Reasons to be Cheerful #r2bc

Oh, I have so many reasons to be cheerful this week I barely know where to start. You might have noticed that I haven't blogged much recently - maybe this post might give a bit of explanation why!!

1. I have two healthy boys! Oh, I can't even express what a relief this week has been!! Ever since the weekend of the 1st December when Harry was hit by the sickness bug - shortly followed by Daddy, then myself - the boys have had one bug after another. To be honest, I'd almost forgotten how lovely and delightful Harry is when he's *normal*, he has been off coloour for so long, and it has made him difficult, grouchy and whiny (yes, even more than your average 2 year old!) They both contracted bronchiolitis and Harry was hit with horrendous temperatures, and little old Archie was struggling to breathe - it was horrible. I can tell you what is worse than your baby being poorly - TWO of your babies being poorly - I barely knew where to turn. Such a relief to be back to routine with two healthy tots, long may it last!

2. I have a healthy home! We were hit by all sorts in December. First, a broken pushchair. Not the end of the world, I hear you say. Nope, not until you are stuck in the middle of London, miles from home with a poorly toddler, a heavy (and I don't say that lightly, ha ha) baby and all your stuff for the weekend - and the wheel falls off your bloody pushchair. Then, the washing machine decided that washing wasn't its thing any more. Whilst it had all of Harry's sick-soaked bedlinen (thanks bronchiolitis for making Harry cough so much he was sick regularly this month). Finally we returned home after Christmas to a rather chilly house - our boiler was condemned the next day resulting in an unscheduled holiday with Gran and Grandad Peugeot (thank you thank you thank you!) However, my reason to be cheerful is that right now pretty much every appliance in the house appears to be working, and we have heating. Reason to be cheerful indeed!!

3. It's January! Season of new starts, getting fit and feeling good about yourself! I ran my first run for a while this morning - I was slower than last time, but I made it round the full 5k so I am proud of myself for that. Also a cold snap is on the way - nothing I like more than cold, crisp weather, so I am looking forward to it (now the boiler is fixed anyway!) And, unlike some people I could mention (Mama Owl), I'm acutally hoping for some snow.

Happy New Year!!

Get fit, Feel epic! #getfitfeelepic

This is my entry for the ‘Get Fit Feel Epic’ competition hosted by Kate on Thin Ice”. It's a nice reason to blog about my fitness goals at this time of year.

2012 was a good year for my fitness, all in all. I was pregnant up until 31st of May of course, but having a 2 year old certainly made for an active pregnancy, so I was ready to start getting fit using the NHS Couch to 5k podcasts when Archie was a couple of months old. Like many others, I was inspired by the Olympics, and in particular Jessica Ennis - the Heptathlon is surely the most inspiring sport there is! That's why my running journey started on the 4th of August - also known as Super Saturday. Although I found it hard and suffered a few setbacks, I am extremely proud to say I can now 'run' (well, jog, and occasionally walk for a minute or so) 5 kilometres. The last time I felt so proud was when I made it through labour for the second time, ha ha!

2013 is the year I commit to as many Park Runs as I can, I don't want to say every week, as we all know that life does have a habit of getting in the way, but maybe 3 runs out of every 4 week period would be good. It's the year I hope to improve my 5k time - maybe down to 30 minutes, and it's the year when I hope to run 5k for charity. I also hope that in the spring/summer time when running in the evenings is a little easier to manage and when Archie is a bit bigger I will be able to step up my running distance. One day I will run 10k, and maybe even a marathon.

I've never been an athlete, and I've never enjoyed running before, but the Couch to 5k programme has really helped me, and I am now hoping to be a fit enough mummy to be running around playing in the park with my boys for many years to come. No longer will I be puffed out on a park bench in the corner watching - I'm going to be right in there. And I am proud of that.

#Couchto5k - Success!

So my Couch to 5k Journey is over! Today I completed my first 5k run - it was a Park Run, and after running you are emailed with some statistics, so here goes: 
Time: 33.24
73rd out of 83 runners (that means I wasn't last!!)
3rd in my age category (I'm guessing there weren't many runners in my age category, lol!)
My 'age-graded' score was 44.31% - so I think when compared with other people my age I am on the 44.31st centile (ie 50 is average). I *think* that's how it works anyway!

