2010 Progress Entrant - Linda Claxson

Contents:- -Intro- Report -1- -2- -3- -4- -5- -6- -7- -8- -9- -10- -11- -12- -Look Back 1- -13- -14- -15- -16- -17- -Final-

Report 3 - Week beginning 25/01/10

Have you stuck to the training programme? If not any reasons why?

Yes. However I have increased some of the run times on the schedule as I've felt able and confident enough to do so.

Have you done more or less than expected? Explain.

Both. I managed to run for longer periods on each treadmill session plus I managed a good outdoor run for the first time at the weekend. However my first weekday run was hampered by a reluctant great Dane training buddy who ran in every direction except the one I was going in. He's now been sacked!

How did you feel during training this week? What were the highs and lows?

The high this week would have to be my first outdoor running session in Rumster Forest with my husband - brilliant!

The lows have been Mondays run and Wednesdays naive attempt to run in gale force winds and rain. I ended up disheartened and doubting myself. It took a couple of days but I'm over it now and back to feeling positive.

Are you seeing improvements; in speed, distance, breathing?

I managed to go faster and cover more ground outside once I'd learnt how to run instead of bounce - a side effect from treadmill running. My breathing is harder to control outside.

Where are you walking/running; gym, beach, roads, forests?

Mainly outside in the forest or on the roads.

Are you training alone/with someone else/mixture? How does this affect your training?

My gym training is alone which I prefer but outside I run with my husband whenever possible. My husband sets a pace for me and encourages me along which I really struggle to do alone. He's now become my running buddy at least a couple of times a week so he's getting fitter too.

Any injuries?

Tight lower back muscles during running.

Are you feeling any benefits away from training as a result of the training; health, toning up, more energetic?

Ability to sleep - always a benefit.

Toning of legs.

I suffer from IBS and all this exercise has made me regular for the first time in years - gross but you did ask!

Are you doing any other forms of exercise; swimming, cycling, yoga, pilates?

I run 3 times a week, cycle 3 times a week and have started some lower back strengthening exercise plus some core strength exercises. I also try to fit in Pilates.

Any other observations?

Running is addictive. I finish one run and am already looking forward to and planning the next one.

It really is boring watching treadmill digits countdown!