Just got back from the gym. I decided I needed a new plan as some of the old one was getting easy but also because I want to strengthen my knee which Im a bit worried about! (The new plan is at the bottom of the page - if you're interested)
So.......I saw lovely Sheryl again (although after some of her hideous additions to my routine Im not so sure shes still lovely?!). No, kidding aside, she has done it again and I know I'll be moving forward if I can get my head around the routine and practice it all the time! Shes given me loads more exercises that will help me paddle the kyack (oh, canoe you know what I mean!) and if I can balance long enough I should be able to strengthen my knee for the cycling.
I told her Id done 2 spin classes and I know shes dead impressed! I think shes taking one soon.............no way Im doing one of hers though its her favourite exercise!
I had a go on one of the low impact running machines (Ive forgotten what you call them) - very weird but maybe a good idea for this week as I push my knee with the new exercises.
My fundraising goes live on the webpage on Tuesday so Im all excited and will have to link it up to here if I can figure it out.
Watch this space.................................................
Saturday 31 May 2008
Thursday 29 May 2008
Thursday night
Managed another night at the gym. Did 20 minutes on the treadmill - mostly running - not a great distance but at least Im upping my stamina. Aslo managed some rowing although my legs really ache from the spin class yesterday.
Ive been in contact with a local bike shop today and will go to talk to them on Tuesday next week about maybe getting some help with getting a good bike for the challenge. I hope they can help.
I want to publicise the event soon so that we can get as much money as possible for CLIC they have provided so much help I honestly dont know how we would have got through it all without them.
There was a CLIC nurse who is just fantastic. They see the children all the way through their treatment and beyond. They are the ones the children trust and they are the ones who know you as a family. She visited us at home every week during treatment saving weekly trips to the hospital for blood tests. She also introduced new procedures to our daughter which meant she was not so worried about them. She also talked through everything with us, listened to our endless questions and worries and supported us.
They are funded by the charity even though they work from the hospital and without them most of the children would spend a LOT longer in hospital. In some parts of the country they cover huge distances, like down in Cornwall or over Exmoor.
They deserve funding without a doubt and CLIC now do that throughout the UK and it costs loads of money. Alot of the hospitals wont fund the nurses themselves so we need to keep that money available and so thats why Im going to run, cycle, paddle, limp and proabley swear my way around the course for your money!
Ive been in contact with a local bike shop today and will go to talk to them on Tuesday next week about maybe getting some help with getting a good bike for the challenge. I hope they can help.
I want to publicise the event soon so that we can get as much money as possible for CLIC they have provided so much help I honestly dont know how we would have got through it all without them.
There was a CLIC nurse who is just fantastic. They see the children all the way through their treatment and beyond. They are the ones the children trust and they are the ones who know you as a family. She visited us at home every week during treatment saving weekly trips to the hospital for blood tests. She also introduced new procedures to our daughter which meant she was not so worried about them. She also talked through everything with us, listened to our endless questions and worries and supported us.
They are funded by the charity even though they work from the hospital and without them most of the children would spend a LOT longer in hospital. In some parts of the country they cover huge distances, like down in Cornwall or over Exmoor.
They deserve funding without a doubt and CLIC now do that throughout the UK and it costs loads of money. Alot of the hospitals wont fund the nurses themselves so we need to keep that money available and so thats why Im going to run, cycle, paddle, limp and proabley swear my way around the course for your money!
Wednesday 28 May 2008
Ooh Yes!!
Went to my second spin class today and ..........managed to do the whole class and just had to do ordinary cycling for the last 5-10 minutes maybe. Good huh?! Boy can I feel it now though. It must be doing something seriously good for my butt and legs because every muscle below my waist hurts!..... No actually my abs hurt too!
I was sooo glad I took the towel this time - it says its good for weight loss on the LA Fitness website and they're not kidding. If I ever get to the stage where I can do this class without it hurting I will know one of two things - Im either seriously fit or dead!
Im getting excited about it getting to June now. My sponsership goes live on June 1st and then I have to get £300 before I can do the event so I will have to get organised and start begging people. Its then that I will find out more about the challenges as well so that will be good.
Anyway Im off to have a shower before I sieze up completely. Its half term so I need to be able to keep the kids entertained tomorrow. Theyve had 2 days of full-on playing in soft play areas and leisure centres so I figure maybe lots of walking tomorrow to keep them tired out. They are being so good its been really nice to watch them all together. As they grow up their own little characters are really beginning to come out and they have loads of fun (until they get to the stage where they want to kill each other!) but I guess mum can be written "referee" sometimes!
