Guru

IMPLODE!
I reached a tipping point last week. Work had steadily been getting more stressful and I was working longer hours. Exercise ceased entirely, I had no energy. My healthy eating habits had gone out the window as I was too tired to plan my meals and I hadn't had the chance to shop, so there was no healthy food in the fridge. I kept forgetting things, even small things, and I was getting little pleasure out of life. I knew it had to stop. I'd been in that position before and I had to find a long term solution - I had to ask for help.

Guru
In this case, my Guru turned out to be my brother. Same physical make up, same history, same generation. Who better to ask? He motivates me more than anyone else as I know that if something works for him, it is likely to work for me. So what did he say? These were his pearls of wisdom:

• Exercise - join the gym and involve a friend / instructor so they will keep you motivated - if you're not a self-starter when it comes to exercise then you need someone else to whip you into shape!
• Start your day with a healthy smoothie - any fruits, a little juice, non-dairy yogurt and/or milk, cereal (e.g. weetabix or oat bran) to help fill you up and maybe some spinach for added nutrients (you can't taste it, honest, although depending on how much you put in the smoothie may turn an odd colour, but it'll still taste good I promise!)
• If you want a snack, like bread, make it healthy. E.g. have a slice of bread with lean ham and salad.
• Aim to drink 2 litres of water a day. 

It's not rocket science is it? But for some reason, because it came from him I'm following the advice.

I guess it doesn't matter what finally makes you turn a corner and take control of your life, just so long as eventually you stop making excuses and just do it. 

I've joined the local gym and the instructor has been incredibly helpful in setting me up a program to help me train for the 10 mile run in October. I thought I'd be doing lots of cardio on the treadmill and bike, but they don't feature in my plan at all. It's only the cross trainer and rowing machine to cover cardio - the rest of the workout focuses on core strength.

WHAT CORE STRENGTH?!

Seriously, I had none. He asked me to do a plank and I managed 25 seconds. Pretty poor, totally poor to be honest but I managed 35 seconds last night so I think it'll be cause for celebration once I reach one minute. 

My muscles had never ached so much after that first session, but I actually think that ache helps me to feel ALIVE. It's so easy just to exist and I want so much more than that. I want to zing with energy.

AWAKE
Well, I'm not quite zinging yet, but after just 4 days of healthy eating and 2 gym sessions I'm home from work at 10.30pm and I feel ok. I'm not stressed. I could cope with it. I was awake enough before I left to arrange my to do list for when I return on Monday, so I don't have to think about work till I'm back in the office.

You know what? That feels like a gift. I have a whole weekend to enjoy. Work can wait. This is me time and I'm going to enjoy it for what feels like the first time in a long time. I'll even go to the gym on Sunday to 'pep' myself up. One day I will zing - and I have a feeling that with a little bit of perseverance it will be sooner rather than later.

GO CALL YOUR GURU. Ask for motivation and you will find it.

Spring in My Step

Spring is a comin' hence the change of look and the more positive colour scheme! It's now light enough in the mornings for me to get up at 6.30 and leave the house by 6.45 for an early morning 2.5 mile power walk (as powerfully as you can walk when you're half asleep anyway).

I'm throwing in a couple of jogs on most walks to get into the habit of running outdoors so by the end of March my aim is to run the whole way around.

The half marathon in May is now a no-go thanks to the recommendation of my friend who gave me the unfortunate news that I had chosen the most tedious and difficult event in the South West, so I will be saving myself for a 10K in October instead. This gives me the whole Summer to train, so I should have clocked up some decent mileage by then. Here's hoping!

I'm reading the best motivational book I've ever laid hands on and it's really driving my expectation to succeed and believe in my abilities. Not bad for an English person eh?

Oh yes - weight wise I have lost 8lbs so far - only averaging 1/2lb per week but, as i'm regularly reminded, that will lead to nearly 2 stones a year. I've given up chocolate bars for lent and can honestly say it isn't difficult once you've made your mind up. You lose the taste for it. My danger zone is the weekend when I relax and eat with friends so this weekend I'm going to put extra effort into healthy eating and exercise to ensure a decent weight loss this week. If I could crack that recommended 2lb average weekly weight loss there will be a whole lot less of me to lug around the race in October. I'm sure my knees will thank me for it!

Don't sweat it.

Don't let them see you sweat. That's the advice being offered to the Bridezilla on TV at the moment.

I'm not letting people see me sweat, but trust me I am sweating! Its refreshing. Try it! I haven't felt my heart pumping like this for a long time and it feels good.

What helps the most? Music and a cool breeze, so if (like me) you're not quite ready to brave the cold outdoors, open a window, get on that treadmill and play the music loud!

Discovery so far: Running is not fun, but the way I feel afterwards is amazing.

My training is getting behind schedule, but I still have three and a half months to go before the big race. Slow and steady is the aim. I just need to make a training plan and stick to it.

Any suggestions for what I need to do to be race ready in 3.5 months?!