COUCH TO 5K

If you've been with me for a while, you may recall my brief attempt at running. I tried Couch to 5k way back in 2012, managed five weeks of it (and pretty much hated every moment), and I just didn't have the motivation to keep going. 

Then fast-forward a couple of years, and Cancer Research got in touch, asking me to take part in their Race for Life event and help encourage others to do the same (I was a proper blogger then!). This time I still didn't actually enjoy running, but I was extremely motivated to not let a charity down, so I managed to train and complete a 10k race without dying! I felt good for it, but as soon as that goal was complete, I again lost all interest in it.

But now look at me! I'm now on week five of Couch to 5k and I feel great for it, but more importantly, I'm actually enjoying it? I've been using the official Couch to 5k app with Michael Johnson as my coach (his soothing tones are so encouraging!), and it's been great. I can't quite believe it, but honestly - great!

Race for Life shoes still going strong. Probably time to buy new trainers!

Here's what I think has made a difference:

Pals!

Every time I've tried running before it's been a strictly solo experience, but this time, even though I'm still running alone, my best pal (who lives in London) is also doing Couch to 5k at the same time. It's so nice to have someone going through the same challenges - we send daft running selfies to each other, I don't want to skip a running day because I don't want to let her down (even though I know she wouldn't mind!), and it's just nice to know we're doing something together!

I'm (a tiny bit) fitter

I'm pretty sure the success of Couch to 5k is because it's engineered to help anyone start running, regardless of starting fitness level, but I am definitely finding it much easier now that I'm not such a couch potato! 

Over the last year I've started to take my health a bit more seriously, and when gyms were open I got really into it! I think it's finally dawned on me that I'm not in my 20s anymore (lol), so I want to be more active, and I've been doing a lot of online yoga and cycling over the last few months. Learning to run is still super tiring, but it's not as sore as I remember from before. Doing yoga 1 or 2 times a week is also really helping my achey legs, which then makes it easier to go on the next run!

Flexible working

I think this is the biggest one for me. Since the pandemic I've been working from home, and I've been surprised by how much I love it. I know it's not for everyone, but I feel so much more focused and productive, and I love that I can manage my day based on what I need to achieve, rather than being locked to a desk 9-5. 

These days I try and go on lunchtime runs, and it's so good - it lets me stretch my legs and clear my head, I've got energy, and it's a nice excuse to get outside. When I worked in the office my only choices were running in the morning before work, which I HATED, or running after work, which I also hated/found hard to find time for! It's so much easier to run during the week, which means I can keep my weekends for chilling out, or going for a cycle instead.

It is just nice to be outside

I've spent lockdown in my wee flat which has no garden, so I am loving any reason to be outside. I discovered pretty quickly that I'm not a huge fan of going for a walk if I'm not actually going anywhere, but going for a run feels like it has a purpose. 

In the past I was only motivated by post-running endorphins, but the actual run was always a slog, so it is definitely a big improvement to feel like the whole thing is quite fun! 

I think the pace of Couch to 5k is definitely going to step up from now on (I looked ahead and somehow I am expected to run 20 minutes in one go this week? Excuse me?), but I'm just going to take it a day at a time, and not feel stressed if I want to repeat a run - keeping it slow, steady and manageable is definitely my approach this time round! I'll let you know how I get on in a few more weeks!

HAPPY THOUGHTS

It's time for a happy thoughts update! Here are the things that are making me smile...

1. Summer meadow flowers

I was sent this absolutely beautiful bunch from the very kind people at Blossoming Gifts online flowers, and I love it! It's their summer meadow bouquet which contains blue veronica, lilac eustoma, avalanche roses and daisy-like tanacetum single vegmo... I'm not great with flower names, but I know these ones were just gorgeous.

I feel like I'm always banging on about how much I love fresh flowers, but it's so true - they just make such a difference to your home, and as vices go, I reckon a flower addiction ain't too bad. I particularly like the look of the under £20 cheap flowers range - how cute is this cinder rose bouquet?

If you fancy getting yourself a flower delivery, then you can also get 33% off at Blossoming Gifts, with the discount code BGIFT33.

