Over the hill

Where I live is at the end of about a one mile gradual hill so the last quarter (and likewise the first quarter) is uphill and downhill repectively. So the outward leg is fine. Nice rolling downhill for 5-6 minutes. Conversely the return leg is one hard uphill slog and defines my short (30-35 minute) runs as I pound out the yards to home, warm down and hot shower.

I ran this Friday last but did not make it over weekend due to cutting down some trees all day Saturday. But tonight Monday I hit the road again and will do this run to keep the momentum going. It may be late before I do eventually get out but I will do it.

My tip 1 worked well last week and I brought the fruit and pack lunch. Bag is next to my desk right now.

Tune in later this week for updates.

The Gym

Forgot to mention. I have set up a gym in my converted attic.

Nope - no weights.

Nope - no machines.

Just a simple mat which I rolled out this morning and some of my health magazines nearby to get some routines. I now have a defined location after my run to go and do some crunches, press ups and other magazines.

As another major renovation I might even put some music up there and make it more enjoyable but that is for another day. Or a portable fridge with cold water or... shut up Kieran get up there first - and report to blogville.

Hmmm.... Sort of Start

I ran Tuesday night - very slowly as planned. It rained during my run. A nice warm summer shower. It was quite comforting. I love running in the rain because I feel that I am making that special effort.

About 7 years ago I was in a serious 4 times a week running rut during the winter and I ran in all sorts of conditions. Part of the motivation other than the fact I had a routine going was when I had visitors and I got changed to run into the rain for 30-40 minutes they couldn't believe I was going out in what at times was torrential rain and fairly cold conditions.

However it enforces the rule that you can run in any weather (other than really severe cold) and the only real excuse is injury. Equipment is not an issue for sure as my running equipment is pretty basic. Other than shoes the rest is a few (2-3) running shorts and t-shirts and basic sweat socks. I did splurge 5-6 years ago on a pretty good running jacket that keeps out the rain above but at about $140 it was a great investment whilst also reducing the number of excuses for not running.

Now ... I just need to run again tonight as my plan was Mon-Wed-Fri and if I don't go tonight it will crash again.

Oh diet - we won't mention that (2 beers and pasta last night....)

Goal: Run 3 times – lose 2 lbs by Monday 28th August.

Return of The Goal Setter

I am back after a long silence. Typical of me but I dieted for the past 8 weeks and lost 16 lbs. Purely through diet. I haven't tied up the shoes recently due to moving house and a thousand other things.

All these are of course are feeble excuses as it only takes 40 minutes from tieing up shoes to getting out of shower to do a 25-30 minute run.

My new neighbourhood is great for running and I have run ONCE in 8 weeks so the Olympics must beckon soo. Today is YAM Yet Another Monday and when I get home this evening I am going to get out and run verrrrrry slowly for 30 minutes around a couple of blocks.

The weight I lost through diet (e.g. careful eating) is starting to rap its knuckles on my door again so I need to run to keep those pounds off.

So this weeks goals

1. Run on Monday slowly
2. Run on Wednesday slowly
3. Run on Friday slowly
4. Post to this blog every morning afterwards.