I was sooo glad I took the towel this time - it says its good for weight loss on the LA Fitness website and they're not kidding. If I ever get to the stage where I can do this class without it hurting I will know one of two things - Im either seriously fit or dead!
Im getting excited about it getting to June now. My sponsership goes live on June 1st and then I have to get £300 before I can do the event so I will have to get organised and start begging people. Its then that I will find out more about the challenges as well so that will be good.
Anyway Im off to have a shower before I sieze up completely. Its half term so I need to be able to keep the kids entertained tomorrow. Theyve had 2 days of full-on playing in soft play areas and leisure centres so I figure maybe lots of walking tomorrow to keep them tired out. They are being so good its been really nice to watch them all together. As they grow up their own little characters are really beginning to come out and they have loads of fun (until they get to the stage where they want to kill each other!) but I guess mum can be written "referee" sometimes!
Daily visit
Went to the gym last night - had to wait until the kids were asleep. Its quite weird to train in the evening rather than the morning but I'll get used to it.
Didnt get much done last night as I have a bit of a cold (courtesy of the kids!) so I was sweating buckets and really tired.
Managed to increase my time and distance on the bike and treadmill though and managed a good time for the rower.
I have spin class tonight - lets hope I can do a little better than last week. Still dont want to push my knee too much though as it is complaining more at the moment.
Have to try and source a mountain bike this week sometime.
Met a canoeist yesterday who gave me details of a good place to go and train where I can hire the canoe. Will try to get that sorted one day after the kids are back at school.
Spent the afternoon with some families of children on treatment for cancer and leukeamia or in remission. The kids get to run around with some great play leaders who tire them all out playing games and we all get to chat. It was really good to see everyone and catch up on all the news. Everyone was so positive about my challenge I came away really encouraged whereas the day before had been a hard day so its great to have their support.
We had a good laugh at the pictures they'd taken of the Dragon Boat races from a few weeks ago. Some of the dads and doctors and nurses had all dressed up as a wedding party to raise money for CLIC - lovely dresses lads!
Didnt get much done last night as I have a bit of a cold (courtesy of the kids!) so I was sweating buckets and really tired.
Managed to increase my time and distance on the bike and treadmill though and managed a good time for the rower.
I have spin class tonight - lets hope I can do a little better than last week. Still dont want to push my knee too much though as it is complaining more at the moment.
Have to try and source a mountain bike this week sometime.
Met a canoeist yesterday who gave me details of a good place to go and train where I can hire the canoe. Will try to get that sorted one day after the kids are back at school.
Spent the afternoon with some families of children on treatment for cancer and leukeamia or in remission. The kids get to run around with some great play leaders who tire them all out playing games and we all get to chat. It was really good to see everyone and catch up on all the news. Everyone was so positive about my challenge I came away really encouraged whereas the day before had been a hard day so its great to have their support.
We had a good laugh at the pictures they'd taken of the Dragon Boat races from a few weeks ago. Some of the dads and doctors and nurses had all dressed up as a wedding party to raise money for CLIC - lovely dresses lads!
Sunday 25 May 2008
Weekend training
Well, I missed out Saturday as it was a family celebration (Ruby anniversary for my in-laws!) but I have managed to drag myself to the gym this afternoon. I need to after all the food we had yesterday - Thank you Cafe Rouge!
It was a beautiful day yesterday, sunshine and a warm wind and then today.........rainy and cold - typical bank holiday weekend weather I guess.
I did 2km on the bike, 2km running and then 2.5km on the rower. Its funny but when it begins to hurt I only have to think about chemo and I can find an extra bit (- remembering childbirth seems to have the same effect too - who says women dont have an advantage ha!ha!)
I was looking at a bike shop website yesterday evening and Im even thinking about doing a duathlon in July that they had a link to. I figure it would be a good indication of where I am in terms of training. I cant quite believe that 2 weeks into training Im considering doing an event like this. Its quite cool to be getting back into training. I definitely have more energy (which with three kids is always a bonus!). It is a bit of a nightmare organising the training though, or will be as Da is about to go abroad working for a few weeks. Hopefully he will be able to see a difference when he comes back though!
