Almost there...

Running club night two. It wasn't too bad! It was by no means easy but I did manage it a bit more. The slow starts are a bit annoying (come on people, 6.30pm is 6.30pm) but we got there in the end. It was "walk for three minutes and run for three minutes" four times. I managed. I ran when I was meant to and walked when I was meant to. I kept a slow pace and just plodded on alone. It was good. Kind of. No trying to keep up, and no worrying about coming last (for the record, I didn't). I did note the odd surprised glance when I walked in. Clearly I was the one people were expecting to drop out. Craig, the guy who keeps the slow coaches at the back going, said as much. I was apparently doing much better this week but he was shocked that I had returned. Hmm... not sure how to feel about that, but I won't be quitting, no matter how much I dislike running. The slower runners were so slow that those in front went on a detour and had to run more. I feel a bit put out that just because I'm slow I had to do less than everyone else. I would've liked to have done the same distance as everyone else, even if it had taken me longer. That did piss me off, if truth be told. It was ok, but by no means the highlight of my week!

I had a gorgeous Weight Watchers' tea tonight. It was another Steam and Serve and was the Sweet Mango Chicken one. This was 7 ProPoints with a huge zero ProPoint salad. Very filling, and I didn't feel as though I was eating "diet" food either. This is always a good thing, especially when you're a bit- well, a lot- greedy by nature. It was sweet without being sickly. Don't expect to get much chicken either, as it was sparse in this packet.


The "steam" cooking... It says to use a microwave, but as I don't own one, I cook this in my steamer. It works perfectly.


What it looks like... although this isn't mine as I had eaten it all before I remembered to photograph it.



I've not got much else to talk about. I did think I had squats to do, but Day 28 is a rest day. I can't believe I have actually seen this through to the end. What shall I do next? Definitely need to give my legs a rest. Hump day tomorrow everyone; the weekend is in sight!

Ali xxx

Location:Workington,United Kingdom

Not feeling my best...

Today has been a funny old day. Pushing the usual Monday blues aside, I've not felt too hot at all. Couldn't quite put my finger on what was the matter, just a bit of a stomach bug.

I went to bed when Noah did which helped. I then got my second wind at 8.30pm, which was a bit inconvenient as I should've just slept through. I decide to put this energy to good use, and went for a swim. I only stayed for 30 minutes, but managed 40 lengths, which is impressive for me. I was one of "those" swimmers, wearing goggles! I've not done this since I was a kid, and in my head I was Rebecca Adlington, gliding effortlessly down the pool. I am sure that those around me had other ideas, and that the reality of my efforts weren't quite as seamless!

Tomorrow is running club, part two. I'll be honest, I'm not looking forward to it. I'm fairly optimistic that I will do better than last week, but that's it! This new-found determination will see me finish what I started, even if I don't want to! I'm sure I'll have an interesting update for you guys tomorrow anyway. This one is short and sweet, as forgotten squats, closely followed by sleep, are calling me!

And for some motivation for all the running group... I'm not at all in love with Ryan Gosling!
















Ali xxx

Location:Workington,United Kingdom

Back to it!

I faced my irrational paranoia about running today and went out with Andy for half an hour (Mam, thanks so much for sitting in with our sleeping son). I wouldn't go as far as to say I enjoyed it, but it was more manageable and I actually completed it properly. Granted, my jog was the same speed as Andy's walk, but I have only got 29" legs, so what do you expect?! I am certainly enjoying the sense of achievement that has came with doing it as the programme suggests. Andy was a great "training partner" as I don't feel remotely self-conscious around him.

I wore more appropriate gear today too. This massively helped me! Although I looked pretty silly in it...

Here's me goofing around before the run; I didn't look so cheerful after it!





I was so tired after doing a Parent's Evening tonight at work, but I had been a good girl! There is always an array of goodies on offer during such occasions- quiche, sarnies and cakes, all of my favourites! I ignored them and opted for a banana! It got me through and was 0 points on Weight Watchers!

After our run I made us chilli (made with lean pork mince) with a huge zero ProPoints salad, and two mini wraps (3 points). It was really nice but very hot and spicy!

I'm going spend the rest of the evening reading The Book Thief in bed! Thank goodness it is Friday tomorrow! A weekend with my boys, and celebrating the 1st birthday of my little star, Daisy, awaits me!

Ali xxx

Mini confession!

Ok... So I was meant to leave a day in between running of any form, but felt that if I didn't have a little go on the treadmill at the gym, that I'd just give up the running venture all together. I didn't quite do the homework exact; I ran for two minutes and walked for three instead of four. But I am so proud of myself as I did it and didn't quit! It was 25 minutes and I ran for 10 in total. Now, I wonder how I fair out on the open road with Andy tomorrow! 

I also did 5km on the bike as a warm up, then 185 squats to cool down! I best have a Kardashian arse soon! 

And now for the relaxation part of the evening... Bubbles, book, tea and a magazine! 

A runner I ain't!

So, running...