2. I ran my first 10k!

I DID IT! I can't quite believe that I did it, but I completed my Race for Life and it didn't kill me. In fact, I actually even had quite a nice time - what has happened to me?!

I ran for the first time just over three months ago, and it was exhausting trying to keep going for just one minute. Since then I've tried to run three times a week (although realistically, at points it was only once a week), and somehow, bit by bit, I've turned into a runner who can do a 10k race in 67 minutes - slow by most runner standards, but an achievement I'm so chuffed with.

When I crossed the starting line and was immediately confronted by a massive hill, I was filled with FEAR (because running up hills is the worst), and it took me a while to settle into my pace. But when I did, it suddenly felt quite easy, and running the last two k was really fun - my parents and Joshua had come out to support me, everyone was cheering, and I got loads of high fives.

Now I'm looking for another 10k to sign up for later in the year, as I really want to keep up running, but I know I need a race to give me the fear to actually go out and do it!

3. I'm going on holiday

Photo: Fairytale photos of Croatia

I'm so excited! This weekend I fly off to adventure on Croatia, and I can't wait. We're staying on the island of Hvar in an apartment with steps down to the sea (amazing!), then going to Split for a couple of days, to explore Diocletian's Palace, and channel my inner Daenerys Targaryen at Game of Thrones locations.

I've never been to Croatia before, and I am in desperate need of a sunny adventure, so bring it on!

LEARNING TO RUN

It's been seven weeks since I nervously laced up my trainers and headed out for my first run in a very, very long time.

It took me over an hour to psyche myself up enough to actually leave the house. I couldn't find my headphones (and got in a massive flap about running in silence), I didn't know what route I should take, I had no idea how I was meant to carry my phone or keys without a bag or any gadgets, and I got really worried about how I would look, and what people would think of me.

I was the world's wimpiest runner. But I'd signed up to do Race for Life. So I had to do it. (& I was part of Cancer Research UK's blogger team, which meant I really, really had to do it).

So I did. I downloaded an app and started slowly plodding away... and seven weeks later I'm still running. I didn't die of embarrassment the first time I ran by a group of people, and my knees didn't explode from new exercise. I feel good about myself (and without really trying, I've lost almost half a stone). I also somehow seem to enjoy it now? I've changed.

Here's what I've learned about running so far, which might help you if you are also the world's wimpiest runner.

1. Pick a goal
If I did not have the impending terror of my 10k race, I would not be running. I would be sleeping. And snacking. But I know if I do those things, then I will have a terrible time trying to drag my sorry self around the Race for Life course. Running now makes life in June so much easier (which you can  also sponsor me for, if you are feeling kind!).

2. Find what motivates you
I have only just started to like running (and even now, I'm still a bit unsure about the whole thing), so when I started I had to focus on what I did like. At first the ONLY thing I liked about running was when it ended, and I felt smug that I had done it. So I held onto that, and dragged myself out by thinking about how good it would be when it was over. After a while I realised that I also quite enjoyed being outside, running along lovely woodland paths, and looking at squirrels. But really, I mainly like feeling smug. There's no shame in that (I hope!).

3. Get an interval app
The idea of running for 30 minutes? Terrifying. The idea of running for a minute? Well, alriiiiiight. I downloaded a 10k runner app and I LOVE it. It tells you exactly when to walk or run, and leads you through the process in such baby steps that build your confidence, and avoid you burning out by trying to do too much too soon. Today I ran for 20 minutes in one go, which felt impossible seven weeks ago. Next month I have to run a 10k (oh god), which yes currently feels impossible, but I know that if I follow the app, I'll be fine.

4. Slow down 
Apparently one of the most common problems with new runners is that you try to go too fast too soon and do yourself a damage. I did exactly this - in week two I was feeling alright with running a couple of minutes at a go, so I tried to go a bit faster. I ended up with mega achey knees (and then paranoia about KNEE PAIN), which made running even more miserable. So I slowed right now... and if I felt like I wanted to walk, I slowed to a walking pace, but kept jogging. And it totally helped! All of the advice says ignore speed, it'll come in time.

