Tag running

Becoming healthy and fitter?

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At present, it looks like fatter. However, by the number of runners out and about it looks like there is hope.

During the last couple of weeks, people seem to have got to the stage where they have done a lot of their home projects and feel it is time to concentrate on fitness and getting back to some sort of ‘new normal’. Well this seems to be prevalent in my family and community.

We can go out but not out out.

So, maybe it is time to at least think about having a healthy body?
Even the folks working seem to be thinking along this line of thought. Are you?

 

Running

The NHS app from Couch to 5k has been downloaded on my phone and I shall attempt to run (again). This will be good for the respiratory system and general health.

The walk/run is ideal for returning and brand-new runners. For me, although I’m not an expert, the programme is a safe transition from walking to running. If you are a complete beginner, I would certainly take medical advice, do strengthening exercises and go slowly. The app is an NHS one, see link below.

Food

I’m going to start to avoid sweet food this week and snacking. Usually there aren’t many snacks in the house but some have crept in. Who isn’t feeling a little slob like at the moment? I know I am. This snacking malarkey makes you feel sluggish and unproductive and not great for the mood either.

Nothing like a workout to make you feel better.

This week I’ve started to do the Kelly Holmes 8.30 am fitness on Instagram. It is quite slow but very, taxing on the old body. But it needs to be done. Her book on Running Live is an excellent resource as well. Gives advice on mindset, fitness and nutrition.

None of this will be easy so will be taken slowly, hence the app and new workout inspiration.

However, all the media and armchair criticism is exasperating and so a few steps towards a healthy mind and body can only be helpful.

Clothes are becoming a little snug too.

On the plus side my blood pressure has gone back into the normal range (just). It was horrendously high at the beginning of lockdown. Everyone has found this time strange and stressful. Exercise does help.

Thanks for reading and I’ll let you know how I get on.

Aims:

Couch to 5k

https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/couch-to-5k-week-by-week/?tabname=exercise-tips

Kelly Holmes workouts (stuff on YouTube too)

Healthier eating

Disclaimer: This blog is all about documenting life, opinions and tips. I’m not medically trained and I’m just documenting my experiences, reviews and opinions. 

 

#Running again and some healthy tips… Update

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Pleased to say, that I’m beginning to run on the treadmill again. It is rather exacting and the “random” level has been lowered so the hill climbing isn’t too ridiculous. Also, during the so called run (shuffle), I’m tending to walk a little too. It isn’t a good idea to overdo things.

The funny thing is, moving at a faster pace should be harder, but I find the process is advantageous and oddly relaxing. The same with fast walking. You feel you’ve achieved something and are re-energized afterwards.

Apparently, the best foods to eat after a run are eggs, bacon, toast, yoghurt and fruit. For lunch a chicken sandwich with a side salad or a burger with sweet potato fries. So a selection of healthy fats, lean protein, dairy and fruits are ideal. When over 50 years old, it is recommended to try ‘protein pacing’ and spread out your meals so you eat about every four hours and drink plenty of water. This is good for muscle repair so make sure you get plenty of healthy protein. To be honest, this is good advice because once you start getting really hungry, you start manically stuffing rubbish food and the diet falls apart. If that happens call it a PLUS DAY rather than a bad day, and start again the following day.

I’m pleased to say that it is ok to run before breakfast if you don’t run for more than an hour. This is great because it is the best time to exercise, in my opinion. Going to the gym in the morning is far more successful than in the evening. It’s easy not to bother after work and the energy levels are so much better in the morning.

Anyway, it has been a slow process for me, but the aches and pains have gone, at least for now. As running was on the after Christmas agenda, it is a good result. Well goodish. Still feel that fitness should take a higher priority, but you have to have fun as well, don’t you?

Apparently, a beer or two is OK because it offers fluids, sodium, potassium and carbs although you shouldn’t choose a beer over four per cent alcohol. Well, that’s me in the dog house then. I  drink the craft beers (American IPA) and they are usually high in alcohol. Oh well, I am improving and it is a tricky time of year…

Tonight, I’ve had a lovely salmon stew with spinach, mushrooms, peppers, onions, tomatoes, fresh basil and it was rather good, even if I say so myself.

