NEW SHOES AND NEW TOY

Ahem, I mean gadget. Not toy, GADGET. There's a difference ;)



So I got my new running shoes today (thanks mum!) and also picked up my Nike+ sensor from the post office. Was looking forward to taking them for a test run after work, but for some reason the sensor refused to activate. It paired ok with my iPhone, but just wouldn't activate when I wanted to log a workout. So I faffed around for 10 minutes, but realised if I didn't run NOW, there'd be no time left even for a quick 3k - so thought "sod it" and just went. The new shoes are amazing, I love'em! And they're silver and pink - did I mention I love them? Can't wait to try a longer run in those babies.

FWIW, the Nike+ sensor activated with no further problems when I got home and rebooted my iPhone - so I will get to test it properly tomorrow.

KEEPING THE HAIR OFF MY FACE

Here's a quick tip for you if you need to keep the hair off your face when you're exercising - make headbands from old t-shirts :) They're my preferred "hair control device" when I am out running, and I wanted some new ones but the ones in the shops were boooring and expensive, so I made my own:



Instructions over on Made by Petchy for those who want to raid the back of their wardrobe and recycle some old tees. Have fun!

PROUD OF MYSELF: I RAN 8k NON-STOP!

I totally surprised myself today. My friend had offered to babysit for me tonight, so I had planned a longer run. I sat at home earlier, mapping what I felt was an ambitious 8k route:


I thought to myself that I'd never manage to run the whole way, but that I was definitely gonna give it a good old try. And I am pretty stubborn (just ask my mum) so that kinda helps. So I set off, at a nice and steady pace. The route is quite hilly in places and is partly on tarmac/pavements, partly on gravel paths, and partly trail. Nice and varied, and a good preparation for the 12.5k race which is over 8 bridges (= hilly, obviously). Whoa, some of those hills KILLED... but the downhills and flat parts allowed me to recover a bit inbetween so it was ok. The last hill was a proper biatch though, but I wasn't gonna let myself down at the last 500 metres.

And whaddayaknow... I flippin' did it. I ran 8k non stop in pretty much bang on 50 minutes. (That's a pace of 6.25 min/km) And the best bit? I felt as if I could have done 10k if I had pushed on! That is pretty amazing for a person who, just one year ago, used to get really out of breath after the three flights of stairs at work... I am amazed at, and proud of my body that has been able to bounce back from the depths of obesity and bad health - to accomplish this! I am proud of myself for turning my lifestyle round and becoming a healthier, happier person - not just for ME, but for my son too. He deserves to have a healthy and active Mum.

Anyways, though I felt I could have carried on, I decided to stop at 8k today, as I had managed the goal I set for this evening's run and didn't want to overdo it. But... gonna have a few easy 5k runs over the next few days and THEN: next week I aim for a 10k run! Will be good if I have my new shoes and Nike+ sensor before then too!

You know what? That 12.5k race doesn't seem that scary anymore! I've also decided to do a 5k race in June and am trying to gather a few friends to go with me. Coming down from my crazy endorphin high now - time for bed soon :)

OMG! I SIGNED UP TO RUN A 12.5k RACE!!!

12.5k... that's about 7 ¾ miles. Sounds a lot less scary in miles, lol. Anyways, long story short: I've signed up for a race on the 3rd of July. Since the longest distance I have done so far is 6k (admittedly I've felt I could carry on further if I had time) that means doubling my effort in under 3 months. What on EARTH have I let myself in for?! To be honest, this was spurred on by a not very happy moment in my life. My love life that was looking so fabby for a while suddenly took a nosedive deluxe - and rather than sitting here feeling sorry for myself I have decided to channel any negative thoughts into positive energy by running. Running has helped no end, it's like meditation - and having a race to train for gives even more focus.



I realised my cheap old running shoes REALLY were long overdue to be replaced, so today I've been trying on quite a few pairs in the shops. Finally settled on these, as they felt really nice on my foot. They're SO light, yet supportive - and the cushioning felt good. The guy in the shop recommended them too. A quick check with my mum (who just so happens to be on holiday in the UK at the moment) revealed that they're less than half price over there compared to here in Norway. YAY for lower prices and for currency rates in my favour!!! So I now have a pair on the way - that volcanic ash cloud from Iceland better clear up soon so mum and dad's flight on Monday isn't cancelled, lol.

Anyways... please wish me luck for the race and the training beforehand!!! The route is set along some EPIC scenery along the Atlantic Road which is pretty local to me and famous for being the location for many a car advert. There are a lot of bridges, so thankfully after an uphill... i KNOW there will be a downhill, lol. My goal is to run the whole distance - no walking inbetween - and I want to finish in under 1hr 30mins. At least if it goes pear shaped I won't be able to blame it on bad shoes now, lol.

I DID IT! I DID IT! I DID IT!!!

I am beyond thrilled - I reached my goal of doing 5k in under 30 minutes today! 5.4k in 28 minutes and 34 seconds to be exact! I am shattered but I felt SO good, I was smiling the whole last kilometre or so as I realised I was definitely gonna make it unless I got hit by a car, struck by lightning or crapped on by a sea gull or something, lol.

I am gonna check to see if there are any 5k races locally, maybe even a 10k if I can get the training time in... might have to sacrifice lunch break and eat at my desk a few times a week so i can leave earlier to run before picking my little boy up from nursery...

On a proper high now, just got out from the shower and am still buzzing :)