5. Listen to podcasts
I'm sure this won't be for everyone, but this totally changed my running experience. When I started I listened to really intense pop playlists, which were good for getting my energy levels up, but I also got really bored. I had started listening to podcasts after getting into Serial (like everyone else in the world), and as loads are about 30 minutes long, they seemed pretty perfect for my running sessions. And they're ace! I get totally caught up in the story, and focus on that more than the time I've got left to run. I've mainly been listening to This American Life and Freakonomics, but today I listened to Knifepoint Horror and had actual terror shivers as I ran (which is ace, because I didn't think about running!).

6. You don't care what people think
This has been one of the best things. I genuinely felt a bit ill thinking about how the whole wide world would judge me, running along, pink face and out of breath. But then the minute I got outside, I suddenly didn't care. The first time I ran past a group of people, I realised that they didn't know if I'd been running for one minute or ten miles. The next time, I barely thought about it, and now I only focus on how to get by a group without breaking my pace (people with prams, try not to takeover the ENTIRE pavement!). I'd been nervous about seeing other runners too (because I wasn't a real runner, whatever that was), but they don't care! I think one or two people have smiled at me, but most of the time I ignore them, and they ignore me. I'm pink faced and I don't care at all about it. It's such a good self esteem boost.

And overall, I just feel better. I have more energy. I have lost weight (without at all thinking about it). I adore having a reason to go outside on a sunny day on the spur of a moment, and I turn into the smuggest human when I run on a rainy day (and brag about it, sorry friends). It's still hard, and almost every run has a moment where I dream of sofas and doughnuts, but when I talk about it I'm genuinely happy. Which has really surprised me.

So, I reckon if you've ever thought about it, or you're feeling a bit sluggish and want to change your routine up, start running. Definitely sign up for something if you're an exercise-slacker like me - Race for Life has over 300 events this year, from 5ks to marathons, so you'll definitely find something that suits your ability near you (plus you get discounted entry if you use the code RFLEver). And H&M have surprisingly cute running gear! Who knew?

RACE FOR LIFE

If you've read my blog for a few years, you'll maybe remember that I tried running (several times), found it really difficult, and then gave up and didn't really mention it again. I hated running. It was hard and it hurt and I found it really hard to motivate myself, so I told myself I'd find another sport instead. (I didn't. I found Netflix).

So, when Cancer Research UK got in touch and asked me to be part of their Race for Life blogger team, I struggled. Obviously I want to help charity (I'm a professional fundraiser, I love charities!), and obviously cancer is terrible (every TWO minutes someone in the UK is diagnosed with cancer - that's terrifying), and obviously Race for Life does amazing things (since 1993 over seven million people have taken part, raising over £513 million to fund life-saving work).... but running is kind of difficult?

Yeah, I didn't struggle for long. I do think running is terrible, but if I'm able to use this blog to encourage even just a couple of you to enter Race for Life yourselves, or just donate some money, then that's definitely worth my feeble struggle attempting to run (weep).

So, I've signed up for a 10k in Edinburgh in June, because I figured if I was going to try this, I might as well aim high. I went for my first run yesterday using my old friend Couch to 5k, and got out of breath running for one minute. I think this is going to be a difficult journey - but I'll blog about it along the way, and this time I have a terrifying goal ahead of me, which I'm hoping means I'll be motivated by fear.

If you would like to join my running gang and sign up for Race for Life too (they have 5k runs, which are significantly less scary if you are also a running wimp), you can use the code RFLEver to get discounted entry (which makes the pain of buying actual sports gear a little easier). You can also donate to my fundraising page (which I haven't filled in yet, because that makes it real) at justgiving.com/eversojuliet.

I've got the fear. Wish me luck! 

Couch to 5k - week one (again!)

It's been a good week!

Runkeeper - my new pal

I must admit, I was a bit nervous when I announced that I was going to start exercising again.. I was feeling fed up and lazy and the nights were getting colder. Brr! The last thing I fancied was running after work. But I am feeling DETERMINED, so I have restarted both Couch to 5k and the 30 day shred - it's a popular combination, and hopefully one that will get results.

And I've been really good! Hooray! I completed week one fairly easily - I'm running much faster than the last time I tried, and felt like I fell into a nice stride quite easily. I've also been up at 6.15am five times a week to do the 30 day shred before work - I've surprised myself with this one!