So I’m trying to retain some sort of sensible diet but it is challenging isn’t it? Taking small steps is a good way to get going so I’ve managed to cut out rubbish food, particular processed sugar. It is all about having the right frame of mind and when you are poorly, it is hard. It is great to feel better and hopefully I will stay healthy. Anyway, hope you are all well and looking forward to having some time off at the end of this month for the festivities.

To sum up:

  • Take exercise and build up slowly
  • Morning exercise is best for motivation (in my opinion)
  • Eggs, bacon, toast, yoghurt and fruit are best after exercise. For lunch chicken, beef with salad
  • Have a treat!
  • Check out my previous foody blogs for inspiration
  • If you have a bad day just call it a PLUS DAY and start again, the following day.

Thank you for reading my blog,it is appreciated and don’t forget to follow. 🙂

,  Salmon Stew

 

 

Source: https://www.runnersworld.co.uk/nutrition/10-running-nutrition-questions-get-answered

Many Life Changes…

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A lot has happened over the last few weeks, relating to work and fitness. I’m about to leave my current job, mainly, because I’ve lost some of my passion for social media and require a change with some new challenges. My only regret is that I wasn’t proactive earlier because I’ve felt this way for a few months. Things change, and you need to change with them. There are opportunities out there! Do you ever feel like this?

Also this month, I’ve decided to join a class aimed at gaining fitness and losing weight. Many people seem to have gone off the fitness trail and I’m one of them! A class meeting is being held twice a week, with a weigh in once a week. My start has been slow due to a weak ankle and now a bad back. Injuries are unusual for me, because I train to avoid them. So frustrating.

Because of all of the recent changes above, I will be writing some blogs about diet, fitness and well being. I am not an expert, but like to read articles about health/fitness, run (shuffle), exercise and write about my experiences. Also, I’m very normal and prone to overeating and drinking one or two beers. So you can take my ideas with a pinch of salt or try them out and read any attached links if you wish.

So what is the plan? I’m actually going to exercise most days, but start slowly. To be honest, food intake is more important because I’ve lost the plot lately. Hasn’t everyone? My calorie intake will be about 1200 calories with the occasional cheat meal. All food will be recorded. Luckily, healthy food attracts me even more than junk food. Cooking from scratch, whatever that means, comes naturally to me. Also, recently, I’ve devised some recipes which will fill me up,hopefully, without making me fat. (Blog post coming up.)

Although I run occasionally, I will do less of this and focus more on strength training and attend the weight loss class twice a week. Walking is also a favourite of mine, so I’ll do more prancing about the countryside with the borrowed dog, Oscar.

Really enjoyed the first weight loss class. Blaring music and lots of movement, but several exercise options given, in case you aren’t fully fit. Great stuff.

So the plan is..

  • Focus on new opportunities (there is a plan!)
  • Aim to become healthier
  • More outside activities
  • New hobbies
  • Read about health, fitness, etc.

Are you going to join me? Let’s hope it won’t be too arduous. 😏

 

 

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

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Crocus plants - Spring is coming!

Crocus plants – Spring is coming!

 

Well here we are – the #HealthyMarch challenge. Instead of going to the gym, I decided to put on my running shoes, and go for a run. I’m not keen on running in the cold and running in cold weather with a sprinkling of rain, is even worse. However, as it was day 1, I felt it important to start the month with a running challenge and just get on with it.
I’ve never been one to worry about running gear but decided to put on a proper running top and long sleeved sweat shirt in order to keep warm. Lightweight layers of breathable clothing, known as the layer system, is always advisable when running in the cold weather.

