I ran....
Well, it isn't true to say that I have started running again, but I actually have lifted my two feet of the ground at the same time, and feel like I have achieved my first goal of 2013 already, and it's only the 8th of January.
Let me explain. I signed up for my favourite Podcast, Marathon Talk's, Jantastic Motivational Programme. This is their way of helping those who are preparing for a spring marathon, or getting into, or back into,running. In January, you set a number of runs each week, and try and stay the course. In February, known as Febulous, you add your projected longest run each week, and in march you set your weekly goals.
I have set myself a target in January of 3 workouts per week. Yesterday, I went for the first of them. There is a plaza nearby which is approximately 1/3rd of a kilometre around, and I intended walking 12 laps, totalling up 4Km. I set off at a decent pace, and the first ten laps were a consistent 2:20 per lap. Feeling good, I thought I would try a light jog for 50 metres or so on Lap 11. The first few metres were easy, and I decided on a few more, and then the whole lap was a target....
My back felt OK, no pain, no jarring as I landed back on the floor as my feet reached at least 5 centimetres from the ground. The only difficulty I had was at the top of my stomach. My belly has expanded so much in recent months with no exercise, I think it has now reached my lungs, and clearly my cardio fitness levels are around zero! But I completed the lap in 1:40, which translates to around a 5 minute per Km pace.
The best thing, my back was not showing any signs of discomfort, it's only a little start, but as Chairman Mao once said, the journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step.
One thing I do need to work seriously at, is reducing my weight. I presently stand at 89 kilos, and want to get that down to 80Kgs by the time of the wedding in June (Liam Og's that is, don't panic!). It will be tough, but I want my lungs back, and my belly can go and visit someone else.....
It's a start.... Happy new year to both my readers!
