As part of the Life Style Sports #GirlsRunTheWorld campaign, Michelle McMahon, Editor of Her.ie and Sue Murphy, TV & Film Editor,were challenged to run a 10k race after 12 weeks of training.
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MICHELLE’S DIARY:
HALF WAY THERE!
Week three was a good week for me. Peter is a tough taskmaster and I found the first two weeks really difficult because I couldn't measure any progress. I'm really, really hard on myself so I get really frustrated when I can't nail something, and the first fortnight saw our sessions really focused on correcting our stance and technique. It's invaluable advice and something that will really stand to us in future, but I struggled with my coordination and it really is tough to remember what we're supposed to be doing with shoulders, arms, calves, glutes, stomach, back etc etc - all at the same time!Fast forward to week three though, and I can finally see some progress. Now, my sessions with Peter are more of a mix of correcting technique and actually running for short bursts, and I can really feel the difference when I work hard to remember all he has told us.
We had two sessions in week three, and outside of that I went for two runs myself. I headed out along the canal on Tuesday night and covered 5km, again alternating between running and walking. Over the weekend, though, I wanted to challenge myself. So, on Saturday evening I headed for the Phoenix Park again and set off to cover my usual 5km distance, hoping this time I could cover at least one mile without stopping or changing to a walk. I managed it, and I kept going. In the end, I ran for just over three miles, or the entire five kilometres.
It took me just under 31 minutes, and I was absolutely thrilled with myself afterwards. I was totally winded after it and it wasn't easy, but it really felt like a milestone.
I will be attempting my very first organised race while on holidays in New York in two weeks, The Frozen Penguin 5km in Brooklyn. It will be freezing and tough, but it's such a great way to make my first official run a really special event that I'm actively looking forward to it. Plus, I'll get a medal. That said, Peter has told me I'm only allowed to accept it if my time is under thirty minutes... he does not let us get away with much! Once I'm back, it will be all about increasing the distance and taking my training from 5km to 10km. That thought is pretty daunting at the minute, but I'll get there eventually.
I also headed back to Life Style Sports this week to invest in some gloves, these bitingly cold days are a killer and my poor hands are bearing the brunt of it! I also need a rainjacket for training and some weights for back exercises, so they're on my shopping list for this week.
Foodwise, I had a bold week. I've successfully avoided most of the goodies that have arrived in the office since January began, but I indulged in some cupcakes this week and my first takeaway of the year. The funny thing is, I was really happy to get back to my healthy eating this week and bar the odd chocolate craving I really don't miss junk food at all. I'm sleeping better, my skin is clearer and I've lost a little weight too. My stomach has started to look a bit flatter, which I'm putting down to ditching the junk and all the diet soft drinks. Wins all round.
To join Michelle this week:
Train 4 x times per week.
Two runs, 5km, alternating running for 3/4 minutes and walking for one.
One swimming session, aqua aerobics or similar.
One gym session, concentrating on bike and strength exercises.
SUE'S DIARY:
HELLO PHYSIO!
Last week, I mentioned that I had an old injury that had played up and so with that, I'm off the running at the moment. I'm hoping I can get back to the 5k, but this might take a little longer for me.
With the running off the cards, I am back swimming and last week I managed to get four swimming sessions in so my fitness has increased.
On Tuesday, I paid a visit to a really good physiotherapist, Physio Fusion over near Leeson Street Bridge. My physio Lorraine (who is absolutely brilliant) gave me some basic exercises to work on my knees and to try to strengthen them.
She also massaged both the knees to loosen them and try to take away the pain. The old injury wasn't that much of a cause of the pain, apparently the natural way I walk and stand has been contributing to my injuries over the years.
For the training session with Peter, I walked for most of the time in the Phoenix Park and completed some of the exercises, just to make sure I was still moving.
Thankfully, I have been able to walk again this week which has made life a little easier and with the exercises, my knees are getting stronger.
I also managed to do two bike sessions but on a very easy setting, just so it won't be anything too strenuous.
Hopefully, by next week, I will be back to doing a slight jog!
To join Sue this week:
Train 5 x times per week. With a very busy schedule this week, I won't be able to make it to the pool for two days so I have swapped out for two bike sessions.
Three swimming sessions – Still about thirty lengths.
Two bike sessions – 1 hour on bike on a very easy setting.
Find pb3 coaching on Facebook for more details on the training programme
Whatever kind of training you are involved in, the Life Style Sports Product Experts (in stores nationwide) are on hand to ensure each customer selects the correct clothing and footwear to meet their individual needs, reducing risk of injury and achieving better results. Life Style Sports also offers customers a free Gait Analysis service in select stores which provides runners with an essential insight into their individual running styles. Customers can also find all the information they need on wearing the right technical apparel, including “Sports Bra Fitting Guides” and footwear while running or working out at “The Fitness Hub” on lifestylesports.com.