It was a good idea to put the countdown on the blog. Keeps me focused - or for focused read terrified!
It was a beautiful day yesterday, sunshine and a warm wind and then today.........rainy and cold - typical bank holiday weekend weather I guess.
I did 2km on the bike, 2km running and then 2.5km on the rower. Its funny but when it begins to hurt I only have to think about chemo and I can find an extra bit (- remembering childbirth seems to have the same effect too - who says women dont have an advantage ha!ha!)
I was looking at a bike shop website yesterday evening and Im even thinking about doing a duathlon in July that they had a link to. I figure it would be a good indication of where I am in terms of training. I cant quite believe that 2 weeks into training Im considering doing an event like this. Its quite cool to be getting back into training. I definitely have more energy (which with three kids is always a bonus!). It is a bit of a nightmare organising the training though, or will be as Da is about to go abroad working for a few weeks. Hopefully he will be able to see a difference when he comes back though!
It was a good idea to put the countdown on the blog. Keeps me focused - or for focused read terrified!
Friday 23 May 2008
Back in the gym
Ive been swimming and done 2.5km on the rower this morning. Enjoyed my day off yesterday I must admit but its good to get going again.
Beginning to think about the event now.
Beginning to think about the event now.
Thursday 22 May 2008
The day after....
Im not as bad as I thought I was going to be - which is nice!
Had to roll out of bed but have been upright ever since - so couldve been worse!
Had to roll out of bed but have been upright ever since - so couldve been worse!
My knees still work and haven't swollen up .
I think I'll have a rest day today - well as much as you can with kids and it being the last week of term!
Wednesday 21 May 2008
My first Spin Class!
I have just come back from my first spin class - yeah! I hear you cry........well one small set back...I couldnt actually get my bum off the saddle without my "dodgey" knee giving way ........BUT on the plus side I managed 45 minutes cycling (and thats after warming up with 2km on the ordinary gym bikes and 1km on the rower!). The class was great - really loud dance music pumping out, some serious sweating and lots of shouting! I will have to remember two things if I go next week - take a towel and a bigger bottle of water!
I dont think my knee is going to be as much of a set back as I thought at the time as it doesnt feel too bad now. I will have to get my programme changed tomorrow though so that it includes some serious knee strengthening exercises so I am well prepared before the challenge.
The last thing I need is to have a dodgey leg again. For those of you who dont know we're talking about a Duke of Edinburgh expedition that "went bad" ! and I ended up with a broken leg just under my knee cap and lots of ligament damage, plaster and crutches for months and loads of physio. But that was back in the mists of time and it hasnt caused too many problems over the years just had to be a bit careful thats all.
I got in the car to go home, switched on the radio and they were playing "Thats life" which I thought was pretty apt. I think someone up there is trying to tell me to "quit whining and get on with it". So onward and upward..................
I dont think my knee is going to be as much of a set back as I thought at the time as it doesnt feel too bad now. I will have to get my programme changed tomorrow though so that it includes some serious knee strengthening exercises so I am well prepared before the challenge.
The last thing I need is to have a dodgey leg again. For those of you who dont know we're talking about a Duke of Edinburgh expedition that "went bad" ! and I ended up with a broken leg just under my knee cap and lots of ligament damage, plaster and crutches for months and loads of physio. But that was back in the mists of time and it hasnt caused too many problems over the years just had to be a bit careful thats all.
I got in the car to go home, switched on the radio and they were playing "Thats life" which I thought was pretty apt. I think someone up there is trying to tell me to "quit whining and get on with it". So onward and upward..................
Tuesday 20 May 2008
Waiting for water
Just come back from the gym although since I didnt get back from Bath til this afternoon I decided to just go swimming. Of course I forgot to check the schedule for the pool and so when I got there at 7.10pm I then had to wait until 7.45pm when the aquarobics session finished!
Serves me right for not checking I guess......but I used the sauna and am actaully quite proud that I didnt take the easy option and use the fact that I needed to go to the supermarket on the way home as an excuse to go before they had finished.
As it was I had a really good workout doing lengths with just legs and just arms and some sprint lengths so now Im achey and maybe just a little bit nearer my goal!
Serves me right for not checking I guess......but I used the sauna and am actaully quite proud that I didnt take the easy option and use the fact that I needed to go to the supermarket on the way home as an excuse to go before they had finished.
As it was I had a really good workout doing lengths with just legs and just arms and some sprint lengths so now Im achey and maybe just a little bit nearer my goal!
