What a difference a month makes!

This morning I went for another run, with the intention that I would be listening to week 3 of the NHS podcast again. However, a few minutes into my run my iPod started shuffling itself (despite being locked) so I decided to turn it off and just 'go with the flow'.

I was still walk/jogging as with previous runs but I found it really difficult today. I think this was partly due to the lack of guidance/other people to motivate me, and partly due to the sun being so bright and so low in the sky. Normally I wouldn't complain at all that the sun is shining brightly, but it doesn't make for pleasant running conditions (not when it's so low anyway!)

Also, my legs started hurting today and I couldn't feel my toes on either of my feet by the end. I did about two miles (run keeper stopped before I got home! Grr) and normally my feet are fine. I think my trainers might be too tight across the top of my feet (either that or I've started running differently). I made sure I didn't tie my laces so tight today after my sore toes on Sunday, but this doesn't seem to have helped.

Today was definitely a difficult run, but I don't regret it. In fact, I'm still rather proud of myself for getting up and going out! Making the most of morning runs before I start my new job (then I will be running in the dark!)

Off to Birmingham tomorrow for a conference on Thursday (Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists) and have a busy day on Friday, so unlikely to get out running again until Saturday! I can't believe how much this bothers me haha. As little as 4 weeks ago I still hadn't even been for a run! What a difference a month makes!

Upping my game!

I completed week one of the Couch Potato to 5k podcast on Saturday (with a hangover...never ever again!!) I'm super proud that I made the effort to go out when I'd been feeling so out of sorts. At one time I would have used that as an excuse not to do anything active but I was determined to go out as planned (it was just a little later - afternoon rather than morning!)

I started at a beginners running group in Cramlington tonight and I really enjoyed it. It was the first beginners session and I was the only one there this evening so I had one to one tuition which was fab. I walked/jogged 2.7 miles which is the furthest I've been - I even jogged for a full 3 minutes! I definitely worked harder tonight than I do when listening to the podcast on my own but I feel better for it. I also learned lots of useful tips about my running technique :) I've been bursting with energy since I got home and am looking forward to next week! (Hopefully some more people will have heard about it by then so it will be more of a group! Www.dynamicrunningfitness.com)

 Here's a picture of me all ready to go out to the running group earlier this evening, equipped with new clothes! ( I looked almost as happy when I'd finished too!)

No More Couch Potato!

This morning when I went into the office my colleague said she'd seen my new blog and asked if I had heard of the Couch Potato to 5K podcast. I hadn't. So when I got home I downloaded it to and was keen to try it out with my brand new trainers.

I've felt a bit poorly today (think its hay fever!) and when it came to feeling motivated to go out for a jog, I didn't feel motivated at all. I decided to go out and see how I felt as I didn't want to sit in the house feeling sorry for myself!

I'm so glad I decided to go out as it made me feel energised and I am proud of myself for being out for 30 minutes. Last weeks attempt (with no real idea of what I was doing) was 15 minutes.

I enjoyed listening to the podcast. After my 5 minute warm up walk, the first minute of jogging felt like it was never going to end! Surprisingly the jogging got easier rather than more difficult, though I was glad to hear the podcast lady say that I had completed my final minute of jogging and could do my cool down walk!

I was impressed with my new trainers, so glad I got properly fitted. I am looking forward to getting out again soon! The music on the podcast kept me motivated too and run keeper told me I did 1.94 miles (much better than the half a mile I did last week!) I definitely feel like I had a workout this evening and felt energised after.

I would never have described myself as a couch potato as I am not a lazy person, however I know that I do (did!) not fit enough exercise into my life. I am pretty excited and proud of myself that I am already doing so well. No more couch potato!

Here's a photo from my jog tonight (on the way home)! Such a beautiful sky. It made me feel so happy to have chosen to go out and get some exercise and fresh air, and take in the beauty of the world!

Overcoming Obstacles...

I went out for another short walk/jog yesterday morning and really enjoyed it (though the sun was a bit low in the sky, making it difficult to see where I was going, so not quite as enjoyable as my first walk/jog!) Also, there was no one at home so I had to take my house keys with me which wasn't very easy as I didn't have a pocket (not well thought out!)

When I got home, I had a very productive day as I was feeling so energised and enthused! Definitely think this is something I should have done years ago, but better late than never!

Few teething troubles and things I need to consider for proper training (things I need to invest in soon):

* arm band for my phone
* new trainers - the ones I have aren't as comfortable as I thought!

*also need to decide what to do about keys?!

Thanks to everyone on the Great North Run Beer Tent Group for all your help and tips :-)

I am still feeling good about my new adventure and looking forward to starting properly. I shared a bottle of wine with my friend Rach last night to celebrate her first GNR success :) made me more excited and I have a running buddy! (Though it will be a while before I am as good as she is!!)

We went to The Alnwick Garden together today (and did lots of walking:-) and here's a photo of me 'running!' Fun times :-)

Everybody starts somewhere

Hi. I'm (Jolly) Julie and this is my new blog!

I've been a spectator at the Great North Run a number of times now (supporting my brother-in-law) and always really enjoy it. The last three years (including this year) I have been on the sidelines handing out oranges and jelly babies to the inspirational runners. I used to think I would like to run it, then realised this involved running 13.1 miles so never did anything about it and discovered my forte was handing out jelly babies! (Check out my other blog Julie Giving Voice to find out more)

I'm a speech and language therapist and have been fundraising for the North East Trust for Aphasia (NETA) since being a student at Newcastle University. I've been working with NETA as an assistant for the last 5 months and it has been an absolute pleasure getting to know the members. Seeing them overcome adversity with such a positive attitude has been inspiring me to continue fundraising for this fantastic charity which helps people with communication difficulties following a stroke or other brain injury. 

My sister (Joanne)  and brother-in-law (Craig) both ran for NETA this year and it was my sisters first time at the Great North Run. Joanne (the wonderful members of NETA, my good friend Rachael, and all the fantastic runners) inspired me to run next year! 

Running is not something I have ever done before, and I used to do everything possible to avoid PE at school!! So deciding to run, is something very new to me!

I went out tonight for a half mile jog/walk as a start to my training and I really enjoyed it, can't wait to continue! I emailed NETA yesterday to be on their mailing list about running on their team.

I am a determined person and when I set my mind to something I always work hard to try and make it possible. I am very excited about my new jogging (running?!) adventure and after all everybody starts somewhere.