I'm pretty pleased with that. I started running on 'Super Saturday', having never run before. Archie was a bout 8 weeks old when I started. I suffered with sore knees, a nasty fall and losing motivation towards the end - it's hard to get out and run with two little ones, particularly in the dark. So I am so proud to have done it.

I'm definitely going to keep running with the Park Run - once a week will keep me going throughout the winter I think, and maybe next summer I can push to get a bit faster or even start working towards 10k! I'm even considering joining a running club to keep me going.

So next week the goal is to try to run a smidgen faster - we'll see... it was great weather for a run today - not sure I would be so good in nasty weather. I will be using the Couch to 5k+ podcasts to try to keep me motivated throughout the run. Still, I'll be pleased jut to make it round the course one more time.

Couch to 5k Week 8

I've got to week 8! Admittedly, it has taken me a few more weeks than that to do it... 11 weeks to be exact - I started the program on 'Super Saturday', the 4th of August. Not too bad considering I started when Archie was 2 months old and demand fed (well, he's still demnad fed, but goes a little longer between feeds now!), my nasty injury (at about 3 'weeks' if I remember rightly - my elbow is still not completely healed!) and the fact I've been on holiday for nearly 2 weeks (I managed to run twice whilst away, but also wanted to enjoy my holiday - plus it was super hot in naptime which is my main time to run!)

I'm pretty proud of myself, I am now running for 28 minutes at a time - last week in 24/26 degree heat! And today I was forced to run without the podcast as my ipod gave up the ghost 2 minutes in. I set a timer on my phone for halfway and then turned around for home.

I don't have a clue how far I am running. If I had an iphone I could download an app to track my run for me, but I don't, so... I might borrow my hubby's but in the meantime I am just focusing on completing the program. There are also some follow on podcasts to improve speed and stamina so I am planning on doing those afterwards before moving on to proper 5k runs! I've come so far already, but that's a bit scary...

Reasons to be Cheerful

This is going to have to be a super quick one this week, as I am very busy!

1. I am starting breastfeeding peer support training this morning - I wanted to do this after having Harry, but unfortunately the actual training sessions took place after I returned to work on a day I was working which was a realy shame. I am really hoping that this time round I am going to be able to complete the training and get the qualification, I'm sure it will be an eye opener!

2. I am starting to fit back into some of my 'fat' clothes! It makes such a change to be able to thrown on a pair of jeans or trousers instead of wearing leggings and tunics all day everyday. I'm not overly fussed about my weight - I'm more interested in staying fit, but it's horrible when you have a wardrobe full of nice clothes that you can't wear. I'm still a little way off fitting in some things - yesterday I was going into work, and couldn't quite get away with the trousers I wanted to wear (I could fit them on but they were a little bit figure hugging!) but I am getting there.

3. I finished another 'week' of Couch to 5k. I'm not getting through them quite on a weekly basis but there are only two weeks of the programme left. It's getting hard, but I am determined to complete it. Then I can join my local Park Run - exciting! I only hope I can make it 5k without collapsing!

Lookin forward to reading everyone else's R2BC!

Couch to 5k - Week 7

I completed week 7 today in monsoon conditions - it was literally like running through a waterfall. I have run for 25 minutes three times this week and I am quite proud of myself. It's hard though, and I'm worried about kicking it up a notch next week and again the following week. I've managed each step so far, I haven't had to repeat any podcasts but running for 30 minutes seems like a looooong time. Can I do it? Only time will tell!

On Friday I have a hospital appointment stemming from some knee pain I experienced in about week 3. It was bad enough to cause me to go to the doctor, who agreed that it was likely to be caused by my flat feet. I'm supposed to be getting some kind of inserts for my shoes on Friday. However, I haven't experienced any joint pain at all since, so I am a bit worried I might be wasting their time. At least I finally get an opinion on my feet though I guess - I had treatment for them as a child/teen but nothing since. I'm a little worried that my running will suffer because I am trying to change the alignment of my joints - it would be such a shame after coming so far - but I suppose I just have to wait and see what they say.

