Learning to Run: Week Two

Week Two hasn't been an easy one, there have been some challenges and low points,  but I have stuck with it and completed another three runs. Following the C25k running trainer app, this week each of the runs was made up of 5 minutes warmup at the start, 5 minutes cooldown at the end and then alternated 90 seconds running and 2 minutes walking. Although it was only a 30second addition to each run I really felt it and had to force my legs to keep moving.

A big difficulty this week was the change in the weather with last weeks sunshine being replaced with heavy rain and winds. Being a newbie to running outside, I learnt that running in the rain is hard and not very pleasant. I wore a waterproof jacket and the wind had some fun blowing down my hood. Despite this we completed all 3 runs outside.

On top of the weather I also had a bit of a cold which was effecting my sinuses and breathing. Rain and sore throat don't make a successful runner and I could really feel the impact on my run. By the end of the second day I was starting to feel frustrated that I wasn't getting faster and my stamina wasn't building, but I think running is something that needs to be worked at and I'm starting to realise that even slight changes can effect my performance.

As a treat for the third run we left the city and had a countryside run past railway tracks, a natural sandy beach and some sheep fields. This was really enjoyable and the 30minutes passed very quickly. I think it can be motivating to run somewhere new and have fresh sights to occupy your mind, instead of the pain in your legs. Altogether, this week has been challenging but I feel I am making slow progress and am just as motivated to start week 3!

Week Two:

• Lowlight- Running in the rain with a cold *sniffles*
• Highlight- Wearing running shorts outside for the first time and not feeling self conscious!

Learning to Run: Week One

I have always liked the idea of being a good runner; long countryside runs with just music and my thoughts and the sights around me, but unfortunately running is something that I have always struggled with (been completely incapable of). So when my boyfriend found a new app that tempted with the promise of learning to run 5k from complete beginner (couch) I thought I would give it a go!


The app is called C25k, and is completely free. The programme lasts 8 weeks and requires you to do 3 runs a week of 30minutes, with each week building and developing your endurance and skill. This week we done 2 runs outside and 1 on the treadmill at the gym. Each session in week one is made up of 5 minutes walking at the start and end and alternating 1.5minutes walking with 1 minute running, which totals 8 minutes running.


With regular walking breaks this sounds like a gentle start but I'll admit, by the end of the first session I looked like a tomato, my legs ached and I had to take some time to get my breath back. But, I had done it all without stopping and felt a sense of pride! The next session was also difficult but I already felt like I was making progress and I wasn't as exhausted this time. And by day 3 I felt I was almost ready to start building up the running times! I think with a lot of running apps each session progresses so quick that it is hard to keep up but I like that with C25k you get a week with each programme to really develop your endurance.


It is really important with this app to keep going and properly run for each of the minutes for it to be effective. Luckily, I have someone to run with to help force me on when it gets hard. But I also think making a playlist of energetic and encouraging songs can really help. You can listen to the app while your music plays and the app will tell you when to start running or walking.


To encourage us to stick to the running regime we enthusiastically made a timetable for the next 8 weeks and after each run we score the date off the sheet. So far it is helping and I am enjoying the runs! But I know I have a long way to go...

Week One:

• Lowlight- feeling self conscious as I walk home with a bright red face.
• Highlight- completing the 3 sessions and feeling like I'm progressing.

 Do you run or would you like to? Do you have any tips for a new runner?

Thoughts on the World Cup

Every 4 years I do something very out of character and I have a feeling I'm not the only one, that a lot of other women experience this aswell... watch and take an interest in the Fifa World Cup! Having recently came to an end and with the thrill still in my mind (although I'm sure when the normal season starts up, I'll look back on this phase as a sport blip, unable to understand how it occured and how to get it back), I thought now would be a good time to reflect on this phenomenon and even some of my highlights of the past month of football.

Large sporting events are a common occurrence on British television but the thrill and hype around the World Cup still gets me! Even the old woman who you get the bus with every morning seems to know what is going on with Suarez, and she wants to talk to you about it! Its like for a brief period everyone is interested and spending their time in exactly the same way that you are. The World Cup is not just about a certain type of man talking with another man in a manly place about sport, it is inclusive and football chat for this limited period happens between everyone.

This inclusive atmosphere seems to take away some of the negativity that a football outsider normally sees- the aggression and arrogance. It is replaced with people supporting countries they have never been to and fans praising opponents for "a good pass" or "some excellent defense". As a Scot, supporting a foreign team is not something new (often we have no other choice) but the footage of Brazilian fans recognising German skill shows that even in devastating defeat fans are able to give praise.

From papers, online and television I have been told that this World Cup in Brazil is one of the best ever- loads of goals, loads of twists, absolutely gripping, loads of big stars. As an irregular football fan I wouldn't be able to make such a bold claim, although I did witness each of these things and I did enjoy them! I even learnt the names of some of the players, got frustrated at poor defending, slagged the ref, cheered the goalie, placed a bet and covered my eyes at Brazil's 7-1 defeat.

But the thing that that will stick with me, that drew me in so much was the crowd, and the atmosphere. I know this is to the frustration of men the world over, but it is the people that interest me. Yes, I love seeing Van Persie's amazing header whizz into the goals, but the shots of Brazilian fans in tears and German supporters rejoicing, as well as my own enthusiasm at spending 90 minutes with my boyfriend engrossed in a match, that made the World Cup at event for me.

What are your memories of the 2014 World Cup?