Monday 19 May 2008
On the move again!
Hi from a very sunny Webbington Hotel nr Yeovil and Bath. Im visiting hospitals for The Hub - the South West paediatric cancer and leukaemia support group that Im a member of. (check out the website link at the bottom of the page!). Ive been to Yeovil this morning and Bath tomorrow. I have lots of work to do on the website but I thought Id get some training in first.
I have used the gym and pool and although Im really pleased that Ive managed to beat my time for the 5000m on the rower by 5 minutes I cant help thinking about the fact that it is only 5000m....... Im going to be doing a h*** of a lot more than that for the challenge. I just have to keep it up I guess and see what happens its not like I want to do the fastest time I just want to finish it and make lots of cash for CLIC.
My eldest daughter is being very supportive - she had strict instructions at the start to tell me to go to the gym even when I think of an excuse or whinge.......and she is REALLY enjoying it! It always makes me smile to hear her telling me off (I mean encouraging me!).
I had the day off yesterday as apparently you should have a rest day when training.... and she and I went to Starbucks - my concession was to order a "Skinny latte" and although she opted for doughnuts (they come in 3s - they're very small!!!) she took great delight in saying (loudly);
I have used the gym and pool and although Im really pleased that Ive managed to beat my time for the 5000m on the rower by 5 minutes I cant help thinking about the fact that it is only 5000m....... Im going to be doing a h*** of a lot more than that for the challenge. I just have to keep it up I guess and see what happens its not like I want to do the fastest time I just want to finish it and make lots of cash for CLIC.
My eldest daughter is being very supportive - she had strict instructions at the start to tell me to go to the gym even when I think of an excuse or whinge.......and she is REALLY enjoying it! It always makes me smile to hear her telling me off (I mean encouraging me!).
I had the day off yesterday as apparently you should have a rest day when training.... and she and I went to Starbucks - my concession was to order a "Skinny latte" and although she opted for doughnuts (they come in 3s - they're very small!!!) she took great delight in saying (loudly);
"you can only have one mummy because you're training so Id better eat the other one"
Anyway Id better get on as I need to get this information out on the web or its no use to anyone!
Saturday 17 May 2008
Todays visit
I managed to go to the gym again today! Had to wait until 8am though - practically mid-morning in our household but there you go I guess even the super-fit gym guys need a lie in at the weekend!
I did loads of cycling and all 5000m on the rower - nearly killed me but as its not really very far when you work it out in miles!..........thought Id better get on with it!
I then went swimming - a little un-coordinated in the pool but still managed 4 lengths before flaking out completely.
I think I'll need to buy a mountain bike soon and ride to the gym?! Scary thought.
I did loads of cycling and all 5000m on the rower - nearly killed me but as its not really very far when you work it out in miles!..........thought Id better get on with it!
I then went swimming - a little un-coordinated in the pool but still managed 4 lengths before flaking out completely.
I think I'll need to buy a mountain bike soon and ride to the gym?! Scary thought.
Friday 16 May 2008
Another day at the gym
Im quite pleased as I managed to go to the gym again today at 6.30am!
A big THANK-YOU to my husband and children for supporting me and doing stuff like getting the kids breakfasts, getting into school uniform (the kids not my husband!) and generally getting on without me. (I expect secretly they enjoy it).
So.....this morning I went through my entire training schedule Sheryl wrote for me AND I managed to do 5 minutes running on the treadmill at the end!
It has to be said my shoulders really ache but the rest isnt too bad at all. Im really suprising myself by being able to do ab curls and even some squats!
I think perhaps I need to speed up or up the resistance perhaps.......and of course there is the small matter of not being able to run anywhere near 2 miles let alone 7.5miles followed by mountain biking for miles and kyaking for a few more!
A big THANK-YOU to my husband and children for supporting me and doing stuff like getting the kids breakfasts, getting into school uniform (the kids not my husband!) and generally getting on without me. (I expect secretly they enjoy it).
So.....this morning I went through my entire training schedule Sheryl wrote for me AND I managed to do 5 minutes running on the treadmill at the end!
It has to be said my shoulders really ache but the rest isnt too bad at all. Im really suprising myself by being able to do ab curls and even some squats!
I think perhaps I need to speed up or up the resistance perhaps.......and of course there is the small matter of not being able to run anywhere near 2 miles let alone 7.5miles followed by mountain biking for miles and kyaking for a few more!
