to 5.00 miles per hour. Found I couldn't maintain this so dropped it to 4.5 miles per hour. I could maintain this so continued. It was tough but I was determined to do it. I burned 256 calories..Average HR 139...Max HR 153...HAPPY!!!!
                        • Week 4 Day 2 Ok I'm looking forward to this so lets get on with it. As usual I did the 5 minute warm up walk. Followed by jog 3 mins - walk 90 secs - jog 5  mins - walk 21/2 mins - jog 3 mins - walk 90 secs - jog 5 mins - followed by 5 min cool down walk. Boy was this tough but I did it with the help of a huge fan blowing onto me. I drank 4 glasses of water on the walk intervals. Calories burned 257...Average HR 75...Max HR 85 
                        Today was my walk day. I decided to up my pace a little so for a change I did 5 minute warm up walk followed by 30 secs jog then 30 sec walk for 30 mins followed by a 5 min cool down walk. This is a good way to really get those calories burned off. I was happy burning 366 calories. Average HR 141...Max HR 152


                        • Week 4 Day 3 Last of week for coming up. The intervals were the same as day 1 and day 2. Found it a little hard on the last run but pushed myself through it. I feel such a sense of achievement doing this so I will soldier on. Calories burned 233...Average HR 70...Max HR 79...a little lower than normal but that's because I dragged my feet a little.


                        • Week 5 Day 1 Ok I didn't do my walk last night as I went to Zumba so lets go straight for the kill on week 5. Started as usual with the 5 minute warm up walk. Followed by jog 3 minutes - walk 3 minutes - jog 5 minutes - walk 3 minutes - jog 5 minutes...finishing with the 5 minute cool down walk. Calories burned 247...Average HR 73...Max HR 84
                        I thought I'd step up the pace again for my walk. I did my 5 minute warm up and then went straight to 30 second intervals of jogging and walking. Boy does this get the heart rate up. I burned 240 calories. Average HR...118...Max HR...145. I do like to do this 30 second interval workout as it's easy to maintain but burns lots of calories.
                        • Week 5 Day 1 I decided to do this again as I didn't feel I was ready to go on to day 2. I burned 242 calories...Average HR 127...Max HR 150 calories.

                        Today I did my usual 30 second walk/jog intervals. I learned how to do this by watching a video on youtube and it is a great consept for burning calories.I did 32 minutes, burned 240 calories...Average HR 118...Max HR 145

                        • Week 5 Day 2 I'm loving this now. Brisk 5 minute warm up walk followed by Jog 8 minutes - walk 5 minutes - Jog 8 minutes - followed by 5 minutes col down walk. Burned 252 calories. Average HR 134...Max HR 152.  What was I scared of? Didn't think I could do 8 minutes jog but it wasn't that bad.

                        Another walk day. I did 33 minutes today. Burned 224 calories. Average HR 130...Max HR 139. Went a little slower today as my legs were a little achy but hey I'm not doing bad.

                        • Week 5 Day 3 I made it to the end of week 5, never thought I would.Here I go....Brisk 5 minute warm up walk followed by 20 minutes jogging....arrgh finishing with 5 minute cool down walk. I burned 225 calories. Average HR 129...Max HR 145. I am amazed at myself for getting this far. Well done Janet!!!!



                        Feeling tired today but still managed to get my walk in. I just did my walk for 33 minutes. I managed to burn 225 calories. Average HR 129...Max HR 145.

                        I've almost become tuned in to do some kind of exercise each day since I started on my exercise journey. Once you see some kind of result and you start logging it almost becomes obsessive.


                        The real key though is to log everything, food water, exercise. Once you get the hang of it it's simple. Believe me it works.


                        I find that I now look all the nutritional info before I buy anything. If it's high in sugar. I DON'T buy it! Simple as that!!