What an interesting choice of sporting activity! I truly envy people who can run, as I have this idealistic view of getting out in the fresh air and leaving any troubles behind me. My first session at the "Learn to run" class was far from ideal. Far, far, FAR from it! There are no excuses (a few contributing factors, maybe); I'm just not a runner in any shape or form. The group leaders were lovely, and the other "runners" were too. A very welcoming and friendly atmosphere. I managed the "dynamic warm up" no problem, apart from feeling like an idiot! This week we ran for one minute, walked for a minute, for about 25 minutes... It was 6 reps of each, turn around, and another 6 reps. I think I managed this routine for about 4 reps, and then I just walked for most of it, throwing in the odd couple of minutes running here and there. I finished it, which was good. My problem is that I worry about what everyone else thinks. I know I shouldn't, I tell students at work not to bother about other people's opinions at all. I also don't like not being good at something, so avoid it like the plague. Running in such a group was too exposing for me- people could see that I'm not good at it, and it really got into my head. I will go back, and I'll do the homework runs this week. It's worse to quit something at the first hurdle than it is to be bad at something. Isn't it? I came home and had a little cry (because yes, that's how much I hate not being good at something) then got over myself. Onwards and upwards! And we can't be good at everything. I bet I could out swim a lot of people, just like a lot of people can out run me. I want the challenge of the run though, as I think I need to do some things that I don't like doing to make myself a better person.



Over to my favourite topic for discussion: food!

Tonight's tea was lush (and very welcome after running in the rain for half an hour)! It was a huge salad, with homemade meatballs and a Warburton's Thins. It was 8 ProPoints in total. I was trying to emulate a meatball kebab from Kassini which would be about 14 points. It was tasty and a good effort!

As per usual I have left my squats until the end of the day so I must go and do those. 180 squats, here I come!

Ali xxx

Location:Edinburgh Avenue,Workington,United Kingdom

One day down.

That's that done with for another week. Mondays are so hard for us aren't they?

One thing I like about going back to work after the weekend is the routine. I'm always so busy at work that I don't have time to get hungry. I'm terrible when I have time to sit and think about food! Work is also like a mini-workout, and it was especially more so today. My god, year seven kids can be hyper!

I was back onto the staple work lunch today: Weight Watchers Soup, Low calorie jelly and a snack (today it was two ProPoint Chilli Tortilla). Satisfying enough for my lunch break. I do not need gourmet at dinner time!

Now onto my tea...

Andy was out so we were fending for ourselves. I was on Noah duty so didn't have time to stand around cooking. I opted for a ready meal that I could cook and time in with Noah going to bed. I went for the Weight Watchers' Mexican Chilli (6 ProPoints) with the obligatory zero ProPoints salad! I jazzed the salad up with some egg whites and low fat mayo- rock and roll!

Excuse the hat and paper in the background:




I'm going to swap the gym for a swim tonight. I have really enjoyed going to the gym but I don't want to overdo it; I'll end up hating it otherwise. I'll alternate my weeks between swimming and the gym, so I don't get bored or fed up! I'll hit Moorclose Swimming Baths for the 9pm swim. It's quite a nice way to relax before bed. I'm definitely one for exercising later on. This way I don't miss any Noah time.

I also must remember to balance my running training with swimming as I'm doing the Swimathon in March with Liz and Sarah from work. Can't forget that, as I will need to up my swimming and get lengths in faster.

Squats are calling me... 150, goodness me! I'll post tomorrow after my first attempt at running club!

Wish me look guys!

Ali xxx

Location:Workington,United Kingdom

Flying without wings...

I've just ran for 5 minutes on a treadmill... tomorrow I won't be able to walk!


Note to self, don't wear hair piled on the top of my head in a bun- it falls down very quickly and then I have to chase the "doughnut" around the gym floor. My second note would be to wear a sports bra. I must invest. Slightly too much information, but I'm an honest girl and found it hazardous to my work out! I went to the gym later tonight, so it was quieter and there was only one silly person wearing make-up; she appeared to be about 17 so I will let her off by hoping that it is the naivity of youth that causes such idiotic behaviour.


I'm still on a high about losing another 5lbs. Hard work pays off is now official my mantra. My goal for the next week is to lose 2lbs so that it rounds off my first one stone loss. I'm sure I said I'd buy myself a MAC lipstick to celebrate. I may start planning a shade...


I'm feeling all nostalgic now. My lovely friend Jade has reminded me how much I love Westlife, so I'm sat listening to their Greatest Hits, typing this, and waiting for the man slave to make me a cup of tea. Life is good! Can't beat a little bit of boyband music to make you feel young again! I am going to educate Noah to this when he's a bit older!


Back to reality! I had chicken sizzlers with two mini wraps tonights as a bit of a treat. It was 12 points, a bit of a splurge, but really tasty, and full of veggies. I've got myself a bag of Maltesers waiting. I know I shouldn't really reward myself with food, but they are a weakness!


I've joined a running club! I must be mad really as I have never been good at running, even when I was fit and playing loads of netball at school. I'm there girl who used to fake illness to get out of cross country (sorry fellow teachers, I was THAT girl)! I'm hoping that it will give me a good push for the Race For Life. Got to start somewhere, haven't I?


Going to go now. Got a bag of chocolate to eat, and some comedy to watch. I'm hoping that I'll be allowed to watch the Girls series three preview too.


Catch up tomorrow.


Ali xxx