Running: Cutteslowe Park

As you've probably read in one of my previous posts I really struggle with running. I mean, who doesn't? But I've recently got back into it and I'm going to share with you my progress. It's embarrassing, because I know that I'm running such short distances with really long times, but I'm proud that I'm finally doing it.

My running progress; I will get there!

If you don't already have the "Nike Running" app, then I urge you to download it. It tracks your running progress, you earn Nike Fuel Points, you can challenge your friends and best of all, it's free. I honestly think this app is the reason I enjoy running a little more than I did before. I like the fact it asks you how you found your run once you've finished and you're able to write notes about the run so you remember next time where you went. And as annoying as it is, it does show you how slow / fast you ran on the map.

So anyway, I've been running around Cutteslowe Park in Oxford, because it's always empty and no one can see how silly I look when I run (yes I kick my heel up weirdly). It's also absolutely beautiful on a sunny day. 

When I pause during my run I find it really helpful to do some "mat work" such as lunges and squats, it limbers up your muscles and you don't feel like you're "cheating" whilst on a run. If you're a new starter to running I suggest you download the app and stop every time the personal trainer on the app tells you you've hit your next km. That way you know you've got a break, so you're likely to keep a steady pace in each km. In between each km, aim to do 3 sets of 25 reps of a certain exercise, for example, sit ups, push ups, mountain climbers etc. My favourite is tricep dips on a park bench. 

Running outside has made me realise how unfit I am. At the gym I'm a keen believer in less cardio, more weight training, which I still stand by. However, when I went on my first run this time last week I realised how out of breath I was within the first 1km. I think this goes to show that running on the treadmill (which I can do for a long period of time) and running outside are two very different things.

When I get back from running (sweaty, red and so out of breath I feel like I might be having an asthma attack) I like to do 10 minutes of skipping to warm down. I'm lucky because in my garden we have windows everywhere, so I'm able to see my leg muscles working whilst exercising - I'm so vain it's actually a crime. 

I thought that I wouldn't be able to comfortably run again due to back pain, but running has actually eased so many aches and pains, as well as keeping me in shape. I am determined that I will be able to easily run 15km within 2 months time. I'll let you know how I get on!

I hope this post has opened your eyes to running and you might consider it going forward, now that it's coming up to summer it's a great way to get into shape AND get a tan! Let me know if you have any tips or favourite places to run. 

Working towards a flat tummy

My one and only dream has always been to have a wash board tummy and if there are cheese grater abs thrown into the mix I wouldn't complain. It's only recently that I've been looking into "how to get abs" and I realise I had it all wrong before. I used to think it was just loads of cardio which would enable me to lose body fat and show my abs. However I've come to realise that the saying "abs are made in the kitchen" is actually quite true. Having cut out a large proportion of sugar and heavy carbs I've lost some body fat around my tummy which has allowed my once non-existent abs to poke through. Alongside this I am a massive believer that weight and resistance training makes you lose those extra, stubborn lbs.

When I do an ab workout at the gym I change it every time just so my body doesn't become acclimatised to what I'm training. Please note that my chosen workout has worked for me and might not work for you.

Briefly, my sets are 20 reps each, I do 3 sets of each machine. I use weights / resistance in every exercise I do. The exercises I do:

Cable machine pull downs
Hanging leg raises
Plank and side plank
Bicycles
Floor leg raises
Medicine ball side twists

This is a simplified example of a workout that I have been doing. I do high intensity interval alongside the exercises as well as skipping. I hope this has helped a little bit, or at least given you an insight into my workout. Any questions feel free to go to my ask box which is in the description on the right hand side. Don't forget to follow me on instagram for more updates!

Running: Blenheim Palace

As many of my readers may know, I had back surgery to correct my wonky spine in October 2012. I was told that I was unlikely to be able to return to the gym for a year and running was out of the question until my spine had fully fused and healed. Having not done any sport since leaving school, I fully relied on the gym to keep me in shape both physically and mentally, so hearing this news wasn't really what I wanted to hear.

However, much to everyone's surprise I made a very quick recovery and was back in the gym in the new year of 2013. Something that's taken time though, is running. Having been going to the gym for weeks from January 2013 onwards I thought it was about time to try running on the treadmill to see how it felt. I lasted about 3 minutes before tears were leaking out the corners of my eyes. Every time my foot impacted the treadmill belt a shock was sent down my spine and it felt like each vertebrae was compounding the next.

So after that terrible affair I decided to leave the running out of my workout (for the next year...) which was convenient, because who even likes running! It was only until about 3 months ago when I needed to let off some steam that I decided to go for a run, outdoors, in the pouring rain. There's something quite empowering running through a downpour, mud splashing up your legs, face being whipped with water and wind, call me crazy but I quite enjoyed it. I lasted about 30minutes before my back was in pain but I was happy with the progress.

Yesterday I decided to go for another run as it was such a beautiful day. If you ever find yourself in Oxford you must visit Blenheim Palace. Besides it being horrifically expensive to get in, it's the most picturesque, beautiful place I've been. I went there with my boyfriend for one of our first dates to frolic around in the sun and since then I love the place.

In all its glory

I ventured down with my mum and brother and whilst they walked I set off a faster pace, hoping to lap them on the way round the park. The terrain is up and down, with grass, gravel and tarmac meaning it's never boring. There are monuments and lakes to look at whilst you're sweating away and many, many tourists. Overall I managed a pathetic 5km but at least I did it and with no painful repercussions. Next I will attempt 10k!

Just having a little frolic in front of the palace

Hope you're all enjoying your Easter weekend!

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