                        •  Week 6 Day 1 Wow here goes.I am actually amazed that as the weeks progress it is getting easier. I honestly never thought I would be here six weeks ago. Today was actually a little easier. I did a brisk 5 minute warm up walk followed by jog 5 minutes - walk 3 minutes - jog 8 minutes - walk 3 minutes - jog 5 minutes - finishing with 5 minutes cool down walk.I burned 247 calories. Average HR 134...Max HR 154. I amaze myself. 
                        I woke early this morning, it was a beautiful sunny day so I thought I'd get my run in early. I couldn't get to my treadmill as my hubby is painting out the garage and it is stuck in a corner so I decided to take my run outside today. I donned my running gear and I hit the streets. I did two reps of the area around where I live. I burned 208 calories. Average HR 128...Max HR 137. I was Happy with that. I used an app called "i Map my Run" wasn't too impressed with the calories it said I'd used a mere 104, half what my HRM tells me I guess I'll believe my HRM......but it's good for mapping your route, so I guess it has its uses. Here's the map of my route that I did this morning. Twice round it is 1.9 miles in total.


                        • Week 6 Day 2 Todays workout was a 5 minute warm up walk followed by a 10 minute jog. Followed by a 3 minute walk. Then another 10 minute jog, finishing with a 5 minute cool down walk. What I have found is that if I run with a smaller and quicker step it somehow seems  easier. I got through this set of intervals rather easy to my surprise. I burned 247 calories. Average HR 132...Max HR 147. Not looking forward to day 3 as its a 25 minute jog. Wish me luck, I think I'm going to need it.
                        • Week 6 Day 3 Here we go! Brisk 5 minute warm up walk, followed by 25 minutes jogging with no walking (aaargh). Finish with a 5 minute cool down walk. I burned 274 calories. Average HR 133...Max HR 150. Surprisingly it wasn't too bad. I thought I would be dead on my knees but I was ok with running for 25 minutes.
                        I decided today to do my walk outside. I enjoyed it very much. I did two rounds of the block and burned 185 calories. Average HR 118... Max HR 129. Nothing to shout about but I'm happy.

                        • Week 7 Day 1 Who'd of thought I'd make this far? Here goes...This workout is the same as Week 6 Day 3, so I found it ok again. The added difference is though that I purchased a personal DVD player and watched The Royle Family while doing my workout. It helped pass the time and I wasn't watching the clock so much. I burned 278 calories. Average HR 134...Max HR 152. HAPPY!!
                        I was feeling particularly energetic tonight so I thought I'd go for a walk even though earlier I'd done my Week 7 Day 1 of C25K. So off I went for a walk. It was a lovely evening. I went across the foot bridge that leads into the fields. There wasn't a soul about.  I was donning my new Garmin Forerunner 305, I have got alot to learn about this watch. You can do a lot more with it than the FR60. It has GPS and tons of different modes to change to. I have a lot of reading on this one. I have to admit I'm a bit of a tehno freak. Anyway back to my walk/jog. I was in heaven, the birds were twittering and I could hear owls hooting. I put on my Trance music on my iPhone and I was off. I jogged a little and then walked, just pleased myself. Nothing strenuous while I was enjoying the views of open fields. I was walking down a  track and got as far as the Driffield Road and then turned back. I was alone and enjoying it. I did keep looking behind me in case of any being strangers around. Locals often walk their dogs here, but I was perfectly safe. I burned 147 calories. Average HR 137...Max HR 161...Average speed 3.8 mph...Average moving speed 4.0 mph...Max speed 6.6 mph...Distance 1.87 miles...Time 29.47 mins

                        Found out after I'd bought this that it doesn't log your calories when indoors, so I've ordered the footpod from Amazon. Crafty or what!!

                        Rain was looking imminent so I did my walk on the treadmill. Put a dvd on and began my walk. Didn't push it tonight as I was tired already after a busy day but still burned 204 calories. Average HR 130...Max 139

                        • Week 7 Day 2 Wasn't feeling it tonight. I'd had a busy day at work so my legs were already tired, but I did my run regardless. I burned 278 calories. Average HR 134...Max HR 148. Down on my numbers slightly but that's all I could muster out of my wery legs.
                        No walking as I'm going to Zumba class, but then it's Week 7 Day 3... woohoo nearly there!