I think the main reason why C25k has worked for me so far is that it is such a small portion of your day. Most people could probably squeeze in 30 minutes for themselves 3 times a week. It is hard with a toddler and a breastfeeding baby (not on a routine), but I manage with the support of daddy. I think it helps that I have experienced no muscle pain/soreness at all, so it's easy to go out for the run, get it over and done with and feel good about yourself, then forget that you have done anything! I think the main thing I've had to work on is my aerobic fitness, which is why I started running - to be able to play better with my two gorgeous boys - so that's a good thing. It is so so hard when the podcast tells you you are *only* halfway through and every breath feels like an effort but worth it I hope! And I keep telling myself that once I get to the magical 30 minutes I will stick just to that for a few weeks, and it will hopefully just feel easier each time. I hope.

C25K - Week 6

Well, I finally completed week 6! Only 3 weeks to go now, and I will have graduated the programme. Today I had to run 25 minutes - the goal is 30 so I am nearly there. The most I had done so far was a 20 minute run at the end of week 5 so I was pretty nervous. However, the plan works!! I didn't find it as hard as last week's long run - I was even able to speed up a little at the end. I'm proud I paced myself well (although I do run very slowly).

I've had a couple of barriers on the way. The first was a nasty fall nearly 3 weeks ago now. My arm has still not quite healed, although a couple of days ago was the first time I could leave it without a dressing. It was really horrible and I did have to take a good few days break from the programme both to recover physically and to psyche myself up mentally. However, C25K is obviously suited to those of us who are bloody-minded and determined! I got myself up and carried on, only to be hit by the first cold of the season (always the worst!) I didn't let it stop me too much, although I have taken slightly longer breaks between runs whilst suffering. I'm really hoping to get back to running evey other day now, although that's also tricky now it is getting dark earlier.

In other C25K news, I got my first cheer this week! I wear shorts similar to these - they are called 'Cheer on the Rear' shorts and obviously date back to my cheerleading days. This week was the first time that someone took the instruction literally and cheered as I went past! Always good to get a bit of support, haha!

Reasons to be Cheerful

It's Linky time! I'm excited to share this week's reasons to be cheerful... I just have to think of them first!!


1. I'm still getting that hopeful and happy autumn feeling, which is fabulous. This is no doubt helped by the fact we have had a fair bit of sunshine, despite a bit of a chill in the air so I have been out and about with the Bob and the Bear, manfully still having picnics in the park (even in the rain yesterday!) I kept getting reminded of an autumn holiday I took with my husband (then fiance) to the East coast of America the year I was pregnant with the Bob and feeling all nostalgic and wistful about the beautiful trees and the lovely time we had, so we have decided to embrace Hallow'een the American way and host a little get together for some of Bob's buds :-D

2. I realise he doesn't get featured much at the moment, but I just wanted to share what a little ray of sunshine the Bear is. This week he had his second jabs and didn't even cry, despite 2 days later featuring a bruise that covers nearly all of one of his (rather substantial I must admit) thighs. Poor little sausage. I love to have baby chats, baby snuggles and baby kisses. In all the excitement of toddlerhood I think I some times to forget to mention just how squishable and adorable he is.

3. And finally - this week's cold - the first of the season (oh, how I wish it would also be the last!) is just beginning to dissipate. I'm hoping to go out for  run when I gets in from work and also hope we will all be feeling normal again by the weekend when we have a cake photo shoot planned for a good friend who is starting a business as well as a bat walk on Friday. If feeling better isn't a reason to be cheerful, I don't know what is!

C25k - Week 5

I did it! I wrote about my Couch to 5k journey before - the programme builds you up very slowly to start with - but now things are getting serious (am I the only one who always sings that phrase? ...are you thinking about you - or us? probably showing my age there ;-) ).

 I've never been a runner in my life - the only time I've been fit in the past is when working towards a cheerleading competition - and, to be honest, I used to watch runners and comment on how boring it looked, and wonder why on earth they would choose to do something so horrible. Then my 30th birthday was looming, and a holiday was coming and I realised I didn't want to just resort to saying 'Oh, I'm getting older' any more. I wanted to be up and running around with my boys, enjoying life. I know full well I will look back at photos of this time of my life and think Look, I was so young! I don't want to waste it! So I looked around for exercise that was free, easy to start and wouldn't take me away from my baby for too long. C25k was the winner!

