FITNESS: Running for Beginners

I have never been a runner and if I was being chased I would probably surrender as I wouldn't get very far at all.
However, most recently I have decided that although I am not interested in running a marathon, I do want to start running to keep fit and healthy.

I did my second EVER run on a Friday evening along the seafront. As I don't feel very confident about running or having people look at me, I wanted to do it at a time when it's getting dark but not so dark that I can't see where I am going. The choice of location was on purpose. Not only is there a nice breeze to keep you cool, but it looks amazingly pretty when the sun has set and the skies are all colourful. It kept me going and motivated me!

I ran 2.5 miles which was an exceptional achievement considering I haven't run since 2008. Even back then it was a one off 'fun run'.
I only ran a distance I knew I could achieve and was realistic about my goal. I didn't want to push myself over the edge and wear myself out and put myself off from running. It made me so happy to complete that distance and actually enjoy running.

The 3 main points that kept me focussed and motivated were:
1) Having a running buddy. This is so important when you first start and don't feel 100% confident. You can motivate each other and you are both doing it so you don't feel alone!
2) Breathing properly. You need to ensure your breathing is controlled otherwise you will feel tired a lot quicker and you won't be able to pace yourself to go the distance that you want.
3) Thinking of your long term fitness goal. Mine is to tone up my body and lose a little weight. Just thinking about what my body may look like keeps me going and willing to put in all the effort.

What you wear on your feet is also equally important. You need a trainer that is going to support your feet and allow you to run comfortably. Running in your converse or dolly shoes isn't going to help; it may cause injuries and you won't be able to run very well.

I hope this helps all of you who want to try running!!

Until next time, xo.

FITNESS: Getting back to it!

When I worked in London I was leaving the house at 6:30am and didn't get home until 7pm. This meant that I found it difficult to include a fitness regime into my schedule. All I wanted to do after coming home from work was eat dinner and go straight to bed!
The only real form of exercise I was doing was walking 2 miles to work every morning which took me about 40 minutes.

So, when I left that job, I made sure to re-join my gym and start using my membership more effectively.
I starting going to group exercise classes because I felt more comfortable in a room full of women following an instructor, rather than in the gym, feeling alone, feeling like I didn't know what I was doing.
Attending my weekly classes on a regular basis gave me more confidence about doing exercise and not worrying about what others thought about me. I then started to use the gym more often, focusing solely on what I was doing. Each time I made it to the gym for a workout I felt proud of myself!

Now that I am used to attending my group exercise classes and the gym on a regular basis, I have decided to branch out and exercise away from my local gym. I recently rode my bike 16.5 miles, after 3 years of not riding a bike AT ALL!! This was such an achievement for me as it was tough and the terrain wasn't completely smooth.

Yes, most people want to go to the gym to get their 'summer body'; but, I believe that you should exercise all year round for a body that you want all year round and not just for bikini season!!
I still sometimes find it challenging to exercise but I always remember that no matter what exercise I am doing, I am ALWAYS lapping the person that decided to stay on their couch!

Until next time, xo.