                        • Week 7 Day 3 Had a couple of days off exercise until today. Wow what a difference it made! I got through this workout with ease. Although my new HRM is telling me I have burned less calories than when I used my old HRM. I am assured that is because my body is geting fitter. YAYYY! Anyway I burned 163 calories. Average HR 145...Max HR 160...Distance 2.29 miles (according to HRM)



                          I've entered myself into the *Race for Life* in July. Race for Life is the largest women-only fundraising event for Cancer Research in the UK. Since 1994, women of all ages and fitness levels across the UK have come together at these inspiring events to walk, jog or run to help beat cancer. So for the event I have bought a new pair of running shoes. By the time the race is due I will be ready as I will have completed the C25K programme. Without this programme I guess I would have had to walk it. But I'm going to RUN!! Well at least I'm going to give it my best shot! BRING IT ON!

                          I was wondering why I had started burning less calories doing the same exercise. I googled the question and this is the result I got.


                          You are still burning calories. However, your body is getting more efficient at what you are doing and you'll be burning less over time. Try switching it up with your resistance levels, or doing short hard sprints to keep your body working at a good pace. Even if you stick on the same equipment, you can give yourself a very different exercise experience.So I guess I'm going to do my 30 second walk/jog intervals in between my runs. I know this burns a lot more calories. This will give my body that different exercise pattern it obviously needs right now.

                          • Week 8 Day 1 Thought I'd push forward and start week 8 a day early. Hope my legs hold out! Finished this workout and yes my legs were aching but hey I made it. I burned 155 calories a little less than week 7 (Hmmm?) Average HR 146...Max HR 159
                          • Week 8 day 2 Water bottle full...check...Fan on full...check...Treadmill running...check...c25k app turned on...check...here I go. O.M.G my legs are really tired tonight. Towards the last 8 minutes I was beginning to tire , I had to slow down slightly for a water break. I managed to get some energy from somewhere to step it up again. I managed to finish the programme. Then I dived in the shower, boy did I need it. I burned 167 calories...Average HR 143...Max HR 154 
                          • Week 8 day 3 O.M.G Tonights workout felt amazing. I don't know what happened but I felt so energized. When the person on my app said I was half way through I said to myself "No Way!" I felt that I could have gone on and on....I honestly believe that doing the 30 second Jog/Run intervals on my days off as helped. It certainly prepares you for the long haul. I burned 303 calories...Average HR 139...Max HR 159
                          Bring on week 9 so I can get into the 10K with my running buddy Netty who has kindly accepted my offer to do this together....THANKS NETTY!!

                          • Week 9 Day 1 I thought I would push myself into week 9 a little early. I felt I had the energy so why not. I burned 168 calories. Average HR 144...Max HR 159. Again I managed to up my pace in the cool down walk towards the end. For some reason my Garmin 350 shows that I burn less calories than my Garmin F60 which I used on my previous run. I don't really care which is correct so long as I get through this.  I may need to look at my settings!  
                          • Week 9 day 2 Decided to crack on with this while I'm feeling like I have the energy to do it. I managed to get through this "Just" as I hadn't had a rest day but I did it and that's all that matters. I burned 330 calories using my Garmin F60. Average HR 141...Max Hr 155  
                          •  Week 9 Day 3 Here I am. I never in my wildest dreams thought I'd make it this far! I burned 305 calories. Average HR 137...Max HR 151   
                          I've made it!!! Next is my graduation run. Yay me!!
                                                                                                                     

                          Graduation Run!!
                                  Go Janet..Go Janet....believe me this was the best run so far. Only because it was my last. I was elated to be doing it. After all I never thought I'd make it. I burned 300 calories. Average HR 136...Max HR 147

                                  Now for the 10K....O.M.G