Thursday 15 May 2008
Swimming
Just a quick note - managed 12 lengths this morning 6.30am!! and a nice rainy morning too.
Ho hum.
Ho hum.
Wednesday 14 May 2008
A beautiful day.....
It has truly been a beautiful day today, kids have been cute, weather has been glorious and then ......I went to the gym!
I had every intention of going to my first Spin class - for those of you not in the know its a class you take in a room full of exercise bikes the idea being that you all copy the instructor sprinting etc (I had to ask!)
Unfortunately for some reason my optimism seems to have deserted me and suffering a large lack of self confidence when I looked in through the window and saw all the "fitter than me" people in the room I chickened out!
In my defence I then beat myself up about it while I did 6500m on the rower and spent 15 minutes on the bike - both on a harder setting than I was supposed to!
Suprisingly I think Im going to find it quite emotional doing this. When it hurt today I found myself thinking of all the chemo our daughter went through and I think that will be a really good way to make myself get on with it although perhaps with some tears. (Maybe next time I'll be able to think of that when I need to walk into the spin room - at least I dont have to cope with having no hair) - compared to her attitude during her treatment Im severely lacking today ! I'll make sure I do better next time and stop whinging.
I had every intention of going to my first Spin class - for those of you not in the know its a class you take in a room full of exercise bikes the idea being that you all copy the instructor sprinting etc (I had to ask!)
Unfortunately for some reason my optimism seems to have deserted me and suffering a large lack of self confidence when I looked in through the window and saw all the "fitter than me" people in the room I chickened out!
In my defence I then beat myself up about it while I did 6500m on the rower and spent 15 minutes on the bike - both on a harder setting than I was supposed to!
Suprisingly I think Im going to find it quite emotional doing this. When it hurt today I found myself thinking of all the chemo our daughter went through and I think that will be a really good way to make myself get on with it although perhaps with some tears. (Maybe next time I'll be able to think of that when I need to walk into the spin room - at least I dont have to cope with having no hair) - compared to her attitude during her treatment Im severely lacking today ! I'll make sure I do better next time and stop whinging.
Monday 12 May 2008
Feeling very self rightous!
Today Im amazed that I dont feel worse to be honest. I was shattered last night and really stiff after spending a few hours doing this blog so I expected to need at least a gallon of coffee, a few paracetamol and maybe a hoist this morning.....but no I fairly hopped out of bed.
Ive been in Barnstaple all day though and the hours in the car have identified a few pains in my legs and bum!
But.....and I think I need a fanfare......I have just used the hotel gym for weights exercises I learnt yesterday and some running on a treadmill (admittedly only 1 km in 10 minutes! but hey Im not worried I have 16 weeks.) Its a good thing this doesnt come with a webcam because that was a very worried look. AND then I went for a swim (10 lengths!).
Good start I think.
Ive been in Barnstaple all day though and the hours in the car have identified a few pains in my legs and bum!
But.....and I think I need a fanfare......I have just used the hotel gym for weights exercises I learnt yesterday and some running on a treadmill (admittedly only 1 km in 10 minutes! but hey Im not worried I have 16 weeks.) Its a good thing this doesnt come with a webcam because that was a very worried look. AND then I went for a swim (10 lengths!).
Good start I think.
Sunday 11 May 2008
Aaagghhh!
Ok its official I am seriously unfit!.......but I have 16 weeks so there is always hope.
I have just spent an uncomfortable hour with a lovely lady called Sheryl at LA Fitness and with her help Ive even managed to come out of there a) walking b) talking and most importantly quite optimistic and a bit physched up to "do this thang".
It was great I have a fitness plan that hurt ( but not too much) and I have to go to spin classes!
So roll on October I'll be ready for it..................but for now Im ready for a bath.
I have just spent an uncomfortable hour with a lovely lady called Sheryl at LA Fitness and with her help Ive even managed to come out of there a) walking b) talking and most importantly quite optimistic and a bit physched up to "do this thang".
It was great I have a fitness plan that hurt ( but not too much) and I have to go to spin classes!
So roll on October I'll be ready for it..................but for now Im ready for a bath.
The first step!
Well here we are.............. Im about to go to the gym for my first 1-2-1.So wish me luck and when I come back (if I still have the use of my limbs and the will to live) then I will write up all about it!
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