Am I the only one, frustrated by the amount of running accessories you have to take with you? I wear a running belt with a small bag attached. I carry a bottle filled with tap water, which is a nuisance, but vital and take my keys, phone in the small bag plus copious amounts of hankies because I always get a snotty nose in the cold weather. (TMI?)
My phone is a music facilitator and running calculator as it is important to be aware of how beneficial the running is for health and fitness.
All in all it is a palaver getting ready. What with the clothes to keep warm enough and the running accessories plus choosing the music, route and remembering the water bottle. Eventually, I set off for the first outside run of the year. Usually, a run once a week on the treadmill and running exercises in the gym, keeps me going during the winter months.
I start slowly by walking to the village main road and then increase the pace with some gentle running which prepares the muscles for exercise. As I run in the drizzling rain, I wonder if I’m slightly mad, and feel self-conscious.
As I run away from the busy main road towards local, quiet roads, I develop a pace and become warmer and start to enjoy the slow rhythm of pounding feet and start to remember that I actually quite like running. Well I say, running, I did stop to take rather a lot of photos for this blog.
Although I stopped to take photos, including the friendly horse, I felt a sense of achievement and it made a nice change which helps to get me out of that winter exercise rut.
By the way, the horse was really sweet and seemed happy to pose for a photo. He met me at the gate as I strolled over, and didn’t seem too disappointed about the lack of sugar lumps. The moment brightened up my day too.
As I was running back towards home, I must admit to feeling the run was exacting but felt pleased I made the effort and I slept well too which is a good thing. To cool down, I reduce my pace to a fast walk for five to ten minutes. This helps the body recover after running and anyway I was tired!
It is thought that running in the cold weather makes you burn more calories but I felt I was running to get warm quick. Experts back this up, and say it doesn’t really make much difference to the calories burnt. In fact, research published in the journal Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise found that race times are faster in cold weather than in warmer temps. And quicker runs do burn more calories. (source http://www.womenshealthmag.com/fitness/do-you-burn-more-calories-in-the-cold)

Good reasons to run (in cold weather)…
– Sleep well
– Improved mood
– Feel a sense of achievement
– The boring treadmill runs, in the gym, are worth the effort
– Strengthens muscles
– Leg exercises in the gym are worth it too

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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? – Update and Challenge

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So I’ve decided that it is about time to update on the “fitness regime”, as a friend recently called it.  The answer is yes, I’m still on it and over a month later, feeling stronger, lighter and more motivated.

However, after losing 2 1/2 kg, have found it all very frustrating due to the slow loss.  This is probably because of alcohol  consumption and going out for a few meals. It is very hard to visit eateries and order something low fat. This is something to work on. Not just for me, but the food places too.  Why don’t cafes, pubs and restaurants place healthy options with the calorific information?

Also, I’ve started proactively increasing the weight training in order to gain more muscle (haha).  This is hopefully going to encourage health benefits, but that may take some time. Unfortunately, when you are over 45, it all seems to take forever.

My gym has been running a weight loss group and encouraged this challenge:

– Exercise 30 minutes a day

– Green veggies everyday (broccoli, cabbage, lettuce, brussels sprouts, etc.)

– Write down what you eat and drink

This  challenge has been tricky and harder than originally thought. However, it has been very helpful and enables you to discover hidden weaknesses.  What are yours? Mine is choosing healthier options when away from home.

Anyway, onwards and upwards. Thanks for reading and please follow.

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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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I write because…

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I write because I feel I have things to say and it is a creative outlet. My interests include many aspects under the auspices of the lifestyle banner. For example, I’ve recently taken up running more seriously and have become interested in health, fitness and nutrition. Also, I’ve become interested in the ideology of minimalism and all that this mindset endorses. So at the moment, I like to write primarily about these subjects and of course, this includes most aspects of simple living. Decluttering, reducing waste, how to improve life, travel, food, literature, social media, gardening and general health.

I don’t claim to be an expert on these subjects (apart from literature and social media) but I can proactively air my views and wisdom. It is fun, the research is interesting and I love to write. I really enjoy writing both fiction and non fiction but this is where I will continue to write and share my views and tips. I hope you enjoy it too.

Thank you for reading my blog, it is appreciated.

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Thank you.