The running bug is back

Just over a year ago I wrote a post  proudly telling you all how pleased I was to have finally run five miles.

I will never forget the sense of achievement I felt as a relatively new runner to have reached that milestone. And that feeling continued for the next few five milers until it just became the norm.

Suddenly I was easily running 10k three times per week. Running makes me so happy, it gives me a sense of freedom and accomplishment.

So you can imagine how miserable and disappointed I have felt with myself these past few months when I let my cardio fall by the wayside.

My strength is at an all time high and I got carried away weight training. I barely looked at any cardio machines in the gym let alone the treadmill. And when I did think "I should go for a run" I was easily swayed against it when I looked out the window and it was dreary and dark. A poor excuse I know - and not the Kirsty I know.

A lot has changed in my life recently though, so I had to do a lot of adapting to do.

I have attempted to go on a few runs recently and not found it too pleasant. To be fair the last four miles I did, I did on a very full stomach after eating out so the stitch which plagued me was nothing but my own greedy fault.

And then a friend of mine who is a gym instructor, asked me to go for a run, and being with her really kept me moving forward. We did 4.5 miles and I felt great. I know I can do more I just let myself believe I couldn't and I got a bit lazy if i'm honest. The warm and comfort of the gym and the free weights had a stronger pull than I realised.

However, it was after this run that I realised, I am still capable of my five and six miles I just have to push myself.

So today, my gym plans were delayed so I didn't think about it I just went. And got to my five miles again. Yes I struggled and there were times I wanted to stop which is the case during most runs but I didn't and I survived.

Yes, I know to a lot of people five and six miles is not a long run but to me it is and I am happy to keep it at that. Extra long runs are saved for special occasions.

So, I learned something from this. It is all about confidence and belief in yourself. I had let myself think I couldn't do it anymore, so I didn't. But as soon as I strapped on my stubborn head (which I am renowned for) I proved to myself I can still do it. And now I have the running bug back I want to keep doing it.

And so I will...

A little bit of what you fancy

Now, I know this blog is about the battle against the sweet tooth and fitness goals - but... I am a firm believer of having a little bit of what you fancy.

Every week, my boyfriend and I have a day of eating what we want. We both enjoy exercising (in fact he is my training partner) and we both like to eat well, so we look forward to letting loose.

I would be lying if I said it was the only day of the week we ate badly, sometimes it turns into a weekend and we do give in to the odd treat throughout the week, but generally, this is the day we look forward to.

And yesterday was so good it was worth sharing with you all. I won't talk about everything we ate, just my top three foods of the day.

The most delicious ice cream

First, the sun was shining so we went on a little drive to a place called Blaze Farm where fresh ice cream is produced.

There is nothing better than eating fresh ice cream in the sun, in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by green hills. I had cappuccino and raspberry, Matt had Turkish delight and rhubarb and custard (vile in my opinion).

We also made our own pizza, base and all. It was purely experimental and I had to use two different flours but it turned out pretty well. We both topped our own pizza's and then split them.

My pizza (the best) parma ham, pineapple and sweetcorn.

Matt's very meaty pizza

And then, the piece de resistance. Nutella stuffed digestives. We both love biscuits, they are a big weakness for us. And we both love a classic digestive - sometimes over a chocolate covered one. And dunked in a good brew they cannot be beaten. At least that is what I thought. I love Nutella, I eat it out of the jar with a spoon. So, I had a light bulb moment and spread a nice thick layer of Nutella on a digestive and topped it with another. Dunked in that brew - it was like heaven. I don't think you could get a better snack.

It just looks perfect

It tasted like perfection

By no means am I trying to say that throughout the week we eat boring food. We cook some delicious healthy meals but we both have a sweet tooth which is our downfall and what we miss for five and six days of the week.

I am a firm believer of the 80/20 rule (even if sometimes the ratio is not quite that). I would rather indulge in good foods which we crave once in a while than have the perfect body and feel grumpy and hungry all the time. I am the kind of person that suffers with the "hangry" syndrome (hungry and angry). As is Matt.

We both enjoyed what we ate so much yesterday it was worth a mention. It may be a contrast to my usual blog posts but I wanted to show that everyone deserves a treat.

Getting back into the swim of it

I love swimming - I really get into the zone and immerse into a world of my own. 

Over winter I did a lot of swimming and took part in the Aspire Swim Challenge just to encourage me to do more and raise a bit of cash whilst I was at it. But life has overtaken my need to swim lately.

So on Tuesday morning I got myself out of bed early and went for a dip in the pool. It was so refreshing and set me up for the day. 

It felt incredible to glide through the water and it was satisfying to know that my swim stamina had not faltered. I did my usual mile in 35 minutes - which is the average time it usually takes me, so I was definitely pleased.

This is not me haha! Photo taken from @PolaroidGal on Flickr

It has inspired me to get my act together and get back in the pool more often. Swimming is one of the best exercises for your body (particularly mine which likes to break a lot).

It tones and works your entire body and it is low impact but high cardiovascular. Plus the front crawl, which is my chosen stroke, works 48 muscles and burns around 400 calories per hour for someone of my size - depending how slow I go. I tend to do a fast 35 minutes so it is likely it equates to the same amount.

You can't ask for much more! I encourage you all to get out and swim!

12 Minute Work Out

There have been a few occasions lately where like many of you - I have been too busy to get a full work out in. I usually have a routine and that has gone to pot over the past few months.

So I put together a quick work out with a range of all the exercises that I know are the most effective and target the whole body.

It takes approximately 12 minutes so if you have a little more spare time try doing it twice or even three times. I have to warn you though! If you do it properly it is hard and you will sweat!

Let me know how you get on!