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Well that was a bit of commuting for me this morning... Then a nice 12ish km run tonight as me and a pal couldn't be arsed getting muddy out on the downs!
Sheesh... Running is hard isn't it!
DrP
Half an hour of yoga will have to do for me.You lot must be knackered or super fit.Hopefully get out on my bike tomorrow.I,m taking it really easy because Christmas is a long way of.Pace yourself guys.
I dont suppose a challenge like this is a good time to start running.Injury would ruin the challenge.
Well I'm in a nice routine and the 6-7km on the treadmill is getting easier. Wedding next weekend and Mrs 100th has decided I can run over to meet her at her hair appointment. That'll be 15km, after a curry and beer.
My weight loss is greatly helped by tracked and lowered calorie intake. It's helping push the exercise as that buys me more calories. Means I can have a scoff but have to use them up.
I've done nothing about this despite being inspired by it. It has led to me buying some running shoes and last night I did my first run in about 30 years. 30 mins and 5km of running with a bit of walking. I won't be running today but hopefully legs will have recovered enough to cope with a bike ride tomorrow night.
Bit chilly out this morning. Milton Keynes is actually quite pleasant before people get up.
[strava spy]How are you finding the 20ish mile commuting on a day to day basis?[/strava spy]
I did it for 3 days on the trot a few weeks ago and started to get tired/bored by day 3... Thankfully that was only a 3 day course, but if i had that commute daily, I think i’d Plan it 3 days a week, max, tbh...
DrP
I've got into a rhythm of 20 mile-ish commutes, one way, similar to Mr P. I do a different route each day of the week and that livens things up a lot.
Last year I did 17 miles back and forth, home on Monday, in and back on Tuesday, in on Wednesday, home on Thursday, in on Friday. That worked OK, but it was on a quiet cycle route and I'd only see a couple of other people so I could really drop the hammer and use it as training which made it more bearable.
I've reached the "endlessly hungry" stage already, and my weight has dropped a tiny bit but I've started to gain some tone so I'm content to stuff my face!
Gym, Wattbike,walk,gym so far this week, going to actually try to get on a pedal bike soon.
Raining after work tonight and I fancied a walk not the trainer. Worked out well as on my way back and just at the top of the street I found £20. Bullseye!
Anybody starting to tire.I dont know if it's the weather or old age but I,m struggling.I really must have a careful think about my food intake.
^ I was just about to post something similar.
For those of us new to this I think that the initial 'novelty' is wearing off... but I'm still determined and I know that I'll be glad in the long run.
It is making me think of ways to include exercise into my life, rather than seeing it as an extra thing to do. Cycling the 10 mile round trip to the supermarket with my BOB instead of using the car, nipping out for a lunch run at work and doing 'exploring' bike rides rather than pushing the speed / miles are all helping. I'm also including one yoga or pilates session a week to break things up.
On the plus side I've lost a couple of lbs and must be toning up as my jeans fit better. I also like feeling physically tired at night, but I am trying to listen to my body and keeping things short when I need to. As always the hardest bit is getting out of the door, once I'm started its generally better than I expected!
Like the OP I lost a friend a few years ago, she was also doing the thing she loved, so at the end of the day I'm grateful that I still can go for a cold, wet, tired run... even if I don't realize it at the time 👍
Doh... phone double post randomness
I've managed today but only just. Got a few days off work but I needed to put some money in the bank. Instead of driving right to the bank I parked down the high street, went to the bank and then continued walking. It was then I realised what a dump West Bromwich town centre is. I'll walk a different way next time or ride there and head into Sandwell Valley.
I'm still going... Got the kids this weekend which will make any 'focused' exercise a challenge... Might have to resort to pull ups and kettle bells at home in the evening again!
I'm still feeling strong... Legs ache at times, but hey ho...
I guess a challenge will be actually taking it easy before races etc... I've the New Forest xc next Sunday. Prob get in a small jog for an hour or so on the Saturday...
Keep it up peeps!
DrP..
(clearly NOT losing weight cos I'm clearly NOT doing stoptober... More an early GOvember!)
We’re both still at it, I’m starting to feel it, mostly heavy legs but as soon as I start riding I’m feeling much stronger. Regular stretching and using the foam roller is working to keeping me pedalling. Definitely need an easy day every 3-4 days. The lad continues to impress with his dogged determination to do at least 30 minutes every day, has said that he would like a gym membership with his school friends which could be a fitting reward for completing this challenge. Finding this a real motivation, there have been a few days that without this challenge I wouldn’t have gone out.