Last night I ran (very slowly... well, jogged) for a full 20 minutes. Now, I'm not sure if any of you have tried running recently (aside from those people who are already super-fit reading), but I haven't done much for my fitness in years - since I was cheerleading at university. The first day of couch to 5k nearly killed me, I came home muscles aching and completely puffed out. I was also engergised from the exercise, but also a little demoralised - I'd only run for 8 minutes a minute at a time. I began to doubt that I would ever manage the programme. I know exactly what day that was - it was super Saturday of the olympics, and Jessica Ennis was just bringing home the heptathlon gold - what an inspiration our British athletes are to us all. I wasn't about to give up at the first hurdle.

Anyway, now the programme is really cranking up. the last run was two 8 minute jogs, and now I've done 2 minutes. From now I just have to run more and more each time until I am running the full 30 minutes. Then it will just be working on my speed and fitness and it will be time to keep it up through the weekend by particpating in my local Park Run. And you know what, I'm looking forward to it! To hark back to my cheerleading days - Bring It On!

Couch to 5k

Couch to 5k is an NHS programme that can be found here: http://www.nhs.uk/LiveWell/c25k/Pages/couch-to-5k.aspx

The basic idea is that you download aa sequence of free podcasts and they bring you up gradually from running 1 minute at a time to running for a full 30 minutes - in which time they estimate you can run about 5 kilometres.

Having recently had a baby, with a holiday on the horizon and as I was coming up to a big birthday I decided that now was the time to make a concerted effort to 'get fit'. I'm not going to lie, I was hoping to lose a bit of weight too, but mainly I want my 30s to be running around playing with the boys - not sitting on a park bench puffed out watching from the sidelines.

I found the first week a killer - crazy as it was only a light jog for a minute at a time, up to a total of 8 minutes. I felt pathetic and almost lost the faith. However, I got through week 2 and then week 3 (albeit with some pesky joint pain which I had to see the doctor about). I've just finished week 4 where you run for 3 minutes, walk for 90 seconds then run for 5 minutes, walk for 2 and a half, and I have to admit I feel fantastic!

Or... I FELT fantastic - that is until I stacked it 3 times in a row tripping over my shoe lace (I know, I know - the 2 year old is supposed to do that, not me!) resulting in some nasty grazes on various parts of me. I've taken a break for a few days to heal up but I'm hoping to jump straight in with week 5, run one. I think this is where things really start to go up a notch. I'm determined though. I really enjoyed racing around the park playing with Harry today, it's so refreshing after recently being heavily pregnant! I fully intend to commit to this one!

New Starts for Supersparks

There is a distinct autumnal chill in the air this morning, and it gives me such a thrill of excitement. The day is bright and blue skied, and I am no longer bemoaning the lack of summer - this is SO much better.

It reminds of the first day back at school with new bag, new pencil case and stationery - the feeling of a new start and hopes for the future. In fact, I am even a little bit jealous of those people going back to school for their own new starts - not that I want to miss out on my gorgeous baby of course. (Have to add here that I am not missing that feeling of sick dread at meeting new classes though).

It makes me think of autumn walks in the woods, Hallow'een and, ultimately, the lead up to Christmas (sorry to mention the C- word, but seriously, you've got to start thinking about shopping when you've got a big family!)

It makes me feel like getting out there to jog, ignoring my bumps and bruises from a nasty fall on my last outing, feeling the crisp air rush into my lungs, my hair bounce and my body stretch as I push myself a little further each time.

And best of all, it is making today a little softer - it's my 30th birthday and I was feeling a little bit sad about, you know, the age thing. But today everything feels better and brighter and happier - I feel so positive about the future, I'm on a journey to get healthier, and on an even bigger journey with my two gorgeous boys. Instead of feeling negative, I'm thinking that there's no better day for a new venture - the glass is definitely half full.

So, a touch of autumn is all it takes, apparently! Sorry, summer lovers!