After my induction, admittedly my legs were sore – I didn’t do a lot but boy oh boy did my legs hurt for the next few days. So today I headed back. Starting with a 40 min swim (30 lengths of 25m) during which time I realised that I need a nose clip and I need to learn how to swim properly without flailing about with wide open hands and random frog kicks. Scuba is so much easier!!!

Then after a pointless shower I headed up to the dreaded gym…

I managed a massive 5.2k by walking 400m then running 400m repeatedly. I think had it not been for various leg muscles deciding they had had enough, I could have carried on. I have seriously impressed myself. At not just my physical fitness but at my mental strength too. There were a couple of runs where my legs were hurting and I could feel cramp setting in, but I carried on. I know I’m going to hurt tomorrow! A few more goes at the 5k and hopefully I’ll have loosened off some muscles so I can run for longer!

Hurry up waterproof mp3 player! I need you!

Here is my training schedule…

Here is evidence of how far I went (had to take it before i finished at 5.2k)

Here is how long it took

Running is a strange thing, especially when you haven’t done it before – I think there is a certain Psychology to it; a fear of looking like a right plank mostly! I have always thought of myself as really heavy footed and had fears of me running sounding like elephants charging. This article sums up so well how difficult it can be facing your fears in the gym if you have curves. http://edition.cnn.com/2012/06/05/health/drew-manning-fit2fat2fit-lessons/index.html?npt (Thanks Shane for sharing that on Facebook)

Anyways, in I went to the PT session and found the guy was actually amazingly considerate and understanding. I did run, but in my own time (with gentle persuasion) OK I didn’t run for long or for a massive distance (just over 400m) but I did it, and now have a confidence that I can do it, and will do it again. I have a set programme for the next few weeks to get my legs used to running, then I’ll be upping the anti and trying for longer amounts of time and distance. The PT also said nearer the time he’ll take me out on planned routes running to get me used to the run of the Marathon.

Endorphins still spinning round my body and I’m on top of the world, I ran, something I NEVER do! And my fitness levels are pretty decent – no excuses now – 311 days to go!

Sponsor Me!

One thing I noticed when researching gluten free foods – it’s in everything! Go and look at the back of the most random object, and there it’ll be… There are the obvious ones like bread and pasta, but things like pre-cooked chicken (you know, the flavoured ones you can buy) contain it.

Shopping for gluten free foods is easier thanks to some supermarkets having it in a designated area – but it’s not a massive selection! And also – Look at the bloody prices! £2 for half a loaf of bread! Don’t even get me started on the price of biscuits!!!

Here’s my local selection from the supermarket… Thank god for http://www.glutenfreefoodproducts.co.uk/ as they have a much wider variety of foods at better prices. For now…

So long fajitas, yorkshire puddings, cous cous, gravy and all my other gluten filled favourites. I’ll see you on the other side (I hope)

Last night I decided to face my fears and head back to the gym. As an avid scuba diver, I headed straight for the pool (naturally) The Arc have a “25 metre regional competition standard swimming pool with moveable floor and tiered spectator seating.” So in I got and I started to swim. I’ll be honest, I didn’t think I’d even manage 10 lengths, let alone my final total – 30!!! 30 lengths of that pool were huffed and puffed out by me. I worked some muscles I didn’t even know existed! But it felt good and I managed to burn some calories! hurrah.

There were only a few people in the pool which was nice, as everyone just got on with their swimming, without making me feel like an outsider in the pool. The staff were of course flashing their muscles by shuffling their sleeves up on their tops whilst polishing various glass fence things.

Things to note
- I have very floaty feet so must invest in ankle weights
- I am generally very floaty
- I need to get new googles
- I need to research breathing techniques for swimming…

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Stay tuned!

I have my running gear in the house, swimwear at hand and a shed load of nerves!

I’ve been on a low calorie diet for 2.5 weeks and have lost over half a stone already, so thats good. I’ve been in and out of the doctors to make sure my health is OK (although I may have an iron deficiency, but that’s treatable) I’m all ready to go!

I will admit I am nervous, I did a 15 minute intense walk today and that almost crippled me! It’s going to be a long few months ahead! I’m sure there will be blood and tears and plenty of sweat – but I will keep telling myself this is for a GREAT cause!

Start those sponsorships please!

Sponsor Me!

Watch this space!

So blood taken I headed to the brand spanking new gym that opened round the corner (The Arc) – it’s council run, so a bargain compared to named gyms. So operation marathon is in full swing. Next to get some decent trainers and have a gait analysis done, get some knee supports and actually start running! ha ha ha!

Watch this space!

So, my results came back that I am indeed intollerant to some types of food. Although I am yet to take the plunge and pay the £250 to find out what! Instead I’m off to the docs, armed with my letter to see if they can help!

As I’m starting training for the marathon next year, I thought it about time I got my health in order!

I have had my place confirmed already as I am running for a charity very dear to my heart, Leukaemia CARE. Papa Swift suffered with Acute Myeloid Leukeamia which is a rare and agressive form of Leukeamia (around 2000 adults a year are diagnosed). So what a better charity to run for!

I’ll be keeping you all up to date with my progress and of course asking you to dip your hands in your pockets soon!

About Leukaemia CARE

Leukaemia CARE exists to provide vital care and support to all those whose lives have been affected by Leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma and the allied blood disorders. Our work extends to the welfare of families and carers, as well as that of patients them- selves. Quite simply, ‘supporting a quality of life for all’.
The incidence and prevalence of blood cancers has increased over the years, and it is
now the 5th most common type of cancer in the UK, with official figures suggesting that around 30,000 people are diagnosed each year with Leukaemia, lymphoma or an allied blood disorder. Leukaemia CARE has therefore developed and expanded an im-pressive range of services to help address the needs of our patients and their families to provide practical care and support in every way we can. Your help is crucial for us to continue this work.