Tag Run

Exercise can be contagious – new study finds..

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During my Easter run, I decided to make countryside runs a habit. This is because I find them enjoyable, insightful and, most importantly uplifting. When I was young, and struggling to run half a mile, I would have laughed at this. Now instead of clubbing to the sounds of Donna Summer, I run with her dulcet sounds, as I pound the roads of the English countryside. Times have changed. The last thing I expected to be doing, is running.

One thing I’ve noticed is, if I’m honest, I prefer to run alone. In fact, any exercise really needs to be done alone. If you are in the gym, chatting, you are not working hard enough. Ok, I can’t work out and chat because I’m too puffed out haha.

Maybe I will participate in the park run again and enter into the competitive side of running. This element is possibly the best way to improve as you are competing against your own time as well as everybody else.

A recent study indicates that if you run with others you will run slightly faster (0.3 km). Running as part of a group will slightly improve your time. However, women tend to be influenced by other women. This may be because you may expect a man to run faster so you do not feel compelled to compete. I tend to expect males to pass me.

Scientists have found that a runner’s peers influence him or her to run more. Not all influence is equal and individuals are more likely to be influenced by less active ones. Men are influenced by both men and women. Yes, I can imagine!

So, perhaps I should join the local running club. Maybe I will, maybe I won’t.

Source: http://www.latimes.com/science/sciencenow/la-sci-sn-exercise-contagious-friends-20170418-story.html

Running and Fitness Plan

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It occurred to me that a run in the winter sunshine is more appealing than another visit to the gym. So that is what I did.

Started off with a rough route and my music planned. What does everybody listen to? I’ve devised a long running playlist and just add songs when something new and jolly is heard on the radio. The list of tunes is an array of everything and encourages me to run.  Well it all helps!

Started out all enthusiastic because of the lovely weather  – cold and sunny. Just crossing the road and heard a friendly voice asking me where I plan to run. So stopped to chat to my mate, then swiftly started running again eager to accomplish some sort of running rhythm.

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Ran down a long lane with some brief stops for photos. Really enjoyed the countryside and decided that I will run more often. A few hills and roads later I finally ran around a small local recreation ground and went home, tired but feeling a sense of achievement. Always a good thing.

Future Fitness Plan 

  • Write down everything eaten, daily. Plus drinks (particularly alcohol).
  • Weigh yourself first thing, daily.
  • Eat 5 pieces of fruit/veg, every single day. This should be mainly veg. 
  • Try to keep to 1200 calories, most days (but probably not the weekends).
  • 1 hour exercise, every single day. Or at least half an hour.
  • A run outside, once a week

Lost 3.5 kg at the gym’s Fat Club, so slowly winning the weight loss battle.
Ran 7.4 km

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How do you want to feel a month from now?

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This is what is on my mind. I popped into a pub on the way home about 10 days ago, and because I was not driving, ordered a pint of lager. It lasted a long time, but my stomach was feeling bloated while I consumed the fizzy drink.

A lightbulb moment happened. No more messing about. Need to get back on the healthy, but filling food plan. I was feeling unhealthy, large and uncomfortable.  This is because the pounds are beginning to return.  My plan is as follows…

-Focus on high protein and cut down on the carbs

-Eat only when hungry

-Participate in the Parkrun

-Check out some classes at the gym

-Drink lots of water (2 litres or more per day)

-Be aware of when I am hungry and not just bored and/or fed up!!

-Eat lots of vegetables and fruit

-Write down everything I consume

So lots of exercise and healthy food. The aim is to feel great by this time next month. What is your aim?

I’ve been doing the above and it is working well, so far and I will keep you updated.

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Update and 3 Reasons Why I Run…

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At the beginning of August, I decided to try to have a healthy month. Needless to say, it did not go to plan. To be fair, I wasn’t expecting so much to happen. Lots of days out and weekends away.  Think I’m taking my advice and having experiences rather than stuff!

However, I am pleased to report that I have stepped up the running and exercise and started to make the weekly Parkrun (http://www.parkrun.org.uk/) a longstanding habit.  Also, I am increasing weight training and focus on leg strengthening exercises at the gym.  Plus, of course, I’m still walking little Oscar, and really enjoy the walks around the surrounding countryside. So all in all, I am doing half the programme and hope now summer has drawn to a close, I will do even more.

My reasons for running are:

– It is good for my health – Heart and strengthens joints

– Clears my head, releases endorphins and improves my mood

– As someone who couldn’t run when young, it gives me a massive sense of achievement

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Everyday inspiration – Parkrun, reading and cooking…

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Saturday – was an inspiring day so I’m going to share with you.  It started with a bowl of yogurt, oats and frozen berries.  This is a impressive breakfast, because it is sooo gratifying and looks rather resplendent too.

Parkrun…

This was followed by a drive to the local park for this week’s Parkrun.  I’ve been running for a while off and on and recently decided to train more seriously.  To reduce the risk of injury, been doing a tough workout at the gym with weights and leg strength exercises. Consequently, my legs feel marginally stronger and I managed to keep shuffling along for the whole 5k.  Jolly tough for me, I can tell you.

Parkrun helps because it is challenging and timed.  It is held in many parks nationally on Saturday morning and starts at 9pm.  If you try it, arrive early because there is a short talk before the running starts.  Don’t forget to log on and obtain your bar code so your time can be recorded and emailed to you.  To find your local Parkrun, here is the website: http://www.parkrun.org.uk
Cooking and catching up with stuff…

Returned home feeling invigorated and got stuck into a few housework chores, showered then had some lunch.  The afternoon was spent food shopping, reading and making this Moussaka for dinner.  It has been a long time since I made one and I really enjoyed it. Moussaka is simple to make and a favourite meal.

Fry slices of aubergines with a red onion. Cook some lamb mince and season then make a simple white sauce.  Layer in a deep dish, the aubergines, onion, mince and sliced potatoes. Add the white sauce and sprinkle some cheese if you are piggy like me then shove in a hot oven.  Job done. Here is a recipe to guide you: http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/moussaka_71985

Evening road trip and craft beer…

During the evening I checked out the pub King and Queen in Edenbridge.  A pleasant, evening trip and driven by somebody else.  This was just as well because they had craft beer.

So what is special about today?  Nothing much but it was inspiring.  A new PB at the exhausting but satisfying Parkrun, interesting reading, catching up, cooking a different meal and drinking some super craft beer. A day doing fab stuff, when I wanted.  Always a good thing, isn’t it?

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Food ideas and running…

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Started thinking about food plans and made a delicious mushroom risotto. Super easy to cook. Just chop up a variety of mushrooms with red onions, fresh basil, stock, ground pepper, risotto rice and, of course, a splash of white wine. Yummy, quick to cook and quite filling too.

Also, an effort was made to join the park runners on Saturday and a new pb was secured. The first lap was easier but the second, well, that was tough. It was nice to run with other runners instead of struggling at the back with the walkers.

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