Yep, I'm starting to tire. I'd recommend that you do some easier exercise over the weekend- I'm off mtbing but I'm going to park myself at the back of the group and spin away, then on Sunday I'll probably limit myself to a walk.
I'd also suggest having a lie in if you can, it'll really help you feel better.
Now is the time to start getting smart and mixing in some gentler stuff to make sure you last the whole challenge.
DrP - my usual routine is 6 of my 10 commutes by bike. I drive into work on Monday morning, drive home Weds night, drive back to work Thurs morning and drive home Friday night. I see my daughter on Weds night so no time for riding. However she was away so I rode more than usual and have to admit it was hard work. It felt like all I did was ride, eat and sleep. I forget that I'm not a young man anymore and recovery takes longer than it used to. I'm looking forward to not riding at all next week if I'm honest.
Started this a week late with the intention of going to the end of the year. Going ok so far, and it’s a good motivator to get out, when for a lot of this year I haven’t made it.
Had a couple of days of 30 mins yoga, and I’m counting my 35minute bike commute when I can squeeze it in.
Al,are you doing your own thing,using a DVD or going to classes?Neil.
I tend to search YouTube for “yoga for cyclists” or “yoga for runners” or “yoga for lower back” (my biggest weakness) and pick a video over 30 minutes. I’ve got a few go to ones now that I know are good, some are hard, some quite relaxing but it all counts!
Yeh,I should go for one of them lower back videos.
For yoga I've always used Abi Carver on YouTube but they're mostly 15mins. Used NTC last night which has 30+ min sessions.
This constantly dark wet gloomy weather isn't making the challenge any easier. Still,weight training yesterday and probably yoga today.Really must start swimming again.
When i saw this challenge, the first thing I considered was how difficult it will be to go out on the bike on a cold wet and windy night in November but then thought that’s what this challenge is all about. The old saying “no pain, no gain” is spot on. This morning at the amazement of our family over for the weekend I dug out the gortex boots and jacket and went out for 2 hours in the pouring rain. It was great, and was reassured to see some other cyclists and a few dog walkers enjoying the weather. Now home, eaten last nights leftover curry, beer in hand looking forward to an afternoon of footy. Happy days!
The challenge is definitely about getting you out when normally you wouldn't - and you'll find it's never as bad as you think.
How was everyone's weekend at it? On Saturday I had a really nice spin around Glentress with some friends for a birthday, but despite taking it easy was still pretty tired. Then on Sunday I spent the whole afternoon sanding the woodwork in our spare bedroom and was so exhausted I was tempted to count that, but my wife persuaded me to go out for a walk with her and I felt better for it.
Here's my mate Rosie showing that exercise can definitely be fun!
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Well I failed at the challenge, the first 10 days were fine, but the Thursday of week 2 I was wrecked, not from this just stressed from work/kids/life and couldn't get myself into exercise at all. Got back on it on the Sunday though with a bodyweight session. On holiday last week and spent lots of time every day walking and playing with the kids - also did body weight exercise sessions and yoga on a couple of mornings, recovery was much easier with a hot tub to soak in!
Back home Friday to a disaster though, nothing done over the weekend, proper winter training starts tomorrow though with a FTP test, I accept that the challenge has gone, but I'm going to do my best to keep it going until Christmas now. The rewarding feeling of having done something active in the day definitely helps boost my mood before bed.
It was going so well. In my last update on Friday i commented on feeling under the weather, little did i know what was to follow. Without being too graphic ive become rather well acquainted with the upstairs and downstairs toilets since Friday night until today. 5lbs lighter and feeling a good bit better i might get out on the onza for a quick ride tonight. Hopefully ill be able to get back into the challenge without interruption this time.
momo,why dont you extend the challenge to the new year.A number of late starters are doing that.Perhaps naffa you could do the same.I think we all need to remember this is a marathon not a sprint.I,ve started slowly and intend to get slower.A couple of my days have consisted of brisk walks and dancing!AND I,M STILL TIRED.In my case,however,its more down to poor sleep patterns,diet,lack of initial fitness and mood disorder.I will battle on.
