TIME TO GET SERIOUS

There are a mere 3 weeks between me and my first ever half marathon. Yes, I know, it's terrifying. So, in order for me to be able to complete the 13.1 miles around Portsmouth, I need to get serious with my training. I mean, really serious. No more slacking off, no more running 2 miles instead of 3 or 4 because I got up too late, and no more Sunday morning sofa time!

Last night, Steve and I hit the gym to do a treadmill session. I need to work on my speed and find it really difficult to do that outside.

30 minute treadmill workout

0-10 mins at 6mph

10-12 mins at 6.5mph

12-14 mins at 6.6mph

14-16 mins at 6.7mph

16-18 mins at 6.8mph

18-20 mins at 6.9mph
20-22 mins at 7mph

22-24 mins at 6.9mph

24-26 mins at 6.8mph

26-28 mins at 6.7mph

28-30 mins at 6.6mph
cool down

We then hit the matt to work on some abs then stretched it out on the powerplates. I was exhausted and sweaty by the end of it!

INTENSE LEG CIRCUIT

Last night, Steve and I did a really quick, really intense circuit concentrating on our legs. I had found a similar circuit online and had cut it down to make it more manageable, however after the first set we had to cut it down even more as we were both dripping in sweat and totally exhausted!

Leg Circuit

50 Star Jumps

20 squats (with 15kg weights- this was dropped for the 3^rd set!)

20 squat jumps

20 alternating lunges (with 15kg weights- dropped for 3^rd set!)

15 burpees

25 push ups (I did the girly ones)

20 mountain climbers

15 sit ups on an exercise ball

Repeat 3 times

I nearly fell down the stairs at the cinema after the gym, my legs felt like jelly. I also officially signed up to the gym yesterday (up to now I have been using guest passes, thanks Steve!), and I could not believe how expensive it is! I hate having to spend so much money to stay fit, but when it is so dark outside I can’t do much else in the evening.

On another note, I have done a guest post for the MIND blog about Vic, running the marathon and raising money for MIND! See it here Just a reminder that you can sponsor me for the marathon here or for the Bath Half (also for MIND) here- all donations are very much appreciated!

FIRST WEIGHTS OF 2012

This evening was my first trip back to the gym for a weights session since before Christmas, and it was painful. Annoyingly I was kicked by a man doing a roly poly on the dancefloor on Friday night (don't ask!) so I have a large purple bruise on my thigh, and a sore knee from yesterdays run, so I didn't attempt any leg weights and concentrated on my arms and abs.

We started with shoulder presses, 3 sets of 10 with 8kg weights.

We then moved onto seated dumbbell curls, 3 sets of 10 with 6kg- I felt so weak doing these especially in my left arm!

We then moved on to tricep extensions (not sure what weight I did but 3 sets), then bench presses, pathetically I can only lift 20kg - the bar with no extra weights!

Steve and I then attacked our abs! I was absolutely shattered after it, despite doing no cardio.

My photography course starts today, can't wait to begin! 

NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS 2012

This is the year that I am going to set proper New Year's resolutions and I am going to stick to them, by writing them on here I hope that I will hold myself a little more accountable than I have in previous years.

1. Stick to my exercise training plan and run the London Marathon in April.

2. Sign up and complete in at least one race a month. These can be any of any distance or discipline so long as it is a race!

3. Give something up for lent.

4. Make the most of living in London, by going to the theatre, art exhibitions and museums.

5. Complete my photography course and take more photos, plus keep my blog updated!

Happy New Year!