Time for an update

It's been a while since I last posted. I'm back at uni and super busy! Don't seem to have enough hours in the day or days in the week!

Unfortunately some things, like my plan to read two books per month, have fallen by the wayside. I simply haven't had time. It may yet average out though as I'll have plenty of time on my hands over the summer.

I'm keeping up with the swimming lessons though. Unfortunately I am still struggling somewhat with my front crawl. Why is breathing so hard?!

Also signed up for the Garioch 5K and getting off the treadmill and running out doors on the occasional nice day.

Swim swim swim!

Today was the first day of my 'improvers' swimming lessons. I was a bit concerned about it before hand. I was worried I wasn't I wasn't of a high enough standard for the class, not to mention the fact that I have never been in the aquatics centre. Thankfully there was no need to worry. I was the same level as the others in the class, we all want to work on the same things and, best of all, it was fun!

Roll on next week!

Running progress

The flood water has receded allowing me to get to the gym today. Made good progress. Up to 25 minutes at 9.5 km/h. Feet were getting a bit sore despite having running socks on. I have new trainers though which I might try next time. They may improve the situation once they're broken in. Next goal is 28 mins at 9.5 km/h. I think I am actually capable of 30+ mins but seem to have a bit of a mental block about it so hopefully building it up will work better.

The Book Challenge

I have all but given up reading for fun since I went to uni so I have set myself the challenge of reading two books a month for all of 2016. The books can be of any subject, genre and fact or fiction but must be completed within the month.

The first book I have chosen is "is it just me?" by Miranda Hart. 

It's not my normal choice of book. I really love classics, particularly Thomas Hardy, but thought I should go for some easy reading for a change. I do slightly regret that decision as, although there are some  funny bits and I can relate to the main themes, the waffling that goes on between these sections is rather tedious. Never the less, I shall glory on and see what words of wisdom Miranda offers her 18 year old self next.

Sporting goals

I have been trying to decide on sporting goals for the next year. Since giving up rowing I have mainly focuses on getting fit and getting in shape but I would now like to move that focus onto other goals instead.

I have decided to do some 5K races this year, perhaps building up to a 10K or two by the end of the year. Spent some time at the gym last night finding a starting point for my training. I had intended on starting at 15 mins at 9.5km/h but I was feeling good at the 15 minute mark so pushed on to 22 mins. I feel I could have made it to 30 mins had I wanted to but have decided building up to that mark would be best. Couldn't make it to the gym today due to flooding and road closures but will hopefully be back tomorrow. Goal for tomorrow is 25 mins at 9.5km/h.

Also thinking about improving my cycling. I have a great road bike with I currently use for fun in the summer months but have yet to do any races. Need to work out the best way of training for that though.

Also working on improving my swimming. I can swim, but quite poorly so have been going to the pool with mum as she wants to start swimming too. Things are improving slowly but I can't say I particularly enjoy it!

The Road to Fitness

Since I left school almost four years ago, I have been working on my fitness. It began after seeing photos of myself at my sixth year prom and realising that I had to get my weight in check before it became a problem. I was fortunate in that it was an Olympic year so I had lots of amazing motivation to keep me going, as well as the motivation of starting university. A fresh start and a new me. 

I followed the 'couch 2 5K' plan, going out for a run every second day and watching what I was eating. By the time I started uni I had dropped from a size 16 to a size 12 and had much more confidence. I started rowing with the university club and became a much more sporty person. Running left my life at that stage, replaced by the rowing training plan.

In third year my uni work load increased dramatically. I was struggling to find the time to train and as such my fitness and rowing ability declined. I finally conceded that I did not have enough time for rowing and that my degree had to take priority and gave up the sport. I continued to go to the gym, but struggled to find real motivation now that I was no longer competing.

In the summer before starting fourth year I was at home with my family and with too much time on my hands, I decided to get a part time job as a waitress. It turned out I was quite good at it and my part time role became much more full time. I was on my feet all the time, walking up stairs and serving tables and I wasn't eating lunch most days. Of course I was also going to the gym a few times a week on my days off or after work. The increase in activity and decrease in calories inevitably lead to weight loss. This turned out to be the motivation I needed to get back into shape.

Upon returning to university, I was determined not to regain the weight I had lost. I lead a more active lifestyle, walking to the shops instead of driving, going out walking and running and going  to the gym. Though the scales remained the same, I visibly became smaller and went down a dress size or two. I am now without a doubt the smallest and fitest I have been in my adult life. 

Although I am fit and relatively slim, I am in need of toning and this is to be my next challenge. I have been happily plodding away on the cardio machines, now I need to hit the weights section. I plan to get back to weights classes when I'm back in Aberdeen, but for now I have a pair of 3kg dumbells, my body weight and lots of time to work with. Time to write a plan!

Resolution

I'm not in the habit of making New Years resolutions, as I think it leads to unrealistic expectations and disappointment. However, this year I am making a non-specific version, which is that I am going to be me. By that I mean I will do the things I want to do and live my life how I want to, ignoring the judgement of others. So here's to a happy 2016!