Today was the toughest. Managed the 30minutes on rollers. Shit night's sleep, rubbish day at work and then a meeting. Felt heavy but better for doing it.
^ perhaps a days stretching and rollering would help and give you a rest.
Yeah I have much easier days. But I was just fatigued today. 7km run tomorrow followed by a frickin' cold shower (still no hot water in the male changing room). That'll wake me right up.
I've been keeping up with it more or less.
The garage gym has been getting increasing use as the weather gets wetter. I can work up a ridiculous sweat in half an hour on the running machine and 'er indoors is getting into the whole idea.
She had a eureka moment the other night when she suddenly went "hang on, I spent 250 quid for a year's gym membership last year, and all the kit in the garage has cost less than half that! And I don't have to drive anywhere!"
So I quietly suggested that a (used) rowing machine and maybe a smart turbo could also be worthwhile investments. The ideas were not shot down.
We do need to find some rubber flooring, I have a square bit under the punchbag but the noise from the running machine definitely carries through into the house making it less viable for use later at night...
Yeh,need to consider noise and neighbours myself.The Joy's of living in a newish build.Anyway,yesterday was cycling along the river tees,today perhaps some weight training and stretching.I have been wishing we started this challenge in June.Autumn has not been pleasant so far round here.
Monkeycmonkeydo- I think that is why Chris started doing it now, to keep the work on whilst getting through the time of year when you want to start hibernating.
I had to get up at 5.45 yesterday to fit in my half hour before catching the train to a meeting in England. Then I was overnight down here at my parent's so I was struggling for ideas of what to do today.
I ended up going for a walk with my dad, who has turned out to be a reasonable inspiration for the challenge. He had a triple heart bypass in mid September and has been told to walk on the level every day to get his fitness going. He's walked every day for 3 miles and the improvement has been massive. He's pretty slow up his hill but he has had his sternum broken and a new blood pipe put in his heart from his leg!
My input, 3.5 weeks in. Thought I'd join in, and the motivation of this challenge has really helped me - I feel driven and productive, and am fitting in more than I thought I could. I have missed one day due to lack of time but have managed to fit something in every day apart from that one. Busy schedule makes it difficult and I'm often quite tired but feeling strong and seeing the benefits already!
"Tapering" today/tomorrow with some indoor stretching and bodyweight work before 2 days of rainy DH action at BPW this weekend...
Also failing here 😔 boady is feeling the strain, all sorts of aches and pains. Going to try to keep active though even if it is just a walk.
I missed a day, Tuesday, was just too tired and the day squeezed that it was nearly 10pm before I could do anything. By which point I fell into bed.
Played football last night for the first time in maybe 2 years, though. Oof!
Struggled yesterday... 😕
Having diarrhoea for 11 days straight now has really drained me...
Got a race this weekend, and wanted to reserve what energy I had for that...
Commuted about 20 miles today.. But took it easy...
Meh...
DrP
If I tried football Jimmy my challenge would be over!Dr P would also have a new patient.Why dont you all try my idea of starting slow and getting slower.Works for me.
I've been feeling good this week, I know there will still be bad patches, but I think I'm beginning to see the fitness benefits. Managed my first good, proper, long run which I actually did for enjoyment rather than the 30 minute minimum I have been doing.
I've also been travelling for work, so had to resort to my fall back pilates DVD one evening, up for an early morning swim today. Next week might be a bit of a challenge as I have 3 days away with a supplier. Usually long days with lots of hospitality... but I'm actually looking forward to having to make a bit of time for a run in the evening. 😀
1/4 of the way there 👍
Still on track. Wednesday was a very gentle hour as I set up the smart turbo, (anyone wanna buy some rollers?).
Tomorrow and Sunday are the challenge. At a mates wedding. Sunday especially as I need to leave early to get to Edinburgh to watch the rugby. Peebles might witness the world's slowest 30 slog (slow jog).
Tough today 11.5km Peebles to inners. Should have had breakfast but last night's curry powered most of the run.
Well done,sounds exhausting to a non runner.For me,a hundred minutes cycling yesterday and weight training today.Managed 10.5 hours sleep last night which is unusual for me.I also seem to be stuffing my face constantly.Even my easy regime leaves me wondering if my body will make it to Christmas.Neil.
Well done to you all so far.... the weather has been awful recently down here in the south. YouTube search cyclist yoga, it has been great for when the weather isn’t great.