2009 Progress Entrant - Jennie Rawlins

Contents:- -Intro- Report -1- -2- -3- -4- -5- -6- -7-

Report 3 - Week beginning 19/01/09

Have you stuck to the training programme? If not any reasons why?

Have done my 3 jog / walks - outside - STILL not able to complete one full minute of 'running'. I keep thinking 'it'll be ok' (my mantra for life recently!). I've NEVER run before so to be at 45 seconds of running in between long walking sections is still an improvement on what I could originally do. I've measured my 'course' and I'm completing 1.1 miles during my training. Sounds good to me!

I've also been on the exercise bike 3 times - still enjoying this much, much more than running! Have made some fab improvements to the saddle of the bike (involving 2 towels and a roll of sticky tape)... Ah... Much more comfy! Up to 3km now - a huge improvement for me.

Have you done more or less than expected? Explain.

I'm STILL struggling to even get to my 1 minute of running so no - I haven't followed the programme although I am trying. Starting to worry now that I'm falling behind but I can't make myself fitter overnight (oh how I wish I could...)

Yet again I will remain on week 1 for the coming week and aim to complete one minute running between walking sections.

How did you feel during training this week? What were the highs and lows?

Still very, very breathless - my ankles and knees and back are coping much better but I'm finding it very, very hard to control my breathing. One night I was struggling with training INTO the very strong wind - I had to keep stopping, turning around to catch a breath and carrying on. That was the hardest thing to do - the whole return section against the wind. One to avoid if possible.

Afterwards I have stopped feeling sick and the shakes are only lasting for a few minutes now - a major improvement on the 30 or so minutes 3 weeks ago. Still taking a good few minutes to catch my breath once I stop moving though.

Highs = I can't think of any.

Lows = still not even able to run for 1 full minute. The cold weather and the wind and rain. Wind chapped arms and legs. Lack of self-belief - I am a long, long, long way from 10k.

Are you seeing improvements; in speed, distance, breathing?

In a word - no - I don't think so for the run / walk programme. I'm delighted with my improvement with the exercise bike though!!

Where are you walking/running; gym, beach, roads, forests?

Still on the cold, dark road. I'm half excited about the thought of the lighter evenings but half dreading people catching a glimpse of this purple woman trying to run down the road. Not a pretty sight.

My colleague (also doing the run!) bought himself a head light - pretty nifty - but I'm ok with my teeny, tiny maglight torch. My husband keeps telling me my eyes adjust to the low light but I don't know I still find it pretty scary out in the dark - perhaps I read too many horror books.

Are you training alone/with someone else/mixture? How does this affect your training?

Still alone with my ipod. I'm glad of this as I would be too embarrassed for someone else to see / hear me undertaking this.

Any injuries?

Not an injury but I am getting wind burn and my legs and arms are chapped and itchy and dry. I'm putting lots of heavy cream on them but the itching on my legs is driving me mad. Because of my weight I can't get all this specialist windproof running gear as they don't go to my size but I'll bet that it makes a real difference in this weather. I'm running in my pyjama bottoms - I must make enquiries as to getting some jogging pants or something but that's difficult in my size!

Ooh - not so much an injury but I have an ingrowing toenail which I had removed a few years back but now it's back and SORE!!! I think it's because my trainers aren't wide enough (and to be honest) there's no support for my high weight. So - I pushed the boat out and have ordered some new Brooks trainers for wide feet heavy people! I can't wait for them to arrive!

I'm going to try to make an appointment for my toe this week but will keep to my programme but try to keep my socks looser and not stretched tight against my toe.

My knees and ankles aren't so sore this week and I'm finding that any niggly pain lasts for a day or so and then improves.

Are you feeling any benefits away from training as a result of the training; health, toning up, more energetic?

Still hoping they'll come this week...

Are you doing any other forms of exercise; swimming, cycling, yoga, pilates?

Exercise bike. I started at not even 5 minutes and am now up to 3 kilometres. Delighted with this.

Any other observations?

I'm not enjoying this yet - not at all. I keep hoping that will come. I am so, so proud of my husband who has run UPHILL for his training. I'm looking forward to the time we can run together and hold some conversation!!

Week 1 AGAIN for me this week. Only 3 weeks behind schedule... Not good.