Can I keep it up? (oh please, I hope so!).

Week one summary:
+ nice easy start to running.
+ much faster, good to see obvious improvement!
+ feeling enthusiastic about everything.

- very achey already. Think this is due to the 30 day shred... hope it goes soon!

Restarting running

Well it's not really a surprise that I stopped running over August. I knew it was going to be hard. The whole month was full of very late nights (both for fun & work) & trying to get sleep when I could. Running, or any sort of exercise, was at the very back of my mind. I'd also really struggled on week five of Couch to 5k and was fed up.

But now I am EVEN more fed up. I have hardly any energy and just want to hibernate - the days of getting up at 6.15am to exercise before going to work seem totally unreal and undoable. I'm not that fussed about eating healthy. I've watched Craig work his way up to regularly running 5ks and feel jealous, but weak. Wah! Things have to change.

By That ARThletic Girl (who does the loveliest inspirational drawings!)

And they will. Yesterday I restarted Couch to 5k and the 30 Day Shred. It feels like I'm being a bit of a quitter, starting all the way back at the beginning, but I think I need to be sensible and gradually work my way up again. It's only been a month and already it felt SO MUCH harder - which is sad as I obviously had started to get a wee bit fit, but I know I can do it again.

I'm also going to monitor things a little differently. Last time I weighed myself on the fancy machines in Boots and was so disappointed not to have lost any weight after a month (even though my BMI went down, AND I was feeling better). It was only afterwards that it was pointed out that muscle does weigh more than fat, so I must have lost something to keep my weight the same when getting fitter. So this time I will be ignoring the scales, and keeping an eye on my measurements instead. I'm doing this because I want to feel fitter and be more active... so no more stressing over stones and pounds!

I'll be blogging with weekly updates (which is massively helpful for my motivation!) and am keeping a close eye on these motivational blogs:

Daft Wee Runner | A Rosie Outlook |  Where Are My Knees? | Spikes and Heels

Wish me luck! And please share any words of wisdom that you might have. 

Couch to 5k - week five

I am out of love with running. It has been a difficult week.

On Monday I was feeling good. Prepared. Definitely keen. The  pep talk I had with myself was working & I was determined not to skive. I thought this might be the week that I started to really like running (cause that has to happen sometime, yeah?).

I survived the run uphill! 

Ohhh boy. 

It's hard to explain, but I just felt so sore this week. Not the aches and pains that I had at the start of C25k, but an ongoing, weak, exhausted feeling from start to finish. Normally I find my pace picks up after the first run/walk interval, as I'm properly warmed up and I have a nice stretch of running before I start to feel tired. Not this week. I felt like I was counting down the seconds for the app to prompt me to walk again, and at the final stretch I had to repeat to myself "just keep running... just keep running". It's so depressing!

I know this must all be because I'm a bad skiver - the programme is set up so you are running three times a week, not once a week - so I hopefully just have to battle through it before things pick up again. But ugh, a couple of bad days do nothing to help a beginner runner battling with motivation issues! 

I'm off to the Olympics next weekend so FINGERS CROSSED that I come home all enthused and sporty.

Summary of week five:

+ I am glad I did it.

+ I ran five minutes, eight minutes, five minutes, which is the most I've ever done.

- all of the above.

- weighed myself after four weeks. Have lost nada. 

- worst week yet. 

Couch to 5k - week four (finally!)

It's been a while. I know.

Runspiration from weheartit

Week four of couch to 5k has embarrassingly taken three weeks instead of three days to complete. It is all my fault too. Life has been pretty busy, so I had missed a couple of my usual running days because I had to stay late at work (real excuse), or go to the film festival (real excuse), or laze about and read my book (fake excuse, bad bad bad).

My biggest problem was that as soon as I'd skipped a couple of days (regardless of how valid the reason was) I just lost ALL motivation to pick it up again. But when I did manage to force myself to put my trainers on I felt great! I am repeating this so it sinks into my very stubborn brain.

JULIET, YOU FEEL GOOD WHEN YOU RUN. YOU FEEL GOOD POST-RUN. STOP MAKING EXCUSES! (phew).

