2012 challenge - Great South Run

My weightloss reached a plateau when I went back to work so I decided to up my exercise regime. I knew I need more cardio exercise and the best cardio workout for me is running. The problem with this is that I hate running. I mean I REALLY HATE RUNNING!!!

I'm very lucky in that I have a lot of "fitness" friends. My personal trainer friend, Liz (LC Healthy Living) has just set up a running club for beginners with Catalyst Personal Training.
I was very nervous on our first session. We took things very gently to start with, running for a couple of minutes and then walking for a couple of minutes. Liz was great in giving us lots of tips about technique, what to eat before and after a run, how to warm up and how to stretch properly before and after.

The hour went very quickly and I even (gasps) had fun!!
We were given homework to do. Running 2 evenings in the week with a couple of rest days in between.

The second week was a little harder. Running for 5 minutes, walking for 3. FIVE MINUTES!!!! We even ran uphill. My legs felt like jelly trying to get up that hill, but we all did it.

My homework that week went well, despite forgetting Liz's advice about eating. Apparently eating an apple 4 hours before exercising isn't enough and I had heavy, wobbly legs on treadmill.

I decided I needed a goal.

Sooooo......... I decided to enter the Great South Run. 10 miles!!!

What have I done?? Liz has assured me that it is perfectly achievable with the right attitude and training plan. After all, the event isn't until October so I have 9.5 months to train.

I'm going to be running for two charities; Asthma UK and a Southampton based Homelessness charity, The Society of St James

My fundraising pages are:
Asthma UK : http://www.bmycharity.com/LJAsthmaUK
SSJ: http://www.bmycharity.com/lucyjurdSSJ
Thanks for your support xx