Asides from timing problems, each run was pretty good! I think my fitness has dipped from skiving a bit (that might all be in my head though), but I managed to run for five minutes straight (and feel like I could have kept going when the walking interval kicked in).

Summary of week four:
+ I'm definitely getting better at running, which is really encouraging.
+ my new route goes along a path that is FULL OF BUNNIES.
+ I don't feel achey any more, which is wonderful.

- massive regret for making excuses and being lazy!

Couch to 5k - week three

Finally a breakthrough!

I had mentioned last week I was really struggling with stiff sore legs, so I was a bit worried going into week three. Luckily things improved almost overnight and I felt SO much better on Monday!

This week stepped things up gradually again - this time the longest I ran for was 3 minutes. Again, this is nothing to a proper runner, but I'm not a proper runner so it's a big step for me! I'm really pleased with how sensible this programme is, and would massively recommend it if you would like to start running but are worried about being rubbish! Every increase has been totally doable, so I totally trust the programme now - if it says I'll be able to run 5k in eight weeks, then okay, I believe it too.

Summary of week three:
+ definitely noticing an increase in my endurance - bit by bit I am getting better.
+ motivation is at an all time high - even went for a run on Saturday night in the HORRENDOUS RAIN.
+ I think I'm sleeping better too!

- the rain appears to be never-ending. Running in wet shoes ain't pleasant.

All in all, a good week!

Couch to 5k - week two

It's not getting any easier. 

Post-run face. 

Okay, I'm being a little dramatic, but I'm still not much of a fan of running. Or getting up at 6.15am. Or sore muscles (oww).

Despite my moans, week two of Couch to 5k was pretty straightforward. The intervals gradually increase over the eight week programme, so I'm up to running for 90 seconds now - sounds like nothing, but I am still pleased with myself!

My main problem this week was that I've been SO STIFF and sore, in my legs particularly! I started the 30 Day Shred on Monday (which sounds like I am getting carried away, but I read that the combo of C25k & 30DS worked really well together), so I've been doing 20 mins of exercise each morning and my muscles are not too happy!

It meant that on my final run of week two I felt like a wee hobbling old lady.. it was hard to get any speed up at all, and I was limping home. Not too good. I allowed myself a really indulgent rest day yesterday and feel much, much better, so I am feeling much more confident going into week three. I am also going to make sure and STRETCH as much as possible - I don't have time to get injured this summer!

So. Summary of week two:
+ I ran for 90 seconds - yay.
+ I am really enjoying how beautiful the farmland & countryside is around my house.
+ A man with a really friendly dog said hello.

- Sore, sore, sore legs.
- Running is still a bit rubbish.

Couch to 5k

I've never ever had any inclination to start running. Ever. I have some vague memories of being forced to do it in school, and that I was always the slow coach at the back at the group. Even when I was recently fairly fit from roller derby, any time we did off-skates training that involved running I would still feel like I was about to collapse in a heap.

So with all this in mind, please be extra impressed when I say that this week I have been for THREE runs - and two of them were before 7am in the morning! (Please be impressed!).

 I was mainly motivated by the hot weather and the desire to do *something* to get a bit fitter before summer properly started. So when Craig mentioned that he was going to try running, I thought I'd join him & luckily stumbled across an ace programme - Couch to 5k.

This trains you over 8 weeks to go from a total running novice to a happy runner who can comfortably complete a 5k. You do three runs per week and they are really simple to start with (which is brilliant as there's no danger of pushing yourself too hard too early and burning out).

Livsmart shoes*

 The first week was sort of okay - my very first minute of running was HORRENDOUS (it was uphill, which didn't help) but it did get easier. The first day of getting up at 6.15am to run before work was also mildly terrifying, but I hadn't realised just how enjoyably smug I would feel afterwards, knowing I had done my good deed for the day!

One of the biggest things I've realised so far though is that I need to get proper fitness shoes! I did my first run in a pair of old converse... which I wouldn't recommend. So I have ordered a pair of Sketchers Shape-Ups which should hopefully help my poor feet out.

I'm going to try and blog about my progress each week (partly just to try and motivate myself!